Let’s explore some essential terms that are reshaping conversations around cognitive and neurological differences in today's society: neurodivergent, neurodiversity, and neurotypical.
These terms help us recognize and respect the wide range of ways people think, learn, and interact with the world. From workplaces to schools to social spaces, understanding cognitive differences is key to building more inclusive environments.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what neurodivergent, neurodiversity, and neurotypical really mean and discuss the significance of embracing this cognitive diversity in our communities and workplaces.
Whether you're hearing these terms for the first time or simply looking for a deeper understanding, this guide will help give you a clear and insightful explanation of what neurodiversity is and so much more. Keep reading to explore what these terms mean and what their role is in promoting a more inclusive world.
Coined by autistic sociologist Judy Singer, “Neurodiversity refers to the virtually infinite neuro-cognitive variability within Earth’s human population. It points to the fact that every human has a unique nervous system with a unique combination of abilities and needs.”
The neurodiversity paradigm, developed by Dr. Nick Walker, emphasizes neurological diversity as a form of identity diversity like sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and so on.
Neurodiversity is a term that includes neurodivergent and neurotypical experiences.
Neurodiversity embraces all “body” and “mind” experiences, recognizing how the body and brain work together, emphasizing the difference in each individual.
In other words, Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences—like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others—are natural variations of the human brain, not defects or disorders to be "fixed."
The term promotes the view that people experience and interact with the world in many different ways, and these differences should be respected and valued. It shifts the focus from trying to make neurodivergent individuals "fit in" to creating inclusive environments that support and celebrate different ways of thinking, learning, and behaving.
In short, neurodiversity recognizes that there's no one "right" way for a brain to work.
Neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of neurological differences that influence how people think, process information, and interact with the world. While every individual is unique, some of the most commonly recognized types of neurodivergence include:
These are just a few examples, and neurodiversity is not limited to a fixed list. The spectrum of brain differences is broad, and each person’s experience is shaped by many factors—including strengths, challenges, and personal identity.
Kassiane Asasumasu, a multi neurodivergent activist, went on to coin the terms neurodivergent and neurotypical in 2000.
“Neurodivergent" simply means that a person's brain works in a way that is not expected. It is commonly used when the behavior or response diverges from what is expected socially, physically, or verbally. Neurodivergence can be innate (e.g., ADHD, autism, depression, dyslexia, or obsessive compulsive disorder, etc.) or due to a brain-altering event (e.g., head trauma, medicines, or drug use)” or the combination of both.
Below is our version of a very helpful infographic created by author and educator Sonny Jane Wise, that includes a non-exhaustive list of diagnoses that are considered neurodivergent.
Also coined by Kassiane Asasumasu, neurotypical is defined as: “A neurotypical person is an individual who thinks, perceives, and behaves in ways that are considered the norm by the general population. Neurotypical does not mean “normal.” It simply means that the behaviors fall within expected boundaries, which can differ from one culture to another. (Direct eye contact, for example, is considered rude in some cultures and expected in others).”
Dr. Walker defines neurotypical as “having a style of neurocognitive functioning that falls within the dominant societal standards of "normal ".
Folks who are neurotypical are typically afforded privileges that neurodivergent people, depending on severity of their neurodivergence, are often excluded from.
These two terms are closely related but refer to different things:
Neurodiversity is a broad concept. It refers to the natural variation in how human brains function. It includes everyone—both those with typical brain function (neurotypical) and those with neurological differences (neurodivergent). Think of it as the full spectrum of cognitive diversity.
Neurodivergent describes individuals whose brain functions differ from what is considered typical. This includes people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions. It’s not a label for everyone—only for those whose experiences fall outside the neurotypical range.
These terms help describe different ways brains function and process the world:
Neurotypical refers to individuals whose brain development and functioning align with what society considers “typical” or “standard.” They usually learn, communicate, and behave in ways that are widely accepted as the norm.
Neurodivergent describes individuals whose cognitive functioning differs from the typical range. This includes people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological conditions.
While these terms continue to develop, hopefully this blog has brought further insight into an exceptionally complicated and evolving area of research.
Whether you’re wanting to better support neurodivergent loved ones or are wondering if you are neurodivergent yourself, we are a part of a neurodiverse world that deserves compassion and consideration no matter what we currently understand about ourselves and one another.
At Clarity Clinic, we understand that no two minds are the same—and that’s something to celebrate. Whether you're neurodivergent, neurotypical, or still exploring what these terms mean for you or a loved one, our team is here to help.
Our compassionate clinicians (therapists and psychiatrists) offer personalized mental health care in Chicago and online mental health care throughout Illinois, creating safe, inclusive spaces for every individual.
Whether you are looking for tailored support to help address OCD, ADHD, Schizophrenia, PTSD, and more, we are here to help. From online therapy to psychiatric evaluations, you can get the care you need at Clarity Clinic.
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Contact Clarity Clinic today to schedule an appointment and find support that honors your unique needs.
Book an AppointmentIs ADHD neurodivergent?
Yes, ADHD is considered a form of neurodivergence.
Is OCD neurodivergent?
Yes, many experts include OCD under the neurodivergent umbrella, though opinions may vary.
Is Autism neurodivergent?
Yes, autism is one of the most recognized forms of neurodivergence.
Is dyslexia neurodivergent?
Yes, dyslexia is widely recognized as a type of neurodivergence.
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