eli5: what does “neurodivergent” mean?

Question

eli5: what does “neurodivergent” mean?

In: Biology

Answer 1

There are two (imaginary) groups of people. Neurotypical, and neurodivergent.

Neurotypical people fit a cultural idea of normal (this is decided by expectations), anyone else is neurodivergent, which, while more polite, is synonymous for abnormal.

I have ADHD, my executive function is different than most people’s. It makes it hard for me to function in a “normal” job and it made “normal school” difficult. Therefore, I’m abnormal, or *neurodivergent*.