Everyone and their Mom is neurodivergent now it seems.
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It’s a euphemism for people with either mental disorders or people who have behavioral issues that might be attributable to mental differences. The term is coined and popularized mostly as a way to reframe these conditions in a more inclusive and positive way. It’s like how instead of saying “cripples” we say people with “disabilities” – this simultaneously humanizes the subject and hints at empathy for the subject.
As with anything, overuse or abuse of a term can happen, especially on the internet. Sometimes it is indeed used to apply a positive spin on something that may actually be a choice rather than a property of one’s biology. Sometimes it is also used to lend credence to something that’s likely just a made up condition or something society would otherwise view disfavorably if not under this aegis.
In particular, it seems to refer to people “on the autism spectrum”, with conditions such as Asperger’s syndrome.
Neurodivergent just means that someone’s brain develops and behaves differently than the average brain in some way. Sometimes that can be in large ways that express as a major disability, like people with Down syndrome. Sometimes it can be in more subtle ways that affect certain parts of a person’s life – such as dyslexia. And sometimes it can be anywhere on a wide spectrum, such as with autism spectrum, Tourette’s, ADHD, etc.
Neurodivergent is a term that’s gained popularity relatively recently, to reinforce the fact that these variances in the ways that our brains work are normal, that we all fall within some range on a spectrum of bran function, and that we should be aware and accepting of these many disorders, conditions, and differences between us.
That being said, the main reason we’re seeing the word everywhere is because it encompasses a wide number of groups that were previously separated – whereas one person may have said “Oh, I have Aspergers (which is no longer a diagnosis itself),” or “I have ADHD,” or any number, now many of these people may just use the word “neurodivergent” to identify, so that, as an umbrella term, it can easily become more common than any of the more specific terms.
Of course, as with any term that comes to raise awareness, there is concern that it’s overused. There’s a worry within the neurodivergent community that the popularity of ND social media stars, for example, who are sharing their story and raising awareness, may be leading to a wave of “copycats” seeking attention, or young people applying the term to themselves in order to “stand out,” without necessarily understanding what that term means to the wider community. How much or how little this is happening isn’t well-studied, but it may also be contributing to the prevalence of the term. There is some worry within the community that the label is seen as “trendy,” by some people, which may help to raise awareness and understanding to some degree, but may also be harmful to the communities involved.
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It’s not a medical term but Neurotypical is a person with an average brain, and a Neurodivergent is a person who brain is in some way not average. It would include things like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, but also things like outside the norm memory, IQ, emotional intligence, etc (Both good and bad).
I would have said it’s value neutral, but apparently some peoples version of masking is to replace the slurs they are thinking with “Neurodivergent”, so your mileage may vary depending on who you are talking to.
Hello! I am Autistic & ADHD (A.K.A Neurodivergent!) and this is how I would define the word. I’ll try to be brief but detailed, I don’t think this is something I can explain like you’re 5 lol
Neurodivergence refers to anyone who’s brain forms/has formed additional or alternative neural pathways, leading to a variety of conditions, primarily Developmental Disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder ( Or ASD for short), ADHD, etc…
Some disorders which have a permenant neurological effect on your brain, such as, PTSD & Borderline Personality Disorder, can be acquired through repeated Trauma, which means that someone can become Neurodivergent later in life due to one or several Traumatic Events.
So many people are Neurodivergent now because new research is teaching us a lot about Autism & ADHD, PSTD, and Brain Development. Now we can better identify ASD & ADHD in adults and children, and how Developmental Disorders are passed down through families.
Now folks who would have told you they have PSTD & ADHD, for example, can preserve their own privacy and still ask for the accommodations they need, by referring to themselves as Neurodivergent. As an Autistic person, I don’t want to share my disability unless Its on my terms. Some people need to know that I need different treatment or special help, but will speak to me like a baby and act like I am helpless as soon as I say that I’m Autistic. The goal of using Neurodivergent is to respect the distinction between Neurological Conditions and Mental Illness, and provide privacy while self advocating.
It’s a contrast to the word Neurotypical which is another way of saying average neurological condition or mentally stable/healthy.
Neurodivergent is basically saying neuro-atypical
The increased use of “neurodivergent” and “neuroatypical” suggests we may finally be close to understanding that **there is no “normal” or “typical.”** We are individuals with unique brains that have unique capabilities and capacities. Respect the rich multitude of differences in the human condition, and create an inclusive society that ensures access for us all.
It’s a nicer term used for mental disorders. You see it everywhere now because people self diagnose because they think it’s cool and trendy, or a way to justify to themselves for their behavior instead of being more accountable.
It’s an umbrella term for many different conditions that make people’s brains work differently than what is considered typical by society. Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Tourettes, OCD, are all examples. I don’t usually see the term used for people with cognitive disability such as those with Downs or Prader-Willy syndrome, but some might argue it includes that as well.
You’re hearing it a lot more because in recent years there’s been a lot of effort to recognize these differences as another layer of diversity that exists in our society, and that such people can exist and contribute normally with a little acceptance and accommodation.
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