Describes an individual whose brain and thinking differ from what is considered typical, for example autistic people, people with ADHD/varied attention, dyslexia, or dyspraxia.
EXAMPLE
“The lecturer adjusted deadlines after several neurodivergent students explained how executive functioning demands were affecting their workload.”
WHO USES THIS TERM
Widely used in neurodiversity movements, EDI work, and student communities. Increasingly used in policy and staff development materials
RELATED TERMS
Neurodiverse, Neurominority, Neurotypical, Neurodiversity
NOTES FOR INCLUSIVE USE
Ask whether someone is comfortable with this label; language preferences vary. Avoid combining with deficit language (e.g., avoid ‘suffers from’); instead, describe support needs.