Word

neurodiversity

noun C1

UK /ˌnjʊəɹə(ʊ)daɪˈvɜːsɪti/

US /ˌn(j)ʊɹoʊˌdaɪˈvɝsəti/

Meanings

noun

the idea that neurological differences are natural variations in the way human brains work

noun

the range of different neurological profiles within a group or society

Definition

Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in how people think and process information are natural variations within the human population.

Neurodiversity is a concept that views neurological differences as part of normal human variation rather than as defects. It often includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, while emphasizing strengths as well as challenges. In everyday use, it also refers to creating environments where different thinking styles are understood and supported.

Examples

In our team discussions, we treat neurodiversity as a practical reminder to offer more than one way to share ideas.
She wrote a policy proposal that frames neurodiversity as a workplace reality, not a special-case exception.
They redesigned the training so neurodiversity is considered from the start rather than patched in afterward.
I learned more about neurodiversity in graduate school, and it changed how I interpret different communication styles.

Common mistake

Learners often use neurodiversity as a label for one person (e.g., “He is neurodiversity”) instead of referring to a concept or a group’s variation.