Each person has a brain that is unique to them; no two brains are quite the same. Neurodiversity is the concept that brain differences are natural variations. Some people’s brains simply work in a different way.

Neurodiverse is a collective term describing a group of people with varying brain functions, including both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals. Neurodivergent refers to an individual whose brain functions, learns, or processes information differently from the societal “standard” or neurotypical norm, such as those with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia.

Key Differences and Usage

• Neurodiverse (Group/Species): Used for populations, teams, or groups. An individual cannot be “neurodiverse”. Example: “Our neurodiverse team includes neurodivergent and neurotypical staff.”
• Neurodivergent (Individual/Trait): Used for a specific person whose brain operates differently. Example: “She is a neurodivergent employee.”
• Neurodiversity (Concept): The umbrella concept that all human brains are naturally diverse.