neuro-

prefix

Neuro- is used to form words that refer or relate to a nerve or the nervous system.
_{Collins English Dictionary}

Neurodiversity, neurodivergent, neurotypical, neuroinclusion… it’s easy to get lost. Never fear, here’s a quick guide to frequently-used neurodiversity terms and their meanings.   

When talking about individuals:        

Neurotype 

A “neurotype” refers to the way a person’s brain works, including how it processes information, learns, and communicates.  

Neurotypical 

Typical  

Adj  

a: combining or exhibiting the essential characteristics of a group  

b: conforming to a type a specimen typical of the species  

_{Merriam Webster}  

This adjective is used to describe individuals whose brains developed in a typical way and function in a way that’s typical for their age and/or developmental stage.  

In neurological terms, these individuals are in the middle of the bell curve.  If you’re neurotypical, you’re part of the majority, so are more likely to meet societal expectations in terms of your thinking patterns, sensory preferences and sensitivities.

It’s not a negative term at all, but neutral. You can also be neurotypical and display some neurodivergent traits as a result of environmental, medical or lifestyle factors/stressors. So, whilst it’s a myth to state that we’re “all a bit neurodivergent” it’s true that we all have the capacity to empathise with the challenges many neurodivergent people face.  

Neurodivergent 

Divergent  

Adjective  

1a-: moving or extending in different directions from a common point : diverging from each other divergent paths  

see also divergent evolution  

b: differing from each other or from a standardMerriam Webster

_{Merriam Webster}  

‘Neurodivergent’ is the opposite of neurotypical. It’s an umbrella term for individuals whose brains differ from the majority. These functional differences are usually the result of (often genetic) developmental variations that present from birth (eg autism, ADHD, dyspraxia) or events that occur later in life such as trauma, injury or illness.

When talking about organisations, groups and society: 

Neurodiverse

1. adjective B2

If a group or range of things is diverse, it is made up of a wide variety of things.

…shops selling a diverse range of gifts.

Society is now much more diverse than ever before.

Synonyms: various, mixed, varied, diversified   More Synonyms of diverse

2. adjective B2

Diverse people or things are very different from each other.

Jones has a much more diverse and perhaps younger audience.

_{Cambridge English Dictionary}

This adjective is used to describe the range of differences in individual brain function as part of normal variation in the human population. A neurodiverse group would therefore include both neurotypical and neurodivergent people.

Like the terms “culturally diverse” and “ethnically diverse”, this term applies to societies, organisations, cities, etc. – not individuals.  

Neurodiversity

Diversity

Noun

the fact of many different types of things or people being included in something; a range of different things or people

_{Cambridge Dictionary}

Neurodiversity acknowledges the whole spectrum of neurodiversity from neurodivergent individuals to neurotypical individuals. (Judy Singer)

‘Neurodiversity’ is a term coined to express the belief that divergent ways of processing and experiencing the world are part of natural human variation and to be celebrated. That means when we’re talking about neurodiversity, we’re talking about everyone – from neurodivergent to neurotypical individuals – after all, no two brains are  the same.

Neurodivergence

Divergence

Noun

1a: a drawing apart (as of lines extending from a common center)

b: difference, disagreement

c: evolutionary biology : the development of dissimilar traits or features (as of body structure or behavior) in closely related populations, species, or lineages of common ancestry that typically occupy dissimilar environments or ecological niches : divergent evolution

2: a deviation from a course or standard

3: the condition of being mathematically divergent

_{Merriam Webster}

This concept, coined in 2000 by Kassiane Asasumasu, is used to describe variation in cognitive functioning, i.e. a deviation from the norm.  

Neuroinclusion

Inclusion

1. variable noun [usually with poss]

Inclusion is the act of making a person or thing part of a group or collection.

2. uncountable noun

Inclusion is the policy or practice of making sure that everyone in society has access to resources and opportunities.

_{Collins English Dictionary}

This is where I come in. Neuroinclusion is based on the recognition that neurodivergence is a fundamental part of the human experience and is to be celebrated:

• Taking proactive steps to meet the needs of different neurotypes and sensory profiles.

• Understanding that we all process information and stimuli differently and showing curiosity about these differences.
• Removing any barriers that limit our brains so that we can all reach our potential and live fulfilled lives.

Businesses  and organisations that practice neuroinclusion are not just abiding by the law – they’re embracing the innovation and creativity that only divergent thinking can bring.