neuro- prefix

Neuro- is used to form words that refer or relate to a nerve or the nervous system.

Collins English Dictionary

Neurotype

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

Neurotypical

Typical
Adjective

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 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 or 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
b: differing from each other or from a standard

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 present from birth (eg autism, ADHD, dyspraxia) or events that occur later in life such as trauma, injury or illness.

Neurodiverse

Diverse
Adjective

If a group or range of things is diverse, it is made up of a wide variety of things.
Society is now much more diverse than ever before.

Collins 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 therefore includes both neurotypical and neurodivergent people.

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

Neurodiversity

Diversity
Noun

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.

Neurodivergence

Divergence
Noun

Merriam Webster

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

Neuroinclusion

Inclusion
Noun

Collins English Dictionary

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. Removing barriers that limit our brains so we can all reach our potential.

Businesses and organisations that practise neuroinclusion aren’t just abiding by the law — they’re embracing the innovation and creativity that only divergent thinking can bring.