The term “neurodiversity” is relatively new. Even now, there is no firm consensus among experts on what it should include. Does this refer only to neurodevelopmental differences, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia? Or should it be expanded to include mental health conditions as well?
Until recently, no one had asked neurodivergent people what they thought about the language used to describe them. So we decided to do it. Our new research revealed a mix of positive and negative views on terms like “neurodiversity” and “neurodivergent.”
Neurodiversity refers to the different ways people think and behave. Just like every person has an ethnicity, every person has a neurotype. About 15% of people are thought to be neurodivergent, meaning their brains function differently than what society considers “typical.” The remaining 85% are neurotypical.
In our survey of over 900 neurodivergent adults in the UK, almost all of them had heard of the word “neurodiversity”. Additionally, 74% reported using similar language, such as “neurodivergent,” to describe themselves.
One particularly notable finding was how frequently the term neurodiversity is used incorrectly. The term “neurodiverse” refers to a group that includes both neurotypical and neurodivergent people. In other words, it is a mix of different brain types. However, it is often used to describe neurodivergent individuals or groups of people, when the correct term would be “neurodivergent.”
For many participants, this mistake was more than a simple slip of the tongue. Some described it as deeply irritating, while others interpreted it as a red flag. When an expert or organization was wrong, especially if it claimed to be inclusive, it could be considered a red flag. Some participants took this as a sign that they were using fashionable inclusive language without changing exclusionary practices.
Participants also had different opinions about the usefulness of the term “neurodivergent.” Some described it as a “safe umbrella”: a simple, inclusive way to talk about your identity without listing multiple diagnoses. One person explained that it saved them having to recite a long list of conditions.
Others said it seemed safer than naming specific conditions like autism or ADHD, which can still carry stigma. Saying “I’m neurodivergent” offered a way to share something about themselves and reduced the risk of a negative reaction. It also helped those who were waiting for a diagnosis or those who self-identified as neurodivergent but did not yet have formal recognition.
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But not everyone found the word useful. Some said it was too broad to mean anything and did not communicate their daily challenges or support needs. Others pointed out that many people still don’t understand what “neurodivergent” means, making it ineffective as a way to explain who they are.
There was also concern that expanding the language could unintentionally increase stigma toward specific conditions, such as ADHD, by lumping everyone together under one label.
Language shapes our perception of the world, but also the world’s perception of us. Our research shows that while generic terms like neurodivergent can create community and belonging, they should not replace more specific identities like autism or ADHD. Both have an important role.
Instead of replacing those words, we should focus on reducing prejudice and discrimination against neurodivergent people, as well as using language that reflects respect and understanding.
How to do it right
Since language choices are deeply personal, when speaking to a neurodivergent person, it may be appropriate to mimic their choice.
That said, a general rule of thumb is that if you are going to use language related to neurodiversity, it is important to do it correctly. Many neurodivergent people find misuse of language frustrating, especially when it comes from people or organizations that claim to advocate for inclusion. In summary:
“Neurodiverse” describes groups that include both neurodivergent and neurotypical people; It may be helpful to think of “neurodiverse” as including everyone in the universe.
“Neurodivergent” refers to individuals or groups of people whose brains function differently, for example, people who are autistic, ADHD or dyslexic.
As one participant put it, getting it wrong could make a neurodivergent person want to hit you with a dictionary.
*Aimee Grant is Associate Professor of Public Health and Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellow at Swansea University; Amy Pearson is Associate Professor of Psychology at Durham University; and Jennifer Leigh is Honorary Professor of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool.
This text was originally published in The Conversation
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