What is neurodiversity?
Our ever-expanding comprehensive glossary for all things neurodiversity: history, origins, movement and all that it represents.
The term neurodiversity is a relatively recent invention that is, arguably, becoming more used and formally recognised at an exponential rate. As it is recent, and indeed an invention, it is then important to understand the etymology behind the term itself. So, where did the word neurodiversity first come from?
Thanks to the rise in widespread internet usage throughout the 80s and 90s, more and more individuals on the spectrum – as well as those with other neurological or developmental conditions – were able to connect and form a self-advocacy movement. From there, sociologist Judy Singer in 1997 introduced the term neurodiversity to the world. In Singer’s own words, from the book ‘Neurodiversity, the birth of an idea‘: “I am generally credited with coining the word, and [American writer] Harvey Blume for being first in print.”
Neurodiversity, as a term, refers to the natural variation in how human brains function, encompassing differences in thinking, learning, and processing information. Through coining neurodiversity, Singer sought to redefine how society views neurological differences, moving away from the medical model of disability – which views such conditions as deficits to be cured – toward a social model that highlights the societal barriers that create challenges for neurodivergent individuals.
Singer’s work was influenced by the disability rights movement of the late 20th century where activists at the time were fighting for greater recognition and accommodation of physical disabilities, and Singer extended these ideas to cognitive and neurological differences. She proposed that just as society adapts to physical diversity (e.g. by installing wheelchair ramps), it should adapt to neurological diversity by creating more inclusive environments and policies.
Following Singer’s introduction of the term, the concept of neurodiversity gained momentum in the early 2000s, particularly within online communities of autistic self-advocates to the point where, nowadays, the term neurodiversity and the growing self-advocacy movement across the web has quickly evolved into an entire movement; so that the word neurodiversity itself is, in fact, representative of what is now ‘the neurodiversity movement‘, with it’s central premise being that “variations in neurological development and functioning across humans are a natural and valuable part of human variation and therefore not necessarily pathological.”
Ultimately, going into 2025 and beyond, the neurodiversity movement has evolved into a powerful force (self) advocating for the acceptance, inclusion, and empowerment of neurodivergent individuals across all areas of life, including education, work, healthcare, and society at large. By reframing these differences as strengths, the neurodiversity paradigm promotes understanding and wider societal transformation.
How to use neurodiversity in a sentence?
“Our company is committed to embracing neurodiversity by creating an inclusive workplace where individuals can thrive no matter how their brain works or what their individual needs are.”
At its core, neurodiversity promotes several key ideas:
Diversity is natural: Just like biodiversity strengthens ecosystems, neurodiversity contributes to humanity by offering diverse ways of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world.
Strengths and challenges coexist: while neurodivergent individuals may face challenges, they also possess fantastic strengths that can benefit society.
The social model of disability: many of the difficulties faced by neurodivergent individuals stem from societal barriers, such as stigma, lack of accommodations, and rigid norms, rather than the neurological differences themselves.
Inclusion benefits everyone, by definition: creating inclusive environments – whether in schools, workplaces, or communities – not only supports neurodivergent individuals but also prompts innovation, creativity, and resilience for all.
Other neurodiversity related terms include
Neurodivergent: a person whose brain functions differently from what is considered neurotypical (e.g. someone with autism or ADHD).
Neurotypical: refers to individuals whose brain functions align with the societal norm.
Neuroinclusion: the practice of ensuring environments and systems are accessible and supportive of neurodivergent individuals.
Neurospicy: something ‘kids these days’ seem to say for fun, that we added in also for fun.
Neurodiverse: describes a group of people with varied neurological differences.
Executive dysfunction: challenges with organizing, planning, and managing tasks; executive (dys) functioning is primarily governed by the prefrontal cortex and its connections with other brain regions and in many forms of neurodivergence, differences in brain connectivity, neurotransmitter activity (especially dopamine), and neural development can disrupt executive functioning processes such as planning, impulse control, working memory, and task management.
Masking: suppressing natural behaviours, hence the ‘mask’, to fit into social norms or expectations.
Stimming: repetitive movements or sounds to self-regulate emotions.
Sensory overload: a state where sensory input becomes overwhelming.
Overwhelm: Overwhelm is the feeling of being completely overloaded and unable to cope with a situation – strongly connected with nervous system dysregulation.
Key figures and publications in neurodiversity
Judy Singer (Sociologist & Advocate): Singer, an autistic sociologist, coined the term neurodiversity in 1998. She argued for a social model of disability, emphasising that neurological differences are part of human diversity rather than medical deficits. Her work laid the foundation for the movement, shifting the focus from “curing” conditions like autism to creating inclusive environments.
Harvey Blume (Journalist & Early Advocate): Blume helped popularise the term neurodiversity in a 1998 Atlantic article, comparing its importance to biodiversity. He highlighted the contributions of autistic individuals to society, reinforcing the idea that diverse ways of thinking drive innovation and progress.
Jim Sinclair (Autistic Activist & Founder of ANI): Jim Sinclair was a pioneering autistic advocate whose 1993 speech, “Don’t Mourn for Us,” fundamentally changed how autism was viewed. Sinclair rejected the idea that autism was a tragedy and instead called for acceptance and respect. As a founder of Autism Network International (ANI), Sinclair helped create one of the first self-advocacy movements for autistic individuals.
Temple Grandin (Autistic Scientist & Author): Dr. Temple Grandin is one of the most well-known autistic individuals in the world. Her books, including Thinking in Pictures and The Autistic Brain, have provided insight into sensory processing, problem-solving, and the strengths of autistic minds, helping shift public perception.
Steve Silberman (Science Journalist & Author of NeuroTribes): Steve Silberman’s 2015 book NeuroTribes brought the neurodiversity movement to mainstream attention. Silverman’s book chronicles the history of autism and argues that neurodivergent individuals have always been integral to human progress but were historically misunderstood.
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