Neurodivergent or Neurodiverse?

It’s More Than Just Grammar 💬

When you first land in the world of neurodiversity-affirming practice, it can feel like learning a new language.

There are SO many new words flying around – and honestly? I get it – it took me a while to not just understand the differences, but actually use the right words in the right way too.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about grammar. It’s about meaning. It’s about respect. And it’s about getting the language right so we’re actually doing the affirming part of neurodiversity-affirming practice.

Where it all began 💭

Judy Singer used the term neurodiversity back in 1999 (cue the Prince soundtrack… you know the one 🎶). Singer talked about how different brains are just a natural part of human variation – part of biodiversity (Singer, 1999).

Then Kassiane Asasumasu brought us neurodivergent – a word that speaks directly to people whose brains work in ways that diverge from the dominant social norm (Asasumasu, n.d.). Also, not to be dramatic, but “divergent” totally gives dystopian-hero energy – and I’m here for it 💪.

These words? They weren’t handed down by academics or organisations. They were born within the neurodivergent community. And that matters.

Let’s break it down 🧠

“Diverse” is a word that describes a group. You wouldn’t point to one triangle and say “that’s a diverse shape.” It needs other shapes to be diverse from. Props to @scrappapertiger for the metaphor and the image at the top of this blog post!

Back to the point (see what I did there? 🔼).

One person can’t be neurodiverse. One person CAN be neurodivergent – meaning their brain diverges from the majority neurotype.

But a group? That’s where neurodiverse comes in.

Think of it like this: if a group of people includes ADHDers, Autistic people, and neurotypical people? That group is neurodiverse. But each individual neurodivergent person in that group? They’re… well, neurodivergent. Simple-ish, right?

Why it matters (like, really matters)

Sue Fletcher-Watson (2022) points out that misusing “neurodiverse” as a synonym for “neurodivergent” can reinforce the whole us vs. them vibe. That’s not what we’re about.

It waters down a movement that was always meant to be about all brains – not just a label for “those other people who aren’t neurotypical.”

We’ve seen this happen before – with terms like “special needs,” which were meant to be kind, but often ended up being stigmatising. Language has power. And we want to use it with care.

The bottom line?

If you’re talking about a group, go with neurodiverse.
If you’re talking about a person, it’s neurodivergent.

This isn’t about gatekeeping or nitpicking. It’s about clarity. It’s about honouring where these words came from. And it’s about not undoing the really hard work that neurodivergent communities have been doing for decades.

“Can we please stop using neurodiverse and neurodivergent interchangeably? You’re setting us back twenty years.”
— Sonny Jane Wise (2023)

Let’s not do that. Let’s get it right – because these words?
They’re more than words. They’re part of a movement. 💜

P.S. At Neurodiversity Toolbox, we’re all about sharing tools and how to use them well. We believe good intentions aren’t enough – it’s about best practice, clarity, and genuinely affirming the people we’re here for.

Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep unlearning. Let’s get it right – together.

References:

Asasumasu, K. (n.d.). On the origin of neurodivergent. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/krisinasasumasu

Fletcher-Watson, S. (2022). Neurodiverse or neurodivergent? It’s more than just grammar. Medium. https://medium.com/@suefletcherwatson/neurodiverse-or-neurodivergent-its-more-than-just-grammar-178d4f875af4

Singer, J. (1999). Why can’t you be normal for once in your life? From a ‘problem with no name’ to the emergence of a new category of difference. In M. Corker & S. French (Eds.), Disability Discourse (pp. 59–67). Open University Press.

Wise, S. J. (2024, May 8). Can we please stop using neurodiversity and neurodivergent interchangeably? You’re setting us back twenty years. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sonnyjane_neurodiversity-neurodivergent-activity-7069095112177307649-ZYX9