---
title: What is neurodiversity?
description: Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in how the brain develops are normal. The term also means the inclusion of people with differences. But a person isn’t “neurodiverse.” Learn more below.
slug: neurodiversity-what-you-need-to-know
author: Gail Belsky
reviewer: Andrew Kahn, PsyD
published: '2019-08-05T15:53:15.521Z'
date_modified: '2024-04-13T00:00:00.000-07:00'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/2y6J3kzhjv5xjfZiDoZKRB/6e8d8f0227d8e21116b52fd1425662e5/G1217373828.png
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/neurodiversity-what-you-need-to-know
lang: en
---

# What is neurodiversity?

The term *neurodiversity *gets used — and misused — a lot. But what does it mean, exactly?

Neurodiversity is a concept that goes back many decades. The idea is that differences in how the brain develops aren’t problems that need to be “fixed” or “cured.” They’re just variations of the human brain, or neurodivergence.

This viewpoint began in the autism community. But it’s expanded in recent years. It now includes differences like ADHD and learning disabilities. 

There’s another key point to the concept. It’s that when it comes to differences, everyone should notice the strengths before the challenges.

Neurodiversity is a cause, as well as an idea. People may use the term to help reduce stigma and build inclusion. 

## **Neurodiversity vs. neurodivergence**

The words *neurodiversity *and *neurodiverse *are often misused. People sometimes confuse them with *neurodivergence *and *neurodivergent*. 

These terms are all related. But they’re not the same thing.

**Neurodiversity** is the concept that there’s a lot of variety in how brains work.

- The company values neurodiversity. 

**Neurodiverse **is the word to describe a setting where there are neurodivergent people (and probably also neurotypical people). 

- Kendra works in a neurodiverse workplace. 

**Neurodivergent** is the word that describes individuals. 

- James is neurodivergent. The class has three neurodivergent students. 

**Neurodivergence** is a term that covers many differences. 

- Neurodivergence is common in any classroom and workplace. 

## Learn more

Listen to a [podcast episode on neurodiversity](https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/undefined/undefined). Download a [learning and thinking differences fact sheet](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/learning-thinking-differences-fact-sheet). And read [how one mom reacted to her child’s second diagnosis](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/my-kids-have-both-autism-and-learning-and-thinking-differences-and-its-complicated).

---

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