--- title: What does it mean to be neurodivergent? description: 'Neurodivergent people have differences in how their brain functions and interacts with the world. Learn about neurodivergence and who falls under that umbrella. ' slug: what-does-neurodivergent-mean author: Sukhman Rekhi, MA reviewer: Andrew Kahn, PsyD published: '2026-09-14T00:00:00.000Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/5zu5AKkEKjmLulQpZQij8Q/4019d8c6a43b426c2b935bf804ed71bc/GettyImages-1021175012__1_.jpg source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-does-neurodivergent-mean lang: en --- # What does it mean to be neurodivergent? ## Quick take - Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for brain-based differences — including ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. - Research suggests that an estimated 15 to 20 percent of the global population are neurodivergent. - Neurodivergence isn’t a diagnosis and there’s no checklist for it. But sensory sensitivities, intense focus on certain interests, and trouble with executive function are common experiences. The term *neurodivergent *is everywhere lately — in headlines, in conversations, in captions on your social feed. Maybe you use it to describe yourself. Maybe someone you love uses it, and you want to understand it better. Either way, it’s a word worth understanding, since it covers a lot of ground. Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for conditions — like [ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-adhd?utm_medium=&utm_source=stacker&utm_campaign=stacker-tracking&utm_content=article), [autism](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-autism?utm_medium=&utm_source=stacker&utm_campaign=stacker-tracking&utm_content=article), [dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-dyslexia?utm_medium=&utm_source=stacker&utm_campaign=stacker-tracking&utm_content=article), and [dyscalculia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-dyscalculia?utm_medium=&utm_source=stacker&utm_campaign=stacker-tracking&utm_content=article) — that cause a brain to [learn, think, or process the world differently](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmen.0000271) from what society considers “typical.” If that sounds like you, you might choose to identify as neurodivergent. One thing to note: Neurodivergence isn’t a medical diagnosis. And you don’t need an official diagnosis of the conditions it covers to identify as neurodivergent. You might use the word simply because it fits how you experience the world — how you focus, process information, or take in your surroundings, whether or not a doctor has ever named it. ## Where does the term come from? Researchers have studied autism and ADHD since early in the 20th century. But the language we use to talk about neurodivergence is much newer. Australian sociologist [Judy Singer](https://doi.org/10.1159/000523723) is widely credited with introducing the term *neurodiversity *in the late 1990s. It was the idea that brain differences are natural variations in how people experience the world, not medical problems that need fixing. Some researchers now note that this framing developed collectively, shaped by many voices in the autism and disability communities rather than by one person alone. A few years later, in 2000, American autism rights activist [Kassiane Asasumasu](https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241237871) coined the terms *neurodivergent *and *neurodivergence*. This new language gave people a name for brains that work differently from what’s considered mainstream. ## Neurodivergent vs. neurodivergence vs. neurodiverse vs. neurodiversity Neurodivergent, neurodiverse, and neurodiversity sound similar and are related terms. But they have distinct meanings — which can be pretty confusing. Here’s a breakdown that can help: - **Neurodivergent: **A term that describes a person whose brain learns, thinks, and functions differently from what people consider typical.  - **Neurodivergence: **An umbrella term for the many ways a brain can learn and think that’s different from what society considers typical. For example, ADHD is a form of neurodivergence. - **Neurodiverse: **A setting or a group that includes a range of people who are neurodivergent and neurotypical.  - **Neurodiversity: **A concept that describes the idea that differences in the brain are just natural variations in how people see and experience the world, rather than being medical conditions that require treatment or fixing.  ## Is neurodivergence a diagnosis? Neurodivergence isn’t a diagnosis. It’s an umbrella term for conditions — like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — that cause your brain to learn, think, or process the world differently from what’s considered typical. So while you can be diagnosed with a condition under that umbrella, you can’t be diagnosed as “being neurodivergent.” That’s why [you don’t need an official diagnosis](https://doi.org/10.3389/frcha.2025.1682129) to identify as neurodivergent. Many people recognize themselves in the word *neurodivergent *before — or without ever — getting a diagnosis. And that’s OK. Self-identification is welcomed in the neurodivergent community, partly because it honors how you understand your own experience, and partly because an official diagnosis (and the support that comes with it) isn’t accessible to everyone who needs it. ## Types of neurodivergence Research on neurodivergence is still growing, and not all researchers and clinicians agree on the boundaries of what is and isn’t considered neurodivergence.  While there’s no official list of diagnoses that count as neurodivergence, here are some of the more common categories that can fall under the overarching term. ### Neurodevelopmental disorders This group includes conditions that describe differences in how the brain develops and functions.  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Specific learning disorders, like dyslexia and dyscalculia - [Developmental coordination disorder](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-developmental-coordination-disorder-dcd?utm_medium=&utm_source=stacker&utm_campaign=stacker-tracking&utm_content=article) (DCD) - Tourette syndrome ### Genetic and intellectual disabilities This group typically includes conditions that are present since birth and cause cognitive, behavioral, or emotional delays.  - Down syndrome - Prader-Willi syndrome - DiGeorge syndrome, or 22q11.2 deletion syndrome - Williams syndrome ### Cognitive and sensory differences This group includes challenges that can occur on their own or with any of the conditions listed above:  - [Sensory processing disorder](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-sensory-processing-challenges?utm_medium=&utm_source=stacker&utm_campaign=stacker-tracking&utm_content=article) - [Slow processing speed](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/processing-speed-what-you-need-to-know?utm_medium=&utm_source=stacker&utm_campaign=stacker-tracking&utm_content=article) - [Executive function](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-executive-function?utm_medium=&utm_source=stacker&utm_campaign=stacker-tracking&utm_content=article) challenges  - Aphantasia - Synesthesia  ### Mental health conditions While not always included within the boundaries of neurodivergence, this group contains a list of conditions that affect mood, emotional regulation, and overall functioning. - Bipolar disorder - Obsessive-compulsive disorder - Social anxiety disorder  - [Generalized anxiety disorder](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/anxious-vs-anxiety?utm_medium=&utm_source=stacker&utm_campaign=stacker-tracking&utm_content=article) - Major depressive disorder - PTSD or complex PTSD  ## How common is neurodivergence? There’s no simple number that clearly explains how many people identify as neurodivergent. But research does give us a range of how common neurodivergence may be. Studies estimate that around [15 to 20 percent of the global population](https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldaa021) may be neurodivergent.  However, these estimates are a little higher than the reported numbers. Since not everyone has proper access to health care, neurodivergence is often underdiagnosed. It’s also one of the reasons why self-diagnosis is more accepted in the community.  ## Signs you might be neurodivergent Since neurodivergence isn’t a diagnosis, there’s no complete checklist to run through — and you don’t need to recognize every single item below for this to be worth exploring. But people across the neurodivergent community often describe similar experiences, including: - Experiencing sensory sensitivities, such as being overstimulated when you hear loud music or see bright lights - Developing a deep or intense interest in specific topics or hobbies  - Noticing differences in how you communicate with others, such as not making eye contact or using more hand gestures  - Finding it difficult to stay organized, manage your time, make decisions quickly, or complete tasks  - Having unique learning and memory patterns such as being an innovative and abstract thinker while also struggling to memorize more basic concepts  None of these add up to a diagnosis on their own. But they can be a good starting point for understanding yourself, or someone you care about, a little better. If you ever want to know for sure, an evaluation from a mental health provider (such as a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or developmental pediatrician) is the clearest path. It can also open the door to support at work, at school, or at home.  ## How to tell if you’re neurodivergent Have you noticed any of the common signs of neurodivergence in yourself or in your child? If the signs are long-term — and not just observed in relation to a single stressor or challenge — talking to a professional about a formal evaluation is a solid next step. That process looks different depending on age.  **For kids:** Public school students (and some students in private schools) are protected under the [Individuals with Disabilities Education Act](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act-idea-what-you-need-to-know?utm_medium=&utm_source=stacker&utm_campaign=stacker-tracking&utm_content=article). [IDEA](https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/) requires schools to provide free evaluations when they suspect a student needs extra support. Schools can’t make a medical diagnosis, but they can help you understand what’s showing up in your child’s learning — and often point you toward a referral for a psychologist or a pediatrician who can evaluate further. **For adults:** If you want an evaluation, start with your primary care provider or ask for a referral to a specialist who can order testing. These evaluations can be expensive, and insurance doesn’t always cover them. Depending on your experience and coverage, you might end up seeing a psychologist, neuropsychologist, neurologist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner. However, there may be a long wait time for an appointment with these health care providers.  Because access to evaluation and testing isn’t always easy to come by, a lot of people turn to social media to learn more. That can be a genuine source of belonging and community. But it can also be full of misinformation. In fact, a new study published in the [Journal of Social Media Research](https://doi.org/10.29329/jsomer.84) found that misinformation rates on various social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram were as high as 57 percent. So, it’s worth treating what you find there as a starting point for conversation with a provider, not a replacement for one. Also keep in mind that an evaluation may lead to a diagnosis that falls under the umbrella term of neurodivergence. But a diagnosis doesn’t automatically make you neurodivergent in your *own *eyes, and going undiagnosed doesn’t disqualify you from the word either. How you describe your own differences is entirely up to you. *Thumbnail image credit: SDI Productions via Getty Images* --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What does it mean to be neurodivergent? Being neurodivergent means that your brain thinks, learns, and functions differently than what society considers typical. ### Is ADHD a form of neurodivergence? Yes. Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for brains that understand and experience the world differently. ADHD is one of the conditions that falls under it. ### What percentage of people are neurodivergent? There isn’t an exact statistic that can tell you the specific number of people who are neurodivergent. However, research estimates that about 15 to 20 percent of people worldwide are neurodivergent. ### Is neurodivergent a diagnosis? No, *neurodivergent *is not a diagnosis. Instead, it’s an umbrella term that describes people who have brains that operate and see the world differently. ### How can I support the neurodivergent people in my life? There are several things you can do to support neurodivergent people. These include: - Listening to them when they want to discuss their feelings, strengths, and weaknesses - Respecting their boundaries - Advocating for their needs at school or work - Learning more about neurodivergence through expert-vetted resources - Asking them what helps them feel supported --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [What is neurodiversity?](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/neurodiversity-what-you-need-to-know) - You may hear neurodiversity used to describe everything from ADHD to workplace inclusion. Here’s what the term actually means — and why it matters. - [The differences between ADHD, ADD, and EDHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/differences-between-adhd-add-edhd) - ADD was renamed ADHD back in 1987, but many people still use the outdated term today. Here’s why the name change matters, what’s next, and how a new term, EDHD, could change how we understand the ADHD brain. - [ADHD symptoms at different ages](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/signs-of-adhd-at-different-ages) --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-does-neurodivergent-mean#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-does-neurodivergent-mean","description":"Neurodivergent people have differences in how their brain functions and interacts with the world. Learn about neurodivergence and who falls under that umbrella. "},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-does-neurodivergent-mean","name":"What does it mean to be neurodivergent?"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","datePublished":"2026-09-14T00:00:00.000Z","description":"Neurodivergent people have differences in the way their brain works, compared to neurotypical people. Learn how these popular terms relate to neurodiversity.","headline":"What does it mean to be neurodivergent?","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-does-neurodivergent-mean","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.understood.org/#organization","name":"Understood for All Inc","logo":"https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/307jFAYQevghG8nQMCjh89/ccdbbec895765824db43f6d30b496e83/logo_lockup_navy.jpg"}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What does it mean to be neurodivergent?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Being neurodivergent means that your brain thinks, learns, and functions differently than what society considers typical. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is ADHD a form of neurodivergence?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for brains that understand and experience the world differently. ADHD is one of the conditions that falls under it. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What percentage of people are neurodivergent?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"There isn’t an exact statistic that can tell you the specific number of people who are neurodivergent. However, research estimates that about 15 to 20 percent of people worldwide are neurodivergent. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is neurodivergent a diagnosis?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, neurodivergent is not a diagnosis. Instead, it’s an umbrella term that describes people who have brains that operate and see the world differently. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I support the neurodivergent people in my life? ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"There are several things you can do to support neurodivergent people. These include: Listening to them when they want to discuss their feelings, strengths, and weaknesses Respecting their boundaries Advocating for their needs at school or work Learning more about neurodivergence through expert-vetted resources Asking them what helps them feel supported "}}]}] ```