Using 'neurodivergent' as a catch‑all term is problematic—here's why
The term "neurodivergent" is being used more and more often in everyday conversation, on social media and even in scientific research.
The term "neurodivergent" is increasingly used in everyday conversation, social media, and scientific research to describe a brain that functions differently from what is considered typical. However, defining what constitutes "typical" brain function is challenging, leading to inconsistencies in how the term is applied. A review of 134 scientific studies involving over 151,000 participants found nearly 20 different diagnoses linked to neurodivergence and neurodiversity, with autism and ADHD being the most frequently mentioned.
The term can also be used without specifying any diagnosis, and a third of studies asked participants to self-identify as neurodivergent rather than undergoing formal clinical assessment. Additionally, some studies mixed up neurodivergent and neurodiverse, despite the two having distinct meanings. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people's brains work, think, and learn, emphasizing that it describes a group rather than an individual.
While neurodivergent describes an individual with a brain that functions differently from the norm, there is no test to differentiate neurodivergent from neurotypical. The lack of clear definitions and inconsistent usage of these terms can lead to problems in interpreting research results, particularly when shaping clinical care.
Moreover, broad labels can obscure the specific needs of individuals with particular conditions, such as autism or ADHD, potentially leading to inadequate support.
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