PsychologyJuly 16, 2026

neurodivergence

/ˌnʊəroʊdaɪˈvɜːrdʒəns/

Definition

The state of having a brain that functions in ways that diverge significantly from what is considered typical or standard, such as in individuals with autism or ADHD.

Etymology

The word is a modern compound formed by combining the prefix 'neuro-' (relating to nerves or the nervous system) and 'divergence' (the act of moving or extending in different directions). It emerged in the late 20th century to frame neurological differences as natural variations in the human genome rather than strictly as medical deficits.

In the news

In the article, the term is used to explain that perceived 'low emotional intelligence' can sometimes stem from neurodivergence rather than a lack of kindness or maturity. This distinction is important for understanding that different neurological processing styles may affect social interaction behaviors.

4 Social Habits That Indicate Low Emotional Intelligence, According to a Psychologist

Read the full article ↗

AOL.com

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