What counts as neurodivergent?

Updated October 14, 2026

Coined in 2000 by Kassiane Asasumasu, "neurodivergent" is "an umbrella term to describe individuals whose mind or functioning falls outside dominant societal norms," and it covers both innate or genetic and acquired conditions.¹⁰ Put simply: if a mind works outside what is treated as "normal," it is neurodivergent. It is not a medical term, and there is no fixed list. The seven below are among the most commonly recognized. Each definition is quoted or closely paraphrased from the source listed beside it.

ADHD

The National Institute of Mental Health defines ADHD as "a neurodevelopmental disorder" marked by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can present as inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined.¹

Autism

NIMH defines autism spectrum disorder as "a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave." It can be diagnosed at any age.²

Dyslexia

The NHS defines dyslexia as "a common learning difficulty where your brain works differently to most people." It mainly affects reading, writing and using numbers, and is unrelated to intelligence.³

Dyscalculia

Cleveland Clinic defines dyscalculia as "a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to do math." The way dyslexia affects reading, dyscalculia affects the brain's number skills.⁴

Dysgraphia

Cleveland Clinic defines dysgraphia as "a neurological condition in which someone has difficulty turning their thoughts into written language," despite adequate instruction for their age and ability.⁵

Dyspraxia

The NHS defines developmental co-ordination disorder, also known as dyspraxia, as "a condition affecting physical co-ordination." It affects daily activities and can make movement look clumsy.⁶

Tourette Syndrome

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes Tourette syndrome as a neurological disorder that causes sudden, involuntary, repeated movements or sounds called tics. It is one of the tic disorders.⁷

The umbrella is wider than this list

Because "neurodivergent" is not a medical term, condition or diagnosis, and there are no medical criteria for it, many people also include OCD, bipolar disorder, sensory processing differences, social anxiety and more.⁸ The idea grew out of a social justice movement, not a medical one.⁹ So people disagree on where the line is: only lifelong developmental differences, or any brain-based difference at all.