Neurotypical and Neurodivergent

These two terms are often used to describe how different brains work — not in a good/bad or right/wrong way, just different.

Neurotypical

Neurotypical refers to people whose brain functions, behaviours, and processing styles align with what society expects. It doesn’t mean “perfect” or “better” — just that their way of thinking fits more easily into common systems like school, work, or social settings.

Neurodivergent

Neurodivergent refers to people whose brain functions differently from the expected “norm.” It’s often used to describe conditions like:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• OCD
• Tourette’s
• And other cognitive variations

Neurodivergent doesn’t mean disordered, broken, or less-than. It simply recognises that not all brains are wired the same — and that difference is natural.

These words come from the idea of neurodiversity: the belief that there is no one “right” way for a brain to work, just different ways of experiencing and interacting with the world.

Some people use these terms to make sense of their identity. Others use them to advocate for more inclusive systems. Either way, they help shift the conversation from what’s “wrong” with someone to how we can better support and understand each other.