(still to be expanded + more sources coming!) Never in the history of humankind, has language been neutral. Definitions depend on whom you ask, really — since medical, sociological, cultural, language-related and many other lenses & factors are at play. Ouch, sounds complicated?!

Here is a first attempt, nonetheless. Let’s dive into neurodiverse language >

First things first:

• Neurodivergence: Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently (also: difference in cognitive functioning, different ways of experiencing & interacting with the world). A neurodivergent individual can be autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dyspraxia. Definitions vary, since some also count giftedness, HSP (Highly Sensitive Persons) or certain mental health conditions as neurodivergence.
• Neurodiversity: The neurodiversity model understands neurodivergence as a neurological / neurodevelopmental difference rather than a disorder . . . Neurodiversity is an umbrella term — not a medical diagnostic label — describing the spectrum of differences that exist as to the way brains function differently from each other. Note that an individual in themselves cannot be neurodiverse; a society, group or practice can. A few quotes:

🔎 ”neurodiversity, which was coined by autistic sociologist Judy Singer to acknowledge the diversity of neurotypes (different kinds of brain organization and function) that can appear in a population of healthy people.” (seen here)

🔎 ”NeuroDiversity: Refers to the idea that there is a natural and broad spectrum of experiences and expressions that occur within the human brain and nervous system (including differences in cognitive, sensory, and emotional experiences), that can vary significantly from person to person.” (seen here, by Lyric Rivera)

• Neurodiversity affirming practice: This is an emerging framework for working with and supporting neurodivergent individuals. → “. . . you believe in a strengths and rights-based approach to developmental differences and aim to provide support and adaptations that affirm the child's neurodivergent identity.” (Source). Sonny Jane Wise — Australian advocate & author of “We’re all neurodiverse” — has been putting together a list of core principles. Here is a social media post feat. them (IG, @livedexperienceeducator - Sonny Jane Wise).
• Neurospicy: A popular term, harmless or harmful? Inclusive or insulting? → Unpacking Neurospicy (IG, @neurodialectical)
• Neurotype: Refers to different kinds of brain organization and function resulting in differences in function. “Your neurotype is present from birth to the end of your life, influencing development, cognition, sensory perception, emotional and behavioural regulation, and social behaviour, so it’s a fundamental part of who you are, guiding and informing your experience of the world. In this view, people who fall within the average range of neurotypes are neurotypical (NT), and people who exist outside of it are neurodivergent (Baumer & Frueh, 2021).” (seen here)

Further glossary:

• Accessibility: “Accessibility is the practice of making information, activities, and/or environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible.” ( seewritehear.com)
• Autism: . . . → + Social media posts: Autism is a spectrum — but not like this… (IG, @autism_happy_place)
• Disability (in the context of neurodivergence): We differentiate between the medical vs the social models of disability. See a quick summary here.
• Executive functioning: . . . → Overview on social media (IG, @itsemilykaty)
• Highly Sensitive Person: Unpacking Highly Sensitive Person (IG, @neurodialectical)
• Non-speaking vs non-verbal: LEARN MORE HERE
• Self-advocacy (a general term much beyond neurodivergence):

<aside> 💡 Identity-first language: “Identity-first language puts the disability first in the description, e.g., “disabled” or “autistic."”

Person-first language: “Person-first language emphasizes the person before the disability, for example “person who is blind” or “people with spinal cord injuries.”” (Source)

When in doubt, ask the person for their preference :) The autistic community — and as far as we can see the neurodivergent one at large — prefers identity-fist language since neurodivergence is integral to who we are.

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HINT for all the German speakers: you can find a quick glossary on the website of AMAZING 15, the organisation connecting neurodivergent talents with workplaces in Austria (and originating from Specialisterne internationally): https://amazing15.at/glossar/