The term “neurodivergent” was coined in the 1990sTrusted Source by sociologist Judy Singer. The term helps express that neurodivergent people are simply unique from the “neurotypical” majority, with their own sets of strengths and abilities. In other words, there’s nothing “wrong” with them.
As an autistic person herself, Singer hoped to change the way people thought about neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.
Over time, the concept of neurodiversity has grown to includeTrusted Source others who may experience the world uniquely due to neurological differences — including those living with certain mental health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).