Neurodiversity vs Neurodivergence Explained for Inclusive Brands

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how our brains work, without implying disorder or deficit. Think biodiversity, but for minds. Stanford University defines neurodiversity as “a concept that regards individuals with differences in brain function and behavioral traits as part of normal variation in the human population” (stanford.edu).

Neurodivergence, on the other hand, describes how some brains function in ways that diverge from what society considers typical. The Cleveland Clinic explains that people who are neurodivergent “have differences in the way their brain works,” often including conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others (clevelandclinic.org).

It’s a subtle distinction, but a meaningful one. As Dr. Victoria Verlezza notes, “Groups are diverse. People are not.” You can’t call a single person “neurodiverse” any more than you can call one flower a “biodiverse field.” Diversity is a property of a group. Individuals may be neurodivergent—meaning their cognitive style diverges from the majority—but neurodiversity refers to the spectrum as a whole.

Origins & Frameworks

Nick Walker, an academic cited in research at Cal State LA, defines neurodiversity as “the diversity of human brains and minds, the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning” (csu.edu). This framing shifts us away from pathologizing brains that don’t fit into narrow norms.

The Children’s Guild notes that 15–20% of the world’s population is considered neurodivergent, reinforcing that this isn’t a fringe issue, but a vital part of human diversity (childrensguild.org).

Why the Distinction Matters

1. Strength-Based Inclusion

Northwestern Medicine states that there is “no single, correct way for a brain to function,” and recognizes that neurodivergent individuals process information differently but not incorrectly (nm.org). This opens up space to value traits like visual thinking, focus, and creativity, not just “productivity” in the traditional sense.

2. Social vs. Medical Models

Columbia Psychiatry describes the neurodiversity model as one that celebrates divergence and calls on society to adapt, rather than asking neurodivergent individuals to conform (columbiapsychiatry.org). This is a key pivot away from the deficit-based, “fix-it” mentality of the medical model.

3. Inclusion Drives Innovation

The World Economic Forum emphasizes that neurodiversity includes a range of non-medical cognitive differences, and that teams with neurodivergent professionals can be up to 30% more productive (weforum.org). That’s not just a feel-good stat. It’s a business case for an inclusive strategy.

Practical Strategies for Human-Centered Brands

• Audit your language—Are you using “neurodiverse” when you mean “neurodivergent”? Are you pathologizing difference?
• Build accessibility in—Design events, products, and policies that accommodate diverse communication styles, sensory needs, and pacing.
• Train your team—Use these distinctions to frame inclusive leadership and dismantle bias.
• Shift focus from fixing to adapting—Embrace environments where neurodivergent people can thrive without compromising who they are.

The Key Takeaway

Neurodiversity = the ecosystem of brain differences across all people.
Neurodivergence = specific cognitive differences that diverge from the norm.

Understanding this distinction isn’t just semantics. It’s the foundation of effective inclusion. And it reflects a deeper truth: honoring difference starts with using the right words.

Want help making your brand strategy more neuro-inclusive? Or need support reworking messaging for clarity and impact? Let’s collaborate to create something that connects.

Hi, I’m Romina.
Neurodivergently brilliant. Emotionally intelligent. Strategically overstimulated.
I show up as myself: high-functioning, low-filter, all heart.