Neurotypical and neurologically typical (sometimes abbreviated NT) are terms used to describe people with typical developmental, intellectual and cognitive abilities. In other words, they are used to refer to people who don’t have autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or another developmental difference.
People who are on the autism spectrum, or who have other developmental differences, are sometimes referred to as neurodivergent or neuroatypical. Currently, these terms aren’t widely used in the medical community, but they are increasingly being used by some people in the autism community and those searching for alternatives to ableist language. Instead of suggesting autism is a disorder, these terms recognize the differences, abilities and strengths people with autism and other developmental conditions have.
Neurotypical individuals are often described in relation to individuals with autism or other developmental differences, so they may have:
- little to no problem interacting with people or engaging in conversation
- no noticeable speech delays as children
- no sensory issues, such as not being able to tolerate crowds, loud noises, or being too hot or too cold
- more ability to adapt to change.
See neuroatypical, neurodivergent.
Updated August 2024
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