this post was submitted on 18 Sep 2026
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Neurodivergence

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All things neurodivergent and relating to the broader neurodivergent community (and communities).

See also this community's sister subs Feminism, LGBTQ+, Disability, and POC

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Using ‘neurodivergent’ as a catch-all term is problematic – here’s why (theconversation.com)
submitted 3 days ago by sabreW4K3@lazysoci.al to c/neurodivergence@beehaw.org
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[–] ranandtoldthat@beehaw.org 14 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I'm neurodivergent. We're keeping "neurodivergent", they can't have it.

[–] urthoughtsrbad@lemmy.zip -3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I would love that. Sadly I was around when they started saying special needs to be kind, it got perverted by those with bad intentions. Unfortunately I think this word will too. It’s just words though. They do not define anything, they just attempt to.

I personally dislike trying to lump so many different scenarios into one catch all term anyway.

[–] ranandtoldthat@beehaw.org 10 points 3 days ago

I personally dislike trying to lump so many different scenarios into one catch all term anyway.

That's fine. I don't want to prescribe language for you to use. I find the term very useful myself.

But to your other point, I'm truly remaining strong on holding the word. I remember when "queer" was a slur and when "gay" was an insult. Both have been solidly reclaimed. I don't think "neurodivergent' has entered that level yet, and I hope to help avoid that by keeping it normalized.