The Neurodiversity Language Guide: Communicating Inclusively at Work

Neurodiversity Language

Guide

Communicating Inclusively at Work

Table of Contents
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3
What Does Neurodiversity Mean? ………………………………………………………………………….4
What Neurodiversity Doesn’t Mean………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Correct Usage…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
Incorrect Usage ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
What Does Neurodivergent Mean? …………………………….Error! Bookmark not defined.
Correct Usage……………………………………………………………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
Incorrect Usage …………………………………………………………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
What Does Neurodivergence Mean?…………………………..Error! Bookmark not defined.
Correct Usage……………………………………………………………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
Incorrect Usage …………………………………………………………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
What Does Neurotypical Mean?………………………………….Error! Bookmark not defined.
Correct Usage……………………………………………………………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
Incorrect Usage …………………………………………………………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
What Does Neurodiverse Mean?…………………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
Correct Usage……………………………………………………………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
Incorrect Usage …………………………………………………………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
Understanding Individual Neurodivergent Experiences ………….Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Why Language Matters ……………………………………………….Error! Bookmark not defined.
Practical Tips for Respectful Language Use …………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
Workplace Communication Strategies ……………………….Error! Bookmark not defined.

Introduction
In many workplaces, language shapes the way we communicate, train employees,
and support colleagues. However, outdated or inaccurate terms can unintentionally
exclude neurodivergent people. Understanding neurodiversity helps organisations
create a more inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.
The following sections explain key terms and how to use them correctly in a
workplace setting.

What Does Neurodiversity Mean?
Neurodiversity, a term shaped collectively by autistic activist communities in the
1990s, recognises the limitless variations of human minds. It embraces the natural
spectrum of differences rather than focusing on deficits. As a word, “neurodiversity”
describes the whole of humanity.

What Neurodiversity Doesn’t Mean
• A trait an individual possesses.
• You don’t “have” neurodiversity, and you’re not neurodiverse—neurodiversity
includes everyone. If the way your brain works differs from what society sees
as the dominant idea of ‘normal,’ you’re neurodivergent.

Correct Usage
“Our workplace embraces multiple training strategies to accommodate the

neurodiversity of our employees.”

Incorrect Usage

“My neurodiversity makes it hard for me to cope with work.”
It’s neurodivergence, not neurodiversity. An individual, by definition, cannot be
“diverse” or “have diversity.”

“Autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are forms of neurodiversity.”
Neurodiversity includes everyone. Autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are forms of
neurodivergence.
Everyone is part of neurodiversity, but only some people are neurodivergent,
meaning their brains work differently from what is considered “typical.”

About this Guide
This preview extract is taken from The Neurodiversity Language Guide:
Communicating Inclusively at Work. The full version runs to 11 pages and covers
correct and incorrect usage of key terms, practical tips for respectful language, and
workplace communication strategies.
Created by ADHD Pirates CIC
ADHD Pirates CIC is a UK-based social enterprise, founded and led by lived
experience. We create practical, ADHD-friendly resources that help organisations
embed neuroinclusion in realistic and sustainable ways.
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