'neurodiversity' is formed from the prefix 'neuro-' and the noun 'diversity'. 'neuro-' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'neûron', where 'neûron' meant 'nerve' or 'sinew', and 'diversity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'diversitas', where 'diversus' meant 'turned different'.

'neurodiversity' was coined in the late 1990s (often attributed to Australian sociologist Judy Singer) and was popularized through autism self-advocacy and related discussions in the 2000s, becoming a common term in social, educational, and clinical contexts.

Initially, it described the idea that neurological traits vary naturally among people; over time it broadened to name both a descriptive concept and a social/political movement advocating acceptance and accommodation.