neurotypicality
|neu-ro-typ-i-cal-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌnʊroʊtɪˈpɪkəlɪti/
🇬🇧
/ˌnjʊərəʊtɪˈpɪkəlɪti/
being neurologically typical
Etymology
'neurotypicality' originates from Greek and Latin via English, specifically the word 'neuron' (Greek) and the element 'typicality' built from 'typical' plus the Latin-derived suffix '-ity', where 'neuron' meant 'nerve' and '-ity' meant 'state or quality'.
'neurotypicality' changed from the adjective 'neurotypical' combined with the nominalizing suffix '-ity' and emerged as a distinct noun in late 20th century English, especially in clinical and community discourse, eventually becoming the modern English word 'neurotypicality'.
Initially it referred mainly to the descriptive neurological status of being 'typical'; over time it gained broader sociological and identity-related senses contrasting it with 'neurodivergence'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the condition or state of having neurological development and functioning that is considered typical or within expected societal norms (not neurodivergent).
Researchers compared rates of social support between neurotypicality and various forms of neurodivergence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a sociological or identity term referring to the social position or norm of not being labeled neurodivergent; often used in contrast to neurodivergence in discussions about inclusion and access.
Many advocacy groups emphasize that assumptions based on neurotypicality can create barriers to accommodation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/15 23:01