neurospicy

This is a new term that requires some care.  We are familiar now with the distinction between those who are neurodivergent and those who are neurotypical.  The latter have brains that function in the way that is considered normal, the former have brains that function slightly differently.  Many neurodivergent people argue that this should not be considered a problem but just part of the variety of life.

Neurodivergent sounds solemn, medical and definitely NOT fun so people in the neurodivergent community in the mid-1990s came up with neurospicy to mean the same as neurodivergent but to express it in a more casual and relaxed way that allows for the possibility that neurospiciness might be a happy state to be in. They also felt that neurospicy had a tang, a colour, a depth and complexity to it that neurodivergent did not convey.  Neurosparkly is another option but not as popular. There is even an emoji for neurospicy — a chili pepper. Neurospicy has shot up the frequency rankings.

This is fine except for those people who have, for example, profound autism and who require a lot of out-of-the-ordinary care.  They worry that airbrushing their condition away as neurospiciness means that they will not be seen as having a disability and needing support.

It is important to check with people how they wish to be described.