Can someone explain why we need another new word? I understand that it's to keep me from being a reprehensible person because of some insensitive utterance that might escape my lips. Does anyone with autism honestly care?

Can someone please define neurodivergent for me so I understand why this term is necessary in journalism?

I know I can Google it, but the search results and info boxes from the pangoogleopticon, on a question like this, will make my skin crawl and will certainly check any and all boxes required to keep the crazies from attacking. I am genuinely curious what this term accomplishes...

(If anyone takes the time for a thoughtful answer, I'd like to say "thanks".)

It's a catch-all term for people who are not mentally ill, but have different neurological characteristics from the norm. The most obvious example is autistics, but this would also include ADHD, people with sensory issues, etc.

That sounds nice. I like that places like this exist.