An autism-related slang term is going viral across social media, and its controversial origins are causing concern among some online.

The term is "total neurotypical death," and it's commonly being shortened to the acronym "TNTD," which is reminding some people of a very real dog whistle. Now, the intentions behind those posting TNTD memes are being questioned.

But what exactly does TNTD mean, how is it being used online, and why are there so many TNTD memes? Here's what you need to know.

What Does 'Total Neurotypical Death' Or 'TNTD' Mean?

The term "total neurotypical death," or "TNTD," is a direct reference to the white supremacist dogwhistle "TND," which is listed on the ADL's website as a hate symbol. The term is used to support the idea of a world without people of color.

In a similar but more ironic sense, the idea of total neurotypical death refers to a world run by neurodivergent people, specifically referring to people on the autism spectrum.

The first known use of the term was by TikToker jebidiahjoshua70 at the beginning of April 2026, when he posted a series of amateur animations featuring a character wearing a shirt with the phrase written across it.

A few of the animations gained hundreds of thousands of views in mere days, inspiring others to hop on the trend as it began to spread online.

@jebidiahjoshua70 Welcome to Mesa Arizona #ndtok #tntd #highiqpost #fyp ♬ original sound – jebidiahjoshua70

How Is 'TNTD' Used In Memes?

The term "TNTD" has gone viral thanks to its presence in memes on sites like TikTok and X / Twitter. These memes typically feature autism-related memes and references alongside the acronym, essentially hyping up autism and autistic people as superior to others.

Many TNTD memes feature characters dancing next to a list of positive traits of autistic people. Others feature the flag of Mesa, Arizona, which is known as the first "autism-certified" city in the U.S.

While the memes are outwardly harmless, the reference to the white supremacist dog whistle is troubling to some, resulting in videos and posts calling the meme out.

Defenders of the meme, however, claim it's just a joke and that the whole point is to be shocking and edgy.

Additionally, some people believe that the TNTD posts are being made by people who are neurotypical in an effort to make neurodivergent people look bad. All of his, however, is speculation.

@phasmophilic If you need a friend while being nd and can’t make them I’m open to it, my DMs r open. Even if everyone in the intro is ND, it’s still harmful to make these types of videos cause the whole thing it stemmed from was neurodivergent people being shunned away from most social circles in the first place. I myself have a learning disability diagnosed since I was 8 so I know what it’s like to be excluded from most social circles, having diff teachers diff teaching even diff lunch and buses. I could never connect with anyone. i#TNTD #LARP #neurodivergent #neurotypical ♬ original sound – Phas

What Are Some More 'TNTD' Memes?

@plush.rants tntd!!! &lt3 totally nice terrific days! #tntd #fyp #viral #neurodivergent #rant ♬ my destiny – BasslineBangers

@.sluttymoe 🫡 TNTD. || #tntd #targetaudience #fyp #highiqpost #autism. @Rock Lee 🪷 · enemies @ؘ @⃟ @queso @ray^^ @Æ @gyu @kiki🪽📸 @porkb3lly @Frank @jebidiahjoshua70 blank" title="♬ original sound – jebidiahjoshua70" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7624536008905853709?refer=embed">♬ original sound – jebidiahjoshua70

@pear.pt2 #pear #bp #lm #tntd #fyp ♬ Lucifer's Waltz – Secession Studios

pollyisajellyfish like no, modifying a nZi dogwhistle isn’t a trend! this is not hate on nd people in any way!!! #fyp #tntd #xyzbca #trend #relatable ♬ original sound – jebidiahjoshua70

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For the full history of Total Neurotypical Death, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.