The term “nebulasexual” is a newer label used by individuals—typically within neurodivergent communities—to describe difficulty in identifying or defining their experience of sexual attraction. The word itself is rooted in “nebula,” meaning “clouded” or uncertain, reflecting the fuzzy nature of attraction for some people whose brain chemistry or thought-patterns (such as those linked with conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder) influence how they distinguish between sexual, romantic, aesthetic, or emotional attraction.

For many who identify as nebulasexual, the label provides relief and validation. They describe traditional sexual orientation labels as insufficient for capturing their lived experience—where attraction feels “hazy,” “clouded,” or indistinct. In online forums, many neurodivergent individuals say that the term helps them articulate a state of ongoing uncertainty rather than confusion or questioning: it’s a stable orientation of ambiguity, not merely a phase.

While this kind of label has been welcomed by many, it also faces critique. Some argue that the proliferation of identity terms is excessive and creates unnecessary complexity. Supporters, however, maintain that language is important: being able to describe a nuanced experience of attraction—especially when it doesn’t align with mainstream norms—can help foster self-understanding, community, and respect. Nebulasexuality underscores how neurodivergence can alter the way attraction is experienced and emphasises that human attraction needn’t fit tidy categories.