Neurodiversity Glossary
Ableism: Discrimination or prejudice against people with disabilities, often based on the belief that people without disabilities are superior.
Anxiety Disorder: A condition where an individual experiences excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with daily life.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
ADHD Dolphining: ADHD Dolphining refers to the tendency of individuals with ADHD to engage in a conversation by deeply immersing themselves in their thoughts, often leading to responses that may appear unrelated or disconnected from the ongoing discussion. This process involves mentally "diving" into their thoughts and returning with an afterthought or conclusion that may leave others, particularly neurotypical individuals or even other neurodiverse individuals, struggling to follow the thought process. Those with ADHD often have an easier time understanding these shifts in conversation among themselves.
Allistic: A term used to describe someone who is not on the autism spectrum, typically in contrast to autistic individuals.
Asperger's Syndrome Asperger’s syndrome was merged into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2013 to provide a more consistent and comprehensive way of diagnosing autism while ensuring services based on an individual’s specific needs. Many people, especially in the autism community, have been understandably disturbed by the connection between Asperger's work and the Nazi regime. As a result, the term is no longer medically relevant or normalized by the community because of its horrific origin.
AuDHD: When someone is autistic and has ADHD.
Autistic Burnout: A distressing state of mental/ emotional wellbeing in autistic people. It’s often caused by excessive masking, or prolonged over-stimulation and dysregulation.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Autism is a neurological disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior, with a wide range of presentations. Autistic individuals are those who experience the world through a unique neurodivergent lens. Autistic people often have remarkable strengths, such as exceptional focus, a deep passion for their interests, and distinctive problem-solving abilities. They may also have heightened attention to detail, creativity, and an innovative approach to thinking. Autistic individuals bring diverse perspectives, with many excelling in areas like technology, science, art, and communication in ways that are distinct and valuable. Embracing neurodiversity means recognizing and celebrating these strengths while fostering an environment of belonging and understanding.
Bipolar Disorder: A mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): A mental health condition marked by intense emotions, difficulty with relationships, and an unstable sense of self.
Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD): A condition where the brain has trouble processing sounds, affecting how a person understands and responds to auditory information.
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): A condition where an individual has difficulty with language development that isn't linked to other cognitive or sensory impairments.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5): A reference manual used by clinicians to diagnose mental health conditions based on specific criteria.
DiGeorge Syndrome: A genetic disorder caused by a small missing piece of chromosome 22, leading to a variety of health problems including heart defects and immune system issues.
Disability: Simply a natural variation of human experience. It refers to differences in how people experience the world, whether through mobility, sensory, cognitive, or emotional processes. These differences may present unique challenges, but they also bring strengths, diverse perspectives, and rich experiences that contribute to the fabric of society. Disability doesn’t define a person’s worth or capabilities, but instead highlights the beautiful diversity of human existence and the resilience and creativity people show in navigating and thriving in the world.
Down’s Syndrome: A genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, often resulting in developmental delays and certain physical traits.
Dyscalculia: A learning disability that affects a person’s ability to process and work with numbers, but with the right support and strategies, they can find unique ways to approach and understand math.
Dysgraphia: A condition that affects writing abilities, making it difficult to form letters or organize thoughts on paper.
Dyslexia: A learning difference that impacts reading, where individuals may approach decoding words and understanding written language in unique ways. With the right tools and support, they can thrive and often discover creative strategies for learning.
Dyspraxia: A condition that affects motor skills and coordination, making tasks like walking or using tools more challenging.
Dysregulation: Difficulty in managing emotions, thoughts, or behaviors in a consistent and appropriate manner, often seen in mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions.
Echolalia: The repetition of words or phrases spoken by others, often seen in autistic individuals and those with other developmental conditions.
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Executive Dysfunction: A unique cognitive difference that can make tasks like planning, organizing, and staying focused more challenging. With the right support and strategies, individuals can develop personalized approaches that help them navigate daily life and leverage their strengths.
Executive Function: Cognitive processes that help with planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and organizing tasks.
Hyperfocus/fixation: Intense concentration on one subject, or task. Neurodiverse people may neglect other tasks when in hyperfocus.
Hyperlexia: A unique ability where a child shows advanced reading skills at an early age, often with a remarkable talent for decoding words. This strength can provide a solid foundation for developing deeper comprehension and language skills with the right guidance and support.
Hypersensitive: Where someone is “more” sensitive to stimuli than other people.
Hyposensitive: Where someone is “less” sensitive to stimuli than other people.
Intellectual Disabilities: A diverse range of conditions where individuals may experience differences in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors. With tailored support and opportunities, they can build on their strengths and achieve meaningful progress in learning and daily life.
International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10):
A European parallel text to the DSM-5. Printed by the World Health Organization.
Interoception: Senses that communicate our body’s needs. For example; hunger, or fatigue. Autistic people can be hypersensitive and/or hyposensitive to their interoception.
Masking: Adopting ‘neurotypical’ mannerisms and/or ‘hiding’ autistic traits, to fit in with others.
Misophonia: A condition where certain sounds trigger strong emotional reactions such as anger or anxiety.
Neurodivergent: A term used to describe individuals whose brain functions differently from what is considered typical, including autistic individuals and those with ADHD, and other conditions.
Neurodiversity: a celebration of the myriad neurotypes found amongst the human species.
Nonverbal/speaking Communication: Communication through gestures, facial expressions, body language, or other visual cues rather than spoken language.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to relieve anxiety.
Parallel Play: A social behavior where adults engage in activities alongside others without direct interaction. Each person is focused on their own task, but they may draw inspiration or comfort from the presence of others. This type of social engagement can help build a sense of connection and can foster eventual collaboration or deeper interaction over time.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): A unique profile on the autism spectrum where individuals may prefer to have more control over their environment, often responding to requests with resistance. This behavior can be a way of managing anxiety or stress, and with understanding and flexibility, individuals can thrive in environments that support their need for autonomy and choice.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD): A term that was once used to describe a group of developmental differences, including autism spectrum disorders. While the term is less commonly used today, it highlighted the diverse ways individuals may experience social, communication, and behavioral development, each with their own strengths and unique perspectives.
Prader-Willi Syndrome: A genetic condition that causes a variety of physical, mental, and behavioral problems, including constant hunger and challenges with growth and development.
Regression: A loss of previously acquired skills, such as language or motor abilities, often seen in developmental conditions like autism or in some cases of trauma.
Regulate (in the context of autism): Refers to the ability to manage sensory input, emotions, and behaviors to navigate the environment more comfortably. This might involve using specific strategies, tools, or environments to help someone cope with overstimulation, anxiety, or other challenges. It's about creating a supportive environment that helps manage these experiences in a way that supports a person's needs.
Safe Foods: Foods that do not cause sensory distress; nutrition that are familiar, and comfortable, for an autistic person.
Schizophrenia: A mental health condition characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perception, emotions, and behaviors.
Self-regulate (in the context of autism): Refers to the ability of an individual to recognize and respond to their own needs, emotions, and sensory experiences in ways that are empowering and constructive. For example, someone may learn strategies to calm themselves when feeling overwhelmed, adjust their focus, or communicate their needs effectively. Self-regulation doesn’t mean completely controlling every aspect of behavior, but rather developing personalized tools to maintain comfort, well-being, and effective functioning in different settings.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): A condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory input, leading to over- or under-sensitivity to certain stimuli.
Special Interest: A deep passion or fascination with a specific subject that captivates an autistic person. These interests often bring joy, focus, and expertise, and can provide a strong sense of fulfillment and personal growth. What might seem intense to others is often a source of strength and motivation.
Stimming: Repetitive movements or behaviors, such as hand-flapping or rocking, often used by individuals with autism as a way to self-regulate
Synesthesia: A condition where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to involuntary experiences in another, such as seeing colors when hearing music.
Time Blindness: A difficulty in perceiving and managing time, often experienced by individuals with ADHD or other neurodivergent conditions.
Tourette Syndrome: A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations known as tics.
Williams Syndrome: A rare genetic condition causing developmental delays, unique cognitive profiles, and strong social personalities, often with heart problems and distinctive facial features.