Common terms we use in the autistic community.

Let's talk characteristics of autism - here are some common terms that you'll often hear me refer to in therapy sessions... this list is an intro only, and certainly not exhaustive- just a little taste-tester. I have tried to write them in the most succinct and easy way to understand!

AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Methods to communicate without speaking, using tools (like devices) or gestures (like sign language).

Ableism

Discrimination Against Disabilities: Prejudice against disabled individuals, rooted in the belief that typical abilities are superior, and disabilities need fixing. I also often talk about internalised ableism too...

Alexithymia

Emotion Identification Challenges: Difficulty in recognising and expressing emotions due to neurological differences.

Assistive Technology (AT)

Supportive Devices for Disabilities: Tools and equipment designed to aid disabled individuals in communication, learning, and daily activities.

AuDHD (or ‘an auDHDer’)

Autistic and ADHD: Describes an individual who is both Autistic and has ADHD, neurotypes that very commonly co-occur, like me!

Authenticity

Being True to Oneself: Acting and communicating in ways that align with one’s true identity, free from masking.

Burnout (Autistic)

Exhaustion from Overwhelm: Intense physical, mental, or emotional fatigue due to prolonged stress living in a world that is not yet fully supportive and respectful of us

Camouflaging

Hiding Autistic Traits: Also known as masking, it involves concealing our Autistic selves to fit into social norms.

Double Empathy Problem

Reciprocity Issues in Understanding: mutual misunderstandings between Autistic and non-Autistic people are due to a disconnect in empathy, not a lack of empathy in Autistics.

DSM-5-TR

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (revised): A manual used by mental health professionals for ‘diagnosing’ conditions, including Autism.

Executive Function

Cognitive management skills: Abilities to plan, organize, regulate emotions, and make decisions, often challenging for Autistic individuals, and those with ADHD

Flow

State of full absorption: Engaging in an activity with complete focus and enjoyment, losing track of time.

Functioning Labels

High/Low Functioning Terms: Describes levels of challenge in individuals; considered inadequate as functioning varies by context.

Hyperconnectivity

Increased Brain Connectivity: More connections within and between brain regions, explaining some Autistic experiences.

Hyperfocus

Intense Concentration: A state of being deeply absorbed in one activity or thought.

Hypersensitivity

Heightened Sensitivity to Stimuli: Overreaction to sensory inputs like bright lights or loud sounds.

Hyposensitivity

Reduced Sensitivity to Stimuli: Underreaction to sensory inputs.

Identity-First Language

Autistic Person vs. Person with Autism: Preferred by the Autistic community as it emphasizes Autism as part of our identity.

Infodumping

Sharing Detailed Information: Excitedly providing extensive details about a focused interest.

Masking

Concealing Autistic Traits: Internalising behaviours to fit social norms, often at the expense of one’s well-being.

Medical Model of Disability

Disability as a Personal Deficit: Views disabilities as issues to be fixed within the individual, focusing on impairments.

Meltdown

Involuntary Loss of Control: Intense reaction to overload or overwhelm, requiring empathy, not punishment. Please check in to see what we need, but don't demand anything of us.

Neurodiversity

Natural Brain Variations: The beautiful diversity in human brains, including neurotypes like Autism and ADHD.

Neurotype

Neurological Profile: An individual’s unique brain configuration, such as being Autistic or having ADHD.

Neurotypical

Typical Neurological Development: Describes those whose brain function is considered standard or within ‘normal’ limits (whatever that means!)

Neurodiverse

Group with Different Neurotypes: A community comprising individuals with various neurotypes.

Neurodivergent

Differing from Typical Neurology: Refers to individuals whose brain function deviates from the norm.

Neurokin

Shared Neuro-type Community: Individuals with the same neurotype, such as neurodivergent people. Also as in 'Neurokin Psychology', meaning I have the same neurotype as you!

Neurodivergent-Affirming Care

Supportive Therapeutic Approach: Therapy that respects and understands neurodivergence, tailored to individual needs- what I aim for at all times.

Parallel Play

Playing Side by Side: Engaging in activities alongside others without direct interaction, often preferred by Autistic individuals.

PDA

Persistent Demand (for) Autonomy: a drive for autonomy (not a pathological demand avoidance- an offensive term)

Proprioception

Body Position Awareness: The sense of body part positioning and movement in space.

RRBs

Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours: Diagnostic criteria for Autism involving repetitive actions or focused interests…. Often harder to pick up in late identified female neurotypes

Shutdowns

Internal Overload Response: Withdrawal or inaction in response to overwhelm, an internalised form of meltdown.

Special Interests (SPINs)

Intense Focus Areas: Strong passions or hobbies that are deeply engaging for Autistic individuals. Mine is cats!

Stimming

Self-Stimulatory Behaviour: Repetitive movements or sounds used for self-regulation, common in Autistic individuals..often can be subtle things we don't think of, like watching same movie, reading same book, etc.

Unmasking

Rediscovering True Self: Reconnecting with genuine interests and behaviours after ceasing to mask.

I hope this has been helpful for you.