autism
Social processing difference
Autism is a neurological condition characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behavior or interests.
It exists on a spectrum, meaning autistic people vary widely in how the condition affects them—some need significant daily support while others live independently with few accommodations.
The clinical term is autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though many in the autistic community reject framing it as a disorder.
My son was diagnosed with autism at age three.
She's autistic and advocates for neurodiversity acceptance.
Repetitive self-regulatory behavior
- echolaliaInvoluntary repetition of speech
- hyperfocusIntense prolonged single-task concentration
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- repetitiveMarked by recurrence
nonverbal · meltdown · shutdown · overload · detail-oriented · synesthesia · savant · systemizing
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- inclusionBeing made part
- identityWho someone is
advocacy · empowerment · accommodation · accessibility · differences · uniqueness · individuality · self-advocacy
Exchanging ideas or information
- body-languagePhysical signals conveying meaning
- turn-takingAlternating speaker roles
- reciprocityMutual exchange of actions
- conversationExchange of spoken ideas
friendship · isolation · peers · intonation · gestures · masking · scripting · small-talk
Systematic development of mind
- understandingMental comprehension of something
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- destigmatizationRemoving social shame
- AprilYear's fourth month
campaign · allies · outreach · representation · media · disclosure · workplace · school
Curative mental treatment
- interventionPurposeful involvement to change course
- occupationalRelated to one's work
- ABALawyers' professional body
- accommodationShelter or housing provided
IEP · sensory-friendly · AAC · respite · caregiver · floortime · regulation · advocacy
Formal evaluation of worth
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- evaluationDetermining worth or quality
- DSMPsychiatric classification manual
- criteriaStandards for judgment
pediatrician · psychologist · diagnostician · clinical · signs · symptoms · checklist · neuropsychological
stimming
Repetitive self-regulatory behavior
- echolaliaInvoluntary repetition of speech
- hyperfocusIntense prolonged single-task concentration
- routineRegular sequence of actions
repetitive · nonverbal · meltdown · shutdown · overload · detail-oriented · synesthesia · savant · systemizing · infodumping
neurodivergent
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- inclusionBeing made part
identity · advocacy · empowerment · accommodation · accessibility · differences · uniqueness · individuality · self-advocacy · masking
communication
Exchanging ideas or information
- body-languagePhysical signals conveying meaning
- turn-takingAlternating speaker roles
- reciprocityMutual exchange of actions
conversation · friendship · isolation · peers · intonation · gestures · masking · scripting · small-talk · misunderstanding
education
Systematic development of mind
- understandingMental comprehension of something
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- destigmatizationRemoving social shame
April · campaign · allies · outreach · representation · media · disclosure · workplace · school · resources
therapy
Curative mental treatment
- interventionPurposeful involvement to change course
- occupationalRelated to one's work
- ABALawyers' professional body
accommodation · IEP · sensory-friendly · AAC · respite · caregiver · floortime · regulation · advocacy
assessment
Formal evaluation of worth
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- evaluationDetermining worth or quality
- DSMPsychiatric classification manual
criteria · pediatrician · psychologist · diagnostician · clinical · signs · symptoms · checklist · neuropsychological · confirmation
- Child Healthcheckups, immunizations, vaccinations, well-child visits, growth charts
- disabilitydisability rights, disability culture, disability activism, disability services, disability identity
- medical termsdiagnosis, disorder, surgery, disease, illness
- Childhood Conditionsasthma, diabetes, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy
- Disabilitiesblind, paralysis, vision loss, developmental disability, hearing impairment
- disability servicesdisability benefits, disability services, disability allowance, disability advocacy, disability payments
- autism supportAid for developmental differences
- autism spectrum disorderNeurodevelopmental condition affecting interaction
- autism spectrumRange of neurodevelopmental conditions
- autism awarenessMovement promoting neurodevelopmental understanding
- autistic spectrumNeurodevelopmental diagnosis range
- autistic personSomeone neurologically atypical