While many of the abbreviations and terms I use in my writing are fairly common in the neurodivergent community, some of my readers might not be familiar with them. If this is you, I hope this list proves helpful!

Common Words Used In My Posts

ADHD: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning and overall well-being. It commonly manifests during childhood and may persist into adulthood.

Autism: Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Individuals with autism may have unique strengths and challenges in areas such as social skills, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that the characteristics and severity can vary widely among individuals.

AuDHD: AuDHD is a term used to describe individuals who have both autism and ADHD. It signifies the co-occurrence of these two neurodevelopmental conditions. AuDHD can also refer to the presence of traits or characteristics associated with both autism and ADHD in a person, even if they don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for both conditions.

Neurodivergent: Neurodivergent is an inclusive term that encompasses individuals whose neurological development and functioning diverge from the societal norms often referred to as “neurotypical.” It acknowledges and celebrates the natural variations in cognition, perception, and behavior. Neurodivergent individuals include those with conditions such as autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), dyslexia, and other neurodiverse expressions.

Mask or Masking: In the context of neurodiversity, “mask” or “masking” refers to the act of consciously or unconsciously concealing or suppressing one’s natural neurodivergent traits and behaviors in order to fit into social expectations or norms. It involves adopting coping mechanisms, imitating neurotypical behaviors, or camouflaging one’s true self to navigate social situations more smoothly. Masking can be both a survival strategy and a source of internal conflict, as it may require significant effort and lead to feelings of disconnection or inauthenticity. It is commonly associated with conditions like autism and ADHD, where individuals may mask their true nature to conform to societal expectations.

Ableism: Ableism refers to the systemic discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion faced by individuals with disabilities. It is a belief system that devalues and marginalizes people based on their physical, sensory, cognitive, or developmental differences. Ableism can manifest in various forms, such as inaccessible environments, negative stereotypes, and unequal treatment, hindering the full participation and inclusion of disabled individuals in society.

Ableist: An ableist is someone who holds or exhibits ableism, consciously or unconsciously. They may harbor prejudiced beliefs or engage in actions that discriminate against or devalue people with disabilities. Ableist attitudes can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, reinforce barriers, and undermine the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. It is important to challenge and unlearn ableism to promote a more inclusive and equitable society.

Allistic: The term allistic refers to individuals who are not on the autism spectrum. It is used to describe people who have neurotypical patterns of thought, behavior, and communication. Allistic individuals typically do not experience the social, sensory, and cognitive differences associated with autism spectrum conditions. Understanding and acknowledging neurodiversity, including the experiences of both autistic and allistic individuals, fosters a more inclusive and accepting society.

Neurotypical: Neurotypical refers to individuals who have typical or “normal” patterns of neurological development. It is commonly used to describe people who do not have conditions or variations such as autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent traits. Neurotypical individuals often exhibit typical social skills, cognitive abilities, and communication styles as expected by societal norms. Recognizing neurodiversity and respecting the experiences of both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals helps create a more inclusive and understanding community.

Alexithymia: Alexithymia is a psychological term that refers to a difficulty or inability to identify, describe, and express one’s own emotions. People with alexithymia often struggle to understand and articulate their feelings, as well as recognize emotions in others. The term comes from the Greek words “alexis,” meaning “lack,” and “thymos,” meaning “emotion” or “soul.”

Key characteristics of alexithymia include: difficulty identifying emotions, limited emotional imagery, externally oriented thinking, difficulty describing feelings, impaired emotional regulation