G2e Jargon - Terms and Definitions
Part 1 of 2
By Marnina Kammersell
AAC - Augmentative and alternative communication, such as tablets, devices, paper-based books, picture boards, and apps to support unreliable speech, minimally-speaking and non-speaking people with communication
Ableism - The belief that able-bodied and neuronormative ways of moving, communicating, behaving, and existing are superior. Most people are unaware of their ableism, since it stems from the idea that there is a “gold standard” of human existence that we should aspire to be (independent, income producing, etc.)
ADHD - ADHD is a specific neurotype of novelty-seekers who are driven by interest and autonomy. An ADHD person may be referred to as an “ADHDer,” to avoid the medical model language and perspective of “having” ADHD.
Allistic - Not autistic (not necessarily neurotypical, though)
AuDHD - An abbreviation for someone who is both Autistic and ADHD. People who are AuDHD describe a push and pull internal experience, like doing something spontaneous because you are bored, then having a meltdown because it was too spontaneous; or setting us systems to create structure, then finding the structure stifling and getting rid of them all.
Autistic - Autistic people are highly sensitive individuals with hyper-connected brains which are driven by interest and autonomy. They usually experience significant sensory differences and may be hyper- or hypo- aware of stimuli.
Burnout - The result of built-up stress, anxiety, masking, and having to navigate a world not designed for you
Co-regulation - Providing a steady, calm presence and cues of safety to soothe someone else’s nervous system and help them return to a regulated state
Disability - there are many different ways to understand disability. The medical model of disability can be understood via the definition in the Americans with Disabilities Act, “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual.” In contrast, the social model of disability argues that impairment does not lie in the disabled individual, but rather in societal barriers or social attitudes. The affirmative model of disability has been called the “non-tragedy view of disability” and seeks to highlight positive social and collective identities of disabled people, while also acknowledging the challenges of disability.
Dyscalculia - a neurodifference that presents as difficulty in the area of mathematics. Dyscalculia is not yet well studied or understood. The formal term for dyscalculia is “specific learning disability in mathematics.”
Dysgraphia - a neurodifference that presents as difficulty with writing. There are a variety of challenges with writing that can be lumped under the label “dysgraphia,” ranging from writing difficulty stemming from motor planning challenges to writing difficulty related to being a non-linear thinker and the related challenge of getting thoughts onto paper. Dysgraphic individuals are often, but not always, also dyslexic (and in 2e kids, it often shows as “stealth dyslexia”). The formal term for dysgraphia is “specific learning disability in written expression.”
Dyslexia - a neurodifference that presents challenges in reading, writing, and spelling, but also comes with unique strengths such as spatial reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. The formal term for dyslexia is “specific learning disability in reading.” (see also, Stealth Dyslexia).
Executive Function - a set of cognitive skills that help one to regulate and control thoughts and actions, similar to an “executive” who is helping to make decisions in the brain. Executive Function includes planning, working memory, attention, problem solving, cognitive flexibility, initiation, and monitoring of tasks.
Functioning labels - High/low functioning labels are harmful and do not reflect the reality of dynamic needs and abilities which fluctuate over time. They are often used to invalidate support needs for those who are “high functioning” or to deny autonomy for those who are “low functioning.” Instead, neuro-affirming language and thinking refers to the specific support needs of each individual.
Gifted - we’ll have to go back to the classic Columbus Group (1991) definition here, “giftedness is asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. This asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity.”
Identity-first language - Referring to someone as “Autistic” or as “an ADHDer” rather than “person with autism/ADHD.” Identity vs. person-first language is controversial, and the language preferences of a specific neurodivergent person should always be respected. However, when Autistic people are surveyed, identity-first language is overwhelmingly preferred and should be the default when referring to Autistic people.
Infodumping - when someone gives an intricately detailed summary of their topic of interest in single stream communication. Infodumping is more common among Autistic people and is considered a part of Autistic culture.
Intense Interest - a passionate interest in a certain topic or activity, intense interests are common among 2e people. Intense interests are sometimes called “special interests” or SPINS, though some people consider this to be infantilizing language.
Masking- The conscious or unconscious act of suppressing natural traits and behaviors in order to fit in. Masking is discussed particularly often within the Autistic community, and Autistic masking is significant in that being Autistic impacts every aspect of one’s life. Masking can happen in other contexts and for other neurotypes as well, for example, when someone with dyslexia finds ways to avoid reading aloud or memorizes books or passages.
Meltdowns - An internal and/or external loss of control stemming from demands, stress, over/understimulation, disruption, or overwhelming emotions. A meltdown is not a tantrum
Neuro-affirming or Neurodiversity-affirming - Supporting and embracing diverse learning and communication styles of individuals with different neurotypes
Neurodivergent (ND) - A person whose neurotype diverges from the established “norm” may be called a neurodivergent person. This umbrella term includes autism, ADHD, bipolar, dyslexia, dysgraphic, dyscalculia, OCD, complex trauma (PTSD), and a wide range of other neurological divergences. Globally, there are more neurodivergent people than there are people who fit within the window of what is considered “neurotypical” or “neuronormative,” since that is based on narrow cultural expectations.
Neurodiverse - Neurodiverse refers to a group of people of varying neurotypes. You could use the word “neurodiverse” to refer to a group of people that includes autistic people, neurotypical people, ADHD people, etc.
Neurodiversity - the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, or behaving.
Neurokin - People who share one’s neurotype are considered to be one’s “neurokin.”
Neuronormative - Practices and expectations which assume or impose neurotypical standards, or focus on privileging the neurotypical over the neurodiverse
Neurotypical (NT) - A person who does not experience a significant disconnect between their needs and ways of being, and the expectations in their society, may be called “neurotypical.”
Neurotype - an individual's specific neurological makeup and how their brain functions, including their cognitive strengths, challenges, and communication preferences. Specifically, people discuss having an Autistic, ADHD, or AuDHD neurotype.
OT - Occupational Therapy/Therapist
PDA - Pathological Demand Avoidance, or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, is a particular profile of Autistic people who experience a survival-level instinct towards autonomy and freedom. PDA can be understood through the lens of a nervous system disability. People with a PDA profile have very sensitive threat detection systems (neuroception) which regularly detect threats where others do not, leading to frequent fight-or-flight behaviors. Low-demand environments help PDAers feel safe.
Person-first language - Referring to someone as a “person with autism/ADHD” rather than as an “Autistic person” or “ADHDer.” Identity vs. person-first language is controversial, and the language preferences of a specific neurodivergent person should always be respected. Person first language has been considered more respectful within the disability community in recent years, and many professionals including educators and doctors have been taught to use person first language. However, when Autistic people are surveyed, identity-first language is overwhelmingly preferred and should be the default when referring to Autistic people.
PT - Physical Therapy
Sensory Friendly - An event or space deliberately designed to avoid excessive stimulation, especially auditory or visual stimulation; for instance, a performance where the lights are dim, music is played at a lower volume, or audience size is limited to avoid crowding
Special Interests, or SPINs - things that spark joy, often used in the context of monotropic people. See Intense Interests.
Stealth Dyslexia - a term used to describe individuals who experience common patterns of dyslexic mind strengths and challenges, yet have average to well above average reading abilities. Stealth dyslexia is much more common in 2e individuals who are able to use their advanced intellectual abilities to identify patterns in language and compensate for challenges in phonological processing (hearing and manipulating sounds in spoken language). Kids with stealth dyslexia often have challenges with spelling, rhyming, and writing.
Stimming - Short for “self-stimulatory behavior,” stimming refers to engaging in repetitive motions or actions to regulate one’s sensory and emotional input. It can include any type of repetition to help regulate and express emotions, communicate, understand, distract, or just for fun. Some examples include twirling hair, tapping a foot, rocking, pacing, looking at or manipulating a preferred object, spinning, vocalizing, listening to music, and more.
