Glossary of terms we use
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This glossary reflects ND AffirmEd’s commitment to neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed and rights-based language.
Language matters. The words we use shape expectations, access, safety and belonging.
Neurodiversity
The natural variation in human brains, minds and nervous systems. Neurodiversity includes autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, Tourette, gifted, and neurotypical people and more.
Neurodiversity is a fact of humanity - not a disorder.
Neurodivergent
A term describing people whose neurotype differs from dominant societal norms (neuronormativity). This includes (but is not limited to) autism, ADHD, AuDHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, bipolar.
Neurodivergent is an identity descriptor, not a diagnosis.
Neurotypical
A person whose neurological development and processing align with dominant cultural expectations.
Neurotypical does not mean “better” - only more socially accommodated.
Neuroaffirming
An approach that recognises neurodivergent traits as natural human variation, not deficits to be corrected.
Neuroaffirming practice:
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does not aim to normalise behaviour
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does not prioritise compliance
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respects identity and autonomy
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focuses on environmental fit and access
Masking
The conscious or unconscious suppression of natural neurodivergent traits in order to stay safe, avoid harm, or gain acceptance.
Masking may include:
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copying social behaviours
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forcing eye contact
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hiding stimming
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scripting conversations
Masking is a survival strategy - not deception.
Unmasking
The process of reducing or changing masking behaviours when safety, support and capacity allow.
Unmasking is:
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non-linear
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contextual
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choice-based
Unmasking is not required for acceptance.
Fawning
A trauma-based survival response involving people-pleasing, appeasing others, or prioritising others’ needs to maintain safety.
Fawning is not manipulation or lack of boundaries — it is a nervous system response.
Autistic Burnout
A state of chronic exhaustion, loss of skills and reduced tolerance caused by prolonged stress, masking and lack of support.
Autistic burnout is not depression or laziness, and recovery requires environmental change - not pushing harder.
Regulation
The ability of the nervous system to maintain or return to a state of safety and stability.
Regulation is influenced by:
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sensory input
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stress load
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predictability
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access to supports
Behaviour is often communication about regulation.
Sensory Processing
The way the nervous system receives, interprets and responds to sensory information.
Sensory differences may include heightened, reduced or fluctuating responses and vary across environments and energy levels.
Sensory Overload
A state where incoming sensory information exceeds nervous system capacity.
Overload is neurological - not emotional misbehaviour - and may lead to shutdown or meltdown.
Shutdown
A nervous system response characterised by withdrawal, reduced speech, limited movement or dissociation.
Shutdown is not refusal or disengagement - it is a protective response.
Meltdown
An involuntary loss of regulation caused by overwhelm.
Meltdowns are not tantrums or behavioural choices.
Stimming
Self-regulating movements or sounds that support emotional and sensory regulation.
Examples include rocking, hand movements, humming or fidgeting.
Stimming is healthy and should not be suppressed unless it causes harm.
Access Needs
Supports or adjustments required for equitable participation.
Access needs are not preferences - they are rights.
Reasonable Adjustments
Changes to environments, systems or expectations that reduce barriers for disabled people.
Adjustments improve access, they do not provide unfair advantage.
Executive Function
Cognitive processes involved in planning, initiating, organising, switching tasks and managing energy.
Executive functioning fluctuates and is heavily influenced by stress and sensory load.
Disability
A natural part of human diversity that arises when environments, systems and attitudes fail to accommodate difference.
Disability is not located solely within the person.
Lived Experience
Knowledge gained through direct personal experience, particularly of marginalisation or disability.
Lived experience is expertise.
Trauma-Informed Practice
An approach that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and prioritises safety, choice, collaboration and empowerment.
Trauma-informed practice avoids re-traumatisation.
Environmental Fit
The alignment between a person’s needs and their environment.
Challenges often arise from poor fit, not individual incapacity.
Identity-First Language
Language that places identity before diagnosis (e.g. “autistic person”).
Many neurodivergent people prefer identity-first language, though individual choice should always be respected.
Person-Centred
An approach that prioritises autonomy, dignity, consent and individual choice.
Being person-centred includes respecting neurodivergent communication styles and boundaries.
Strengths-Based
An approach that recognises abilities, interests and adaptive skills alongside support needs, without denying disability.
Strengths-based does not mean ignoring challenges.
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Language evolves.
ND AffirmEd commits to ongoing reflection, learning and accountability in the words we use.
If you encounter language on our website that does not feel affirming, we welcome respectful feedback.
ND AffirmEd - affirming neurodivergent identity, strengthening systems, and supporting meaningful inclusion.