Illustration of a young adult reading with books, candle and plants – Glossaries & Definitions Library

Glossaries & Definitions Library Aspie Answers A–Z

A calm, central place for clear definitions – across mental health, neurodivergence, learning differences and hidden disabilities – with versions that grow into printables, cards and study tools over time.

Language can either close doors or open them. This library is here to make big, complicated words feel softer, clearer and more usable in real life.

How to use this page

This hub gathers all of the Aspie Answers glossaries into one gentle, organised place. You can:

  • Skim the categories below and open the glossary that fits what you’re learning about.
  • Use the search bar to find a term, topic, or diagnosis you’re curious about.
  • Bookmark this page as your quick “What does that word mean?” library.
  • Download printable versions (as they’re released) for classrooms, homes and clinics.
Important: This library is for learning and support – not for diagnosis or crisis care. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number or a trusted crisis service straight away.

Search & filter the library

The search bar is here as a gentle starting point. You can search by topic (for example “mood disorders”, “sensory overload” or “ADHD masking”) and then choose a category that feels right.

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Browse by category
Mental health Neurodivergent Autism ADHD Hidden disabilities Learning differences Youth & teens Printables & study tools

Mental health glossaries

Core mental health terms, written in plain language – with a neurodivergent-friendly tone and examples where possible.

General Mental Health Glossary
Everyday terms you’re likely to see across the Aspie Answers mental health guides – diagnoses, therapies, and common phrases.
Mental health Plain language
Mood Disorders – A–Z Glossary
Key terms from the Mood Disorders Study Guide – including symptoms, treatments, and supportive language.
Mood disorders Teens & supporters
Eating Disorders – Study Guide Glossary
Definitions from the Eating Disorders guide – including medical terms, therapies and safer language to use.
Eating disorders Study guide
Therapies, Treatments & Supports
A mini glossary for therapy types, medications and support approaches that appear across different guides.
Therapies Treatments

Neurodivergent & autism glossaries

Language for autism, neurodivergence and lived experience – with space for both identity-first and person-first preferences.

Autism – Key Terms & Concepts
Terms used in the autism study guides and workbooks – traits, supports, sensory language, and common myths explained.
Autism Sensory
Neurodivergent Everyday Language
Words and phrases used across neurodivergent-friendly resources – masking, burnout, special interests, stimming and more.
Neurodivergent Lived experience

ADHD glossaries

Terms and phrases from the ADHD Study Guide and Workbook – with examples that make sense for teens, adults, parents and teachers.

ADHD – Study Guide Glossary
Diagnostic terms, traits, and everyday language around ADHD – including executive function, time blindness, rejection sensitivity and more.
ADHD Study guide
ADHD Workbook – Tools & Terms
Words used in worksheets and activities – self-regulation tools, coping strategies, communication hints and relationship language.
Worksheets Practical tools

Hidden & learning disabilities glossaries

Language around conditions that are often “invisible” – supporting understanding, advocacy and kinder conversations.

Hidden Disabilities – Key Terms
Glossary terms that support the Hidden Disabilities & Invisible Challenges hub – including access needs, accommodations and more.
Hidden disabilities Accessibility
Learning Disabilities & Differences
Key words for learning disabilities and differences – helpful for the Learning Disabilities Support & Education hubs.
Learning disabilities Education

Youth & teens glossaries

Youth-friendly language for mental health and neurodivergence – designed to sit alongside the Teens, Youth and School-based hubs.

Teens Mental Health – Key Terms
Terms that appear in the Teens Mental Health hub – explained in a way that feels gentle, respectful and easy to share with trusted adults.
Teens School & home
Youth & Young Adults – Study Terms
Glossary to match the Youth Mental Health resources – including study tools, work, friendships, identity and transition language.
Youth Transitions

Printables & study tools

As the guides and workbooks grow, some glossaries will be turned into printable cards, posters, worksheets and classroom tools.

Flashcards & Cue Cards
Simple, visual cards that define key terms – handy for classrooms, therapy, or at-home calm corners.
Flashcards Visual supports
Posters, Handouts & Study Sheets
One-page reference sheets and posters that summarise glossary terms for quick revision or staff / family training.
Posters Study sheets