This glossary explains words often used in conversations about neurodiversity — things like autism, ADHD, masking, stimming, sensory overload, and more.
Language can change over time and people may prefer different terms. This page offers gentle starting points, not strict rules.
A gentle reminder
You are allowed to explore these words in your own time. Some may feel empowering, others may not fit you — and that is okay.
“Your way of thinking is not wrong — it is yours.”
Tip: Use the A–Z bar or search box to find terms quickly.
A
Letter A
Autism
A neurotype (way of thinking, sensing, and processing) that can influence communication, social interaction, interests, and sensory experiences. It is a natural part of human diversity. Example: “My autism means I notice patterns and details that others might miss.”
A neurotype that can affect focus, impulse control, energy levels, and time-sense. It often includes creativity, curiosity, and strong interests. Example: “My ADHD makes long meetings hard, so I use movement breaks and notes.”
D
Letter D
Divergent Thinking
Thinking in many possible directions, often generating lots of ideas or connections. Example: “Divergent thinking helps me brainstorm creative solutions.”
E
Letter E
Executive Function
Skills that help you start tasks, plan steps, organise things, switch attention, and manage time. Many neurodivergent people find this area challenging. Example: “Timers and checklists support my executive function.”
H
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Hyperfocus
Deep, intense focus on a topic or activity, often for a long time, sometimes losing track of time or other tasks. Example: “I hyperfocus on my special interests and can work for hours.”
M
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Masking
Hiding or changing parts of yourself (like your movements, interests, or communication style) to feel safer or more accepted. Example: “Masking all day at work is exhausting, so I plan quiet time to recover.”
Meltdown
An intense response to overwhelm (often sensory, emotional, or cognitive) where the nervous system is overloaded. It is not a tantrum or a choice. Example: “Loud crowds can push me into meltdown; having an exit plan helps.”
N
Letter N
Neurodiversity
The idea that different brain types (autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and more) are a natural part of human diversity, not problems to “fix”. Example: “Neurodiversity reminds us that there is no one ‘right’ way for a brain to be.”
Neurodivergent (ND)
A word some people use to describe having a brain that differs from what is typically expected (for example, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s, and others). Example: “I identify as neurodivergent and autistic.”
Neurotypical (NT)
Describes people whose brains and behaviours generally match what society expects as “typical”. Example: “Most of my family are neurotypical; I’m the only one with ADHD.”
O
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Overload (Sensory or Cognitive)
When too much input (noise, light, tasks, social info, decisions) hits at once and the brain struggles to process it all. Example: “After the busy supermarket, I needed quiet time to recover from overload.”
R
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Routine
Regular patterns in your day that can bring predictability and calm. Many neurodivergent people rely on routines to feel safe. Example: “My morning routine helps me start the day with less stress.”
S
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Sensory Profile
The unique way your body and brain respond to sounds, lights, textures, tastes, smells, and movement. Example: “My sensory profile means bright lights and scratchy fabrics are hard for me.”
Stimming (Self-Stimulatory Behaviour)
Repetitive movements or sounds that help with regulation, comfort, or expression (e.g., flapping, rocking, tapping, humming). Example: “I stim with my hands when I’m excited or need to calm down.”
Special Interests
Deep, focused interests that bring joy, comfort, and motivation. Often seen in autistic and other neurodivergent people. Example: “My special interest in trains helps me relax and connect with others online.”
X
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“X-ray Vision” (Metaphor)
A playful way some people describe noticing patterns, details, or social dynamics that others might miss. Example: “My ‘x-ray vision’ for patterns helps me in my job, even though noise is hard.”
Thank you for learning with care
If this page helped, you might also like the other glossaries in this series.
