Glossary
Neurotypical, Autism Spectrum Condition, Neurodivergent, Aspergers, Allistic - there are many complicated sounding words that surround autism. Here are their meanings.
What is "Neurodiversity"?
Neurodiversity means that there is a range of ways our brains work because how we humans think and perceive the world varies naturally.
These different ways are called cognitive styles.
What does "Allistic" mean?
This is anyone who is not autistic.
What does “Neurotypical” mean?
A neurotypical person has a cognitive style that functions within the societal
standards of “normal” or most common.
What does "Neurodivergent" mean?
A person who has a cognitive style that functions differently from the societal standards of “normal” or most common.
What does Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) mean?
A more clinical way of saying autistic.
Uses the term “Condition” to imply that autism is a difference.
What does Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) mean?
A more clinical way of saying autistic.
Uses the term “Disorder” to imply that autism is an illness.
This term is most commonly used by doctors.
What is Social Masking?
This is where an autistic person acts in ways others might
consider “normal” in order to be accepted by them.
It can also be referred to as passing or camouflaging.
See our video: Social Masking
What is “Person-first Language”?
These are terms such as “person with autism".
This language is used by people who don’t consider autism to be part of an individual’s identity.
They believe “Person-first Language,” emphasises that someone is a person before they’re autistic.
See our video below.
What is “Identity-first Language”?
These are terms such as “autistic” or “autistic person”.
This language is used by people who consider autism to be an inherent
part of an individual’s identity - similar to how someone might refer to
themselves as “Gay,” “Muslim,” or “African-American”.