A–Z Reference
Neurodiversity Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms, acronyms and abbreviations you'll encounter when navigating NHS pathways, SEND processes and UK benefits systems — from ADHD and EHCP to PIP and stimming.
Showing all 46 terms.
A
- ABA Applied Behaviour Analysis
- A therapy based on learning and behaviour principles, sometimes used with autistic people. ABA is controversial within the autistic community — many autistic-led organisations oppose it due to concerns that it prioritises compliance and "normalisation" over the child's wellbeing and identity.
- ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by difficulties with attention, impulse control and (in some presentations) hyperactivity. In the UK, children are usually diagnosed via CAMHS or a paediatrician; adults via a psychiatrist or specialist ADHD service. ADHD presents differently in different people — including a predominantly inattentive type often missed in girls and women.
- Annual Review
- A mandatory yearly review of a child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Schools must hold one and invite the parents, the young person, and any relevant professionals. The Local Authority must then decide within four weeks whether to maintain, amend or cease the EHCP. Missing an Annual Review can be challenged.
- ASC / ASD Autism Spectrum Condition / Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Two terms for the same diagnosis. "Condition" (ASC) is increasingly preferred by autistic people and many UK clinicians as it is less pathologising than "Disorder" (ASD). Both describe a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference affecting how a person communicates, interacts socially and processes the world. Every autistic person is different.
C
- CAMHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
- NHS mental health services for children and young people up to age 18 (sometimes 25 for those with SEND in transition). CAMHS is involved in diagnosing and supporting autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression and other conditions. Waiting times across the UK are often extremely long — sometimes 18 months or more.
- CDC Child Development Centre
- An NHS service that assesses and supports children with developmental needs. Often the first port of call after a GP referral for a possible autism or developmental delay diagnosis in younger children. Services vary significantly by area.
- Co-occurring Conditions
- Conditions that exist alongside each other in the same person. Autism and ADHD frequently co-occur, as do autism and anxiety, dyslexia and dyspraxia, and ADHD and RSD. The older medical term "comorbidity" is still used in clinical settings, but many in the neurodivergent community prefer "co-occurring" as it is less negative in tone.
D
- DCD Developmental Coordination Disorder
- Also commonly known as dyspraxia. A condition affecting physical coordination, making movement appear clumsy or effortful. Can also affect planning, organisation and memory. DCD often co-occurs with ADHD, autism and dyslexia. Diagnosed by an Occupational Therapist or paediatrician.
- DLA Disability Living Allowance
- A non-means-tested benefit for disabled children under 16 to help with extra care or mobility needs. DLA has two components: Care and Mobility. It is not taxable and does not affect most other benefits. When a child turns 16, DLA is replaced by PIP. Many families of neurodivergent children are entitled to DLA but are unaware of it.
- Double Empathy Problem
- A theory proposed by autistic researcher Dr Damian Milton, arguing that communication difficulties between autistic and non-autistic people are a two-way problem. Both groups find it equally hard to understand each other — it is not a deficit belonging only to the autistic person. This challenges older models that placed all communicative responsibility on autistic people.
- DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition
- A classification system published by the American Psychiatric Association, widely used in UK clinical practice. Under DSM-5, Asperger's syndrome and PDD-NOS were merged into the single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. A revised DSM-5-TR was published in 2022, and it is used alongside ICD-11 in NHS settings.
- Dyscalculia
- A specific learning difficulty affecting understanding and use of numbers and arithmetic. Often described as the maths equivalent of dyslexia. Less widely recognised and assessed than dyslexia, but equally valid. Can affect everyday tasks involving money, time and sequences.
- Dyslexia
- A learning difference primarily affecting reading, spelling and writing. Dyslexic individuals typically have strengths in creative thinking and problem-solving, and average or above-average intelligence. Recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Formal assessment is usually carried out by an educational psychologist.
E
- EHC Needs Assessment Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment
- The formal process by which a Local Authority decides whether a child or young person requires an EHCP. Parents, schools, colleges or the young person (if over 16) can request one. The LA has six weeks to decide whether to assess. If they agree, the whole process must be completed within 20 weeks. Refusal to assess can be appealed at SEND Tribunal.
- EHCP Education, Health and Care Plan
- A legal document for children and young people aged 0–25 with significant SEND who need more support than a school can provide from its own resources. An EHCP describes the child's needs, the outcomes to be achieved, and the specific provision that must be made — which is legally enforceable. Section F of an EHCP (provision) must be specific, detailed and quantified.
- Executive Function
- A set of cognitive skills including working memory, flexible thinking, planning, organising, initiating tasks and self-regulation. Difficulties with executive function are very common in ADHD and autism, and can affect daily life significantly — from managing homework and routines to time-keeping and emotional regulation.
H
- Hypersensitivity / Hyposensitivity
- Hypersensitivity means being over-sensitive to sensory input — e.g. finding certain sounds, textures, lights or smells overwhelming. Hyposensitivity means being under-sensitive and seeking out stronger sensory input. Both are common in autism and ADHD, and are now included in DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism. Also referred to as sensory processing differences.
I
- ICD-11 International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision
- The World Health Organisation's global standard for health condition classification. Widely used across NHS services. Under ICD-11, autism is classified as "Autism Spectrum Disorder" and ADHD as "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder". Used alongside DSM-5 in UK diagnostic practice.
- IEP Individual Education Plan
- An older term (largely replaced by SEN Support Plans and EHCPs after the Children and Families Act 2014) for a document outlining a child's learning needs and the support to be provided. Some schools continue to use this terminology informally for children receiving SEN Support (previously called School Action/School Action Plus).
L
- LA Local Authority
- The local government body responsible for education and social care in your area. The LA is legally responsible for issuing and maintaining EHCPs, consulting on school placements, and providing SEND services. It is also the body named in SEND Tribunal appeals. Examples include Birmingham City Council, Essex County Council, and Leeds City Council.
M
- Masking / Camouflaging
- The conscious or unconscious suppression of autistic or ADHD traits in order to appear neurotypical. This can include mimicking social behaviours, scripting conversations, maintaining eye contact despite discomfort, and suppressing stimming. Masking is mentally exhausting and is strongly associated with burnout, anxiety and depression. It is more prevalent in women and girls, contributing to significant rates of late or missed diagnosis.
- Meltdown
- An intense, often involuntary response to overwhelming sensory, emotional or situational stress — common in autistic people and those with ADHD. Unlike a tantrum, a meltdown is not a deliberate behaviour and is not within the person's control in the moment. It may involve crying, shouting, physical responses or complete loss of verbal communication. The person is often exhausted and distressed afterwards.
- Monotropism
- A theory of autism proposing that autistic people tend to direct attention intensely onto a small number of interests or tasks at one time. Developed by autistic researchers Dinah Murray, Mike Lesser and Wenn Lawson. Monotropism is now widely embraced within the autistic community as a positive explanatory framework for many autistic experiences, including special interests, flow states and transitions.
N
- Neurodivergent
- A person whose neurological development or functioning differs from what is considered standard or typical. This includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome, and other conditions. The term was coined by Kassiane Asasumasu. Being neurodivergent is not inherently a disorder — it describes a different way of thinking and experiencing the world.
- Neurodiversity
- The concept that variation in human neurological development and function is a natural part of human diversity. The term was coined by sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s. The neurodiversity paradigm recognises conditions like autism and ADHD as differences rather than deficits — while still acknowledging that individuals may need significant support.
- Neurotypical (NT)
- A person whose neurological development falls within what is considered typical for the general population. Often abbreviated to NT. Used as a contrast to neurodivergent. Neither term implies superiority — they simply describe different neurological profiles.
- NICE National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- The UK body that produces evidence-based clinical guidelines for health and social care. NICE guidelines for autism (NG142, NG228) and ADHD (NG87) set the standards NHS services should follow for diagnosis, assessment and management. You can reference NICE guidelines when advocating for assessment or treatment.
O
- OT Occupational Therapist / Occupational Therapy
- A healthcare professional who helps people develop, recover or maintain the skills needed for daily life and participation. For neurodivergent children and adults, OT often focuses on sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, self-care skills and school or workplace participation. OT assessments and provision are commonly included in EHCPs.
P
- PDA Pathological Demand Avoidance / Pervasive Drive for Autonomy
- A profile associated with autism, characterised by an extreme drive to avoid everyday demands and expectations, often using social strategies such as distraction, negotiation or role play to do so. "Pervasive Drive for Autonomy" is increasingly preferred by many in the community. PDA is not currently a formal diagnosis in DSM-5 or ICD-11 but is widely recognised by UK clinicians and in EHCP contexts.
- PIP Personal Independence Payment
- A UK benefit for adults aged 16–64 (being extended to 66 for some) who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. PIP is not means-tested, not taxable and does not depend on National Insurance contributions. It has two components: Daily Living and Mobility. Many autistic adults and those with ADHD qualify for PIP but face challenging assessments. Refusals can be appealed via Mandatory Reconsideration and then Tribunal.
- Proprioception
- The body's internal sense of its own position and movement in space — sometimes called the "body awareness sense". Proprioceptive difficulties are common in autism and DCD, and can affect balance, coordination and spatial awareness. Some people seek proprioceptive input through heavy work, tight clothing or weighted blankets.
R
- RSD Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
- An intense, often overwhelming emotional response to perceived or actual rejection, criticism or failure. Strongly associated with ADHD. RSD can cause extreme emotional pain that is disproportionate to the situation and may be mistaken for mood disorders such as borderline personality disorder. First described clinically by Dr William Dodson.
S
- SALT / SLT Speech and Language Therapy / Therapist
- A healthcare professional who assesses and treats communication differences and difficulties — including speech sounds, language understanding and expression, social communication, and (in some cases) eating and swallowing. SALT is frequently written into Section F of an EHCP as required provision for autistic children and those with language needs.
- SEMH Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- One of the four areas of SEND need in the English SEND Code of Practice. Children with SEMH needs may have conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, attachment difficulties or trauma that significantly affect their learning and behaviour. Schools must have plans in place to support SEMH needs.
- SEND Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- The umbrella term used in England and Wales for children and young people who have a learning difficulty or disability that makes it harder for them to learn than most children their age. Governed by the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015. SEND covers four broad areas: Communication and Interaction, Cognition and Learning, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, and Sensory/Physical.
- SENCo / SENDCo Special Educational Needs (and Disabilities) Coordinator
- A qualified teacher in every school in England with responsibility for coordinating SEND support. The SENCo is usually the main contact for parents about a child's SEN support or EHCP. Since September 2023, all new SENCos must complete the National Professional Qualification for SENCOs (NPQ SENCO) within 3 years of appointment.
- Sensory Processing
- The way the brain receives, organises and responds to sensory information from the environment and the body (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, proprioception, vestibular). Sensory processing differences are very common in autism and ADHD, and are now included in the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism. Support may be provided by an occupational therapist.
- Shutdown
- An internal withdrawal response to overload, in which a person becomes non-verbal, unresponsive or very quiet. Unlike a meltdown (which is more externally visible), a shutdown is inward. Both are involuntary responses to overwhelm. Shutdowns can last minutes or hours, and the person is often exhausted and needs rest and reduced demands afterwards.
- Spoon Theory
- A metaphor created by Christine Miserandino to describe the limited energy available to people with chronic illness or disability. Each activity "costs" spoons (units of energy), and when they run out, they cannot be replenished quickly. Widely used in the neurodivergent community to explain fatigue, executive function difficulties and capacity limits to others.
- Stimming Self-stimulatory Behaviour
- Repetitive movements, sounds or actions that help regulate the nervous system — such as hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, humming, or repeating phrases. Stimming is a natural and often necessary self-regulation tool for autistic people and those with ADHD. Suppressing stimming (e.g. through masking or ABA therapy) can cause significant emotional and psychological harm.
T
- SEND Tribunal Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal
- An independent tribunal where parents or young people can appeal a Local Authority's decisions about EHCPs — including refusal to assess, refusal to issue, or disagreement about the named school or provision. Appeals are free to lodge. Parents win around 90% of cases that reach a full hearing, though many are resolved by consent before that stage.
- Transition (SEND)
- The planned process of moving between stages of education, or from children's to adult services. For young people with EHCPs, transition planning must begin at Year 9 (age 13–14). EHCPs can remain in place until age 25 if the young person remains in education or training. Transition to adult health and social care services must also be planned carefully.
- Tourette Syndrome
- A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalisations called tics. Tourette syndrome often co-occurs with ADHD and OCD. Despite popular misconceptions, coprolalia (involuntary swearing) affects only a minority of people with Tourette syndrome. Diagnosis is usually made by a paediatrician or neurologist.
U
- Universal Credit
- A means-tested benefit that replaced several legacy benefits including Income Support, Housing Benefit and Child Tax Credit. Disabled people may receive additional elements: the Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) components provide extra support for those who cannot work due to disability or health conditions. Carers may also receive a Carer Element within Universal Credit.
W
- Working Memory
- The ability to hold, process and use information in mind over short periods. Difficulties with working memory are very common in ADHD and dyslexia, and can affect following multi-step instructions, mental arithmetic, remembering what you were about to say and keeping track during conversations. It is distinct from long-term memory.