Campus Library - Dictionary

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects focus, organization, and impulse control. Individuals with ADHD often experience traits such as high energy, creativity, and quick thinking, alongside challenges like distraction or forgetfulness.

Abilities refer to the skills, talents, and strengths that each person brings to the world. Recognizing abilities focuses on what people can do rather than their challenges or limitations.

Acceptance means understanding and embracing people for who they are, without judgment or pressure to change. For neurodiverse individuals, it involves valuing their unique experiences, perspectives, and abilities.

Accommodations are adjustments or supports provided to help individuals thrive in different environments, like school, work, or daily life. These can include sensory tools, flexible schedules, or communication aids tailored to meet specific needs.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects focus, organization, and impulse control. Individuals with ADHD often experience traits such as high energy, creativity, and quick thinking, alongside challenges like distraction or forgetfulness.

ACES typically stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences. These are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood (0-17 years) and can include abuse, neglect, or household challenges such as parental separation, substance use, or mental illness. These experiences can have long-term effects on health, well-being, and development. Addressing ACES involves trauma-informed care to help individuals heal and build resilience.

Advancements refer to progress, improvements, or new developments in fields like science, technology, or education. In terms of neurodiversity, advancements can include better supports, tools, or understanding for individuals with unique needs.

Advocacy is speaking up or taking action to support a cause, group, or individual in need. For neurodiversity, advocacy often involves promoting understanding, rights, and inclusion for people with conditions like autism or ADHD.

Agency means the ability to make choices, take control, and act independently in one’s life. For neurodiverse individuals, supporting agency involves empowering them to advocate for their needs and make decisions about their future.

Previously used as a diagnosis, Asperger’s referred to individuals on the autism spectrum with strong verbal skills and average or above-average intelligence. Today, this term is less commonly used and is now grouped under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

An assessment is a process of examining and gathering information about a person's strengths, needs, and challenges. It’s often used to identify conditions like autism, ADHD, or learning differences to provide appropriate support and accommodations.

Attention is the ability to focus on a task, idea, or environment. Some neurodiverse individuals, especially those with ADHD, may find attention challenging in some areas while excelling in others, like hyperfocusing on specific interests.

AuDHD is a term used to describe individuals who have both Autism and ADHD. It highlights overlapping traits and unique experiences that come with both conditions, such as hyperfocus, creativity, and sensory sensitivities.

Autism is characterized by a broad spectrum of experiences and abilities. These range from creativity, unique perspectives, and attention to detail, which contribute to exceptional skills in areas like pattern recognition, memory, and logical reasoning. There are individuals with varying support needs that can be confused with functioning level. whom many require significant, ongoing assistance. Autism has been re-characterized to be viewed as a pie chart where different symptoms help show the face varying levels of challenges so that "functioning" is not confused with "support". While some may navigate difficulties in social interactions, communication, sensory sensitivities, and adapting to changes with minimal support; others may rely on intensive care and accommodations to manage daily life.

Awareness involves spreading knowledge and understanding of a topic, like neurodiversity or autism. Increasing awareness helps others recognize and support individuals with different needs and abilities.