Campus Library - Dictionary

A process of helping individuals develop skills and functions needed for daily living and independence, often used in the context of therapies for children with developmental disabilities.

A behavioral therapy technique aimed at helping individuals replace unwanted habits or behaviors (such as tics or compulsions) with more appropriate alternatives.

Patterns of behavior that become routine or automatic; understanding habitual behaviors can help in addressing challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.

Repetitive behaviors or routines that individuals may engage in, often seen in autism; understanding these patterns can help in creating supportive environments.

A sensory perception that occurs without an external stimulus, which can be associated with various psychological conditions and may be experienced by some neurodivergent individuals.

Communication methods that do not require physical interaction with devices, often using voice or gesture-based technology; can benefit individuals with motor difficulties.

An experiential learning approach where individuals engage directly in activities to enhance understanding and retention, effective for many neurodivergent learners.

Early childhood education programs aimed at enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from low-income families; can provide supportive environments for neurodivergent children.

Pain or discomfort in the head area; neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with sensory processing challenges or anxiety, may be more susceptible to tension or migraine headaches.

The process of moving from pediatric to adult healthcare services, which can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals who require ongoing support.

The degree to which an individual can detect and respond to sounds; some neurodivergent individuals may have heightened or diminished hearing sensitivity.

Techniques and methods used to support neurodivergent individuals, especially in educational or therapeutic contexts, aimed at improving learning and social interactions.

The idea that different functions are localized in specific hemispheres of the brain; for example, language processing is typically associated with the left hemisphere in most people.

The concept that a group, such as those with autism or ADHD, exhibits a wide variety of traits and characteristics, emphasizing that each individual has their own unique profile of strengths and challenges.

A psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow explaining that basic physiological and safety needs must be met before individuals can address higher-level psychological needs, relevant in supporting neurodivergent individuals.

A trait characterized by increased sensitivity to sensory input, often seen in individuals with autism, leading to heightened awareness of and reactions to sensory stimuli.

A term previously used to describe individuals on the autism spectrum who possess average or above-average intelligence and may have fewer challenges with communication and daily living skills. The term that has replaced HFA is "low or lower-support needs".

A perspective that considers the whole person rather than focusing solely on specific symptoms or conditions, often used in therapeutic contexts to address emotional, social, and physical well-being.

Treatments that consider the whole person, including physical, emotional, and social aspects, often used alongside conventional therapies to support neurodivergent individuals.

A single word that expresses a complete idea or sentence, often used by young children and sometimes observed in language development in neurodivergent individuals.

An excess of movement or energy that is often characteristic of ADHD, leading to difficulties in sitting still, staying on task, or controlling impulses.

An intense concentration on a specific task or activity, which can be a common characteristic of ADHD, allowing individuals to work extensively on something of interest while losing track of time.

A condition characterized by advanced reading skills at an early age, often observed in some autistic children, who may read fluently but struggle with comprehension and social communication.

A condition where joints move beyond the normal range of motion, sometimes associated with conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which can complicate motor skills and coordination.

An increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, which can occur in individuals with autism or sensory processing disorder; this can cause discomfort or distress in response to lights, sounds, or textures.

A decreased level of activity or engagement, which can also be seen in certain neurodevelopmental disorders, leading to challenges in participation in activities.

A condition characterized by decreased muscle tone, which can affect motor skills and movement and is sometimes seen in individuals with certain neurodevelopmental disorders.