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Campus Library - Dictionary

Dictionary of Terms:

M

Maintenance Learning

Techniques designed to help individuals retain previously learned material over time, important for neurodivergent individuals who may struggle with memory.

Maladaptive Behavior

Actions or responses that are counterproductive or harmful, often arising in response to stress and anxiety in neurodivergent individuals.

Manifestation

The display or occurrence of symptoms associated with a specific condition; understanding manifestations is crucial in recognizing and diagnosing neurodivergent conditions.

Mannerisms

Distinctive behavioral traits or gestures that individuals may exhibit, which can be particularly pronounced in neurodivergent individuals.

Masked Emotions

Feelings that individuals conceal to fit in socially; neurodivergent individuals may mask their emotions to conform to social expectations, affecting their mental health.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A psychological theory proposing that individuals must satisfy basic needs before progressing to higher-level needs; understanding this framework can help support neurodivergent individuals in their growth and development.

Meaningful Engagement

Involvement in activities that are relevant and significant to an individual's interests and goals, which can enhance motivation and learning for neurodivergent individuals.

Memory Impairment

A reduction in the ability to remember information or experiences, often seen in various neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and autism.

Mental Flexibility

The capacity to adapt one's thinking or behavior in response to changing situations; difficulty with mental flexibility is commonly observed in individuals on the autism spectrum.

Mental Health

A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being; neurodivergent individuals may face unique mental health challenges, making awareness and support essential.

Metacognition

The awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes; developing metacognitive skills can help neurodivergent individuals in self-regulating their learning strategies.

Microaggressions

Subtle, often unintentional, comments or behaviors that can convey prejudiced attitudes towards marginalized groups; awareness of microaggressions is vital for creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals.

Microcephaly

A medical condition characterized by an abnormally small head size, which can be associated with developmental delays and neurodivergent conditions.

Milestones

Key developmental stages or achievements that indicate typical growth patterns; tracking milestones can help identify neurodevelopmental delays in children.

Mind Mapping

A visual brainstorming tool that helps organize information and ideas, useful for neurodivergent individuals in planning and understanding complex concepts.

Mindfulness

A mental practice that focuses on being aware of the present moment without judgment; mindfulness techniques can be particularly helpful for neurodivergent individuals in managing anxiety and improving emotional regulation.

Modified Learning Strategies

Tailored approaches designed to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent learners, enhancing their educational experience and outcomes.

Monotropism

A cognitive style often observed in autistic individuals, characterized by intense focus on a single interest or task, which can lead to difficulties in shifting attention.

Mood Regulation

The ability to manage emotional states effectively; challenges in mood regulation are common in neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD or autism.

Moral Development

The process by which individuals develop their understanding of morality and ethical behavior; neurodivergent individuals may have different pathways in moral reasoning and empathy development.

Motivation

The drive to act or accomplish goals; understanding motivation can help educators and caregivers support neurodivergent individuals in achieving their objectives.

Motivational Factors

Elements that influence an individual's willingness to engage in tasks or activities; understanding motivational factors is crucial for supporting neurodivergent individuals effectively.

Motivational Interviewing

A counseling approach that enhances an individual's motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence, useful in therapeutic settings for neurodivergent individuals.

Motor Skills

The abilities required to perform coordinated movements, which can be impacted in individuals with conditions such as dyspraxia and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Movement Disorders

A group of conditions affecting the ability to control movement, which can occur in conjunction with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

Multidisciplinary Team

A group of professionals from various fields working together to address the needs of neurodivergent individuals, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their support.

Multilingualism

The ability to communicate in multiple languages; neurodivergent individuals may have varied experiences with language acquisition and social communication in multilingual contexts.

Multisensory Learning

An educational approach that engages multiple senses to enhance learning, beneficial for neurodivergent individuals who may grasp concepts better through various sensory inputs.

Myofascial Release

A therapeutic technique used to relieve tension in the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs); can be beneficial for neurodivergent individuals with sensory sensitivities.

More coming soon!

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