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Campus Library - Dictionary

Dictionary of Terms:

P

Paraprofessional Support

Assistance provided by trained aides who work under the supervision of licensed professionals; paraprofessionals play a valuable role in supporting neurodivergent individuals in educational and therapeutic settings.

Parental Support

Assistance and advocacy provided by parents to support their neurodivergent children’s needs, including emotional, educational, and social guidance.

Pattern Recognition

The ability to identify and interpret patterns in data or behavior, often a strength in neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

Patterning

The ability to recognize sequence and order in information or behavior, often significant for cognitive development in children and particularly relevant for neurodivergent learners.

Peer Mentoring

A supportive relationship where individuals with similar experiences provide guidance and encouragement; can be particularly effective for neurodivergent individuals in social and educational settings.

Peer Relationships

Interactions and friendships with individuals of similar age; fostering positive peer relationships is important for the social development of neurodivergent individuals.

Perception

The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information; neurodivergent individuals may experience differences in perception, affecting how they interact with their environment.

Person-Centered Planning

An individualized approach to planning services and supports based on the unique preferences, strengths, and needs of the individual, particularly important for neurodivergent individuals.

Personal Space Awareness

The understanding of physical boundaries in social interactions; difficulties with personal space awareness can be common in neurodivergent individuals.

Phonological Awareness

The ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language, crucial for developing reading skills; deficits in phonological awareness are common in dyslexia.

Physical Sensitivity

Increased sensitivity to physical sensations, which can be heightened in neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with sensory processing disorders.

Physical Therapy (PT)

A treatment approach focused on improving physical function and mobility; beneficial for neurodivergent individuals who may have motor skill challenges.

Play Therapy

A form of therapy that uses play to help children express emotions and resolve issues; beneficial for neurodivergent children in developing social skills and emotional regulation.

Playfulness

A trait involving a light-hearted or whimsical approach to tasks and interactions; fostering playfulness can enhance social engagement and emotional well-being in neurodivergent individuals.

Positive Reinforcement

A behavioral strategy that involves providing rewards following desired behaviors to encourage their recurrence; an effective technique often used in teaching neurodivergent individuals.

Positivity Bias

The tendency to focus on positive experiences or aspects of a situation; this bias can be useful in therapeutic settings to promote resilience among neurodivergent individuals.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event; understanding its impact is important for neurodivergent individuals who may have increased vulnerabilities.

Pragmatic Language Skills

The social language skills used in everyday interactions, including the ability to stay on topic, understand implied meanings, and use appropriate conversation styles; these skills can be challenging for some neurodivergent individuals.

Precision Teaching

An instructional strategy focused on measuring the accuracy and fluency of skills, allowing for data-driven adjustments in teaching methods, beneficial for neurodivergent learners.

Prefrontal Cortex

The part of the brain associated with decision-making, impulse control, and social behavior; understanding its role is crucial in addressing challenges faced by individuals with ADHD and other conditions.

Prescriptive Education

A tailored educational approach designed to meet the specific needs of individual students, particularly important for neurodivergent learners.

Processing Speed

The rate at which an individual can take in information, process it, and respond; variations in processing speed are common in conditions like ADHD and learning disabilities.

Professional Development

Training and education aimed at enhancing the skills of professionals working with neurodivergent individuals, ensuring they are equipped with effective strategies and approaches.

Pruning

The neurological process where excess neural connections are eliminated, enhancing the efficiency of the brain; relevant in the context of neurodevelopment in children.

Psychiatric Disorders

Mental health conditions that can occur alongside neurodivergent conditions, requiring comprehensive care and support for individuals affected.

Psychoeducation

An educational approach that involves teaching individuals and families about mental health conditions, helping them understand and manage challenges associated with neurodivergence.

Psychological Evaluation

A comprehensive assessment process to evaluate cognitive and emotional functioning, often used to diagnose neurodivergent conditions and inform treatment plans.

Psychosocial Interventions

Therapeutic approaches that address psychological and social aspects of a person’s life; essential for supporting the mental health of neurodivergent individuals.

Psychotherapy

A range of treatments for mental health problems that involve talking with a mental health professional; various therapeutic approaches can support neurodivergent individuals.

Public Health

The science of protecting and improving the health of people and communities; understanding public health issues is important for addressing the needs of neurodivergent populations.

More coming soon!

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