top of page

Campus Library - Dictionary

Dictionary of Terms:

R

Radical Acceptance

An approach that involves fully accepting one's situation without judgment, which can be particularly therapeutic for neurodivergent individuals dealing with challenging emotions or conditions.

Realistic Goals

Achievable and measurable objectives set to guide progress; helping neurodivergent individuals set realistic goals is crucial for motivation and success.

Reality Testing

A cognitive process used to determine the authenticity of experiences or beliefs; important for neurodivergent individuals to help differentiate between perceptions and reality.

Receptive Language

The ability to understand and process spoken or written language; deficits in receptive language skills can occur in various neurodivergent conditions, impacting communication.

Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder

A communication disorder where a person has difficulties understanding language (receptive) and expressing themselves (expressive), impacting social interactions and learning.

Reciprocal Communication

A two-way exchange of information in conversations; fostering reciprocal communication skills is essential for social interaction development in neurodivergent individuals.

Recovery

The process of regaining normalcy or improving one's condition after experiencing mental health challenges or crises; emphasizes the potential for positive change in neurodivergent individuals.

Reflective Practice

A method of assessing one's own performance and experiences to improve future outcomes; encourages neurodivergent individuals and professionals to learn from experiences.

Regression

A potential setback in skills or development that can occur in neurodivergent individuals under stress or after experiencing trauma; recognizing regression helps in providing timely support.

Regular Education

General education programs designed for all students; understanding the dynamics between regular and special education is crucial for supporting neurodivergent individuals in inclusive settings.

Rehabilitation

The process of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy, essential for helping neurodivergent individuals improve their functional skills.

Reinforcement

A principle in behavior psychology referring to the process of encouraging or establishing a pattern of behavior by offering rewards; used to modify behaviors in neurodivergent individuals, especially in therapeutic settings.

Reinforcement Schedules

The frequency and timing of rewards provided to reinforce desired behaviors; understanding different reinforcement schedules can help tailor interventions for neurodivergent learners.

Reinforcing Feedback

Positive responses aimed at acknowledging and encouraging desired behaviors or achievements, important for boosting motivation in neurodivergent learners.

Relational Skills

The abilities used to interact effectively with others, such as communication and empathy; developing relational skills can help neurodivergent individuals navigate social situations.

Relationship Building

The process of establishing and nurturing connections with others; critical for neurodivergent individuals to develop social skills and emotional support networks.

Relaxation Techniques

Methods used to reduce stress and promote calmness, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises; beneficial for neurodivergent individuals managing anxiety.

Remote Learning

An educational approach where instruction occurs online, often used during situations requiring distance education, which can present unique challenges for neurodivergent students.

Repatterning

The process of changing habitual thought patterns or behaviors; often used in cognitive-behavioral therapy to support neurodivergent individuals in managing challenges.

Repetitive Behaviors

Actions or movements that are performed repeatedly and can include behaviors such as hand-flapping or rocking; commonly observed in individuals on the autism spectrum.

Research Findings

Results obtained from scientific studies that contribute to the understanding of neurodivergent conditions; applying research findings is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Research-Based Practices

Interventions and strategies that are supported by empirical evidence; implementing research-based practices is crucial in providing effective support for neurodivergent individuals.

Resilience

The ability to adapt and recover from challenges or adversity; fostering resilience is important for neurodivergent individuals as it impacts their mental health and coping strategies.

Resource Allocation

The distribution of resources to support individuals according to their needs; effective resource allocation is essential to ensure that neurodivergent individuals receive the appropriate support.

Respectful Inquiry

An approach that emphasizes asking questions and gaining understanding while honoring the perspectives of neurodivergent individuals, promoting empathy and connection.

Retrieval Practice

A learning strategy that involves recalling information to strengthen memory and learning; particularly effective for neurodivergent individuals in academic settings.

Reward System

A structured method used to encourage positive behaviors by providing incentives; effective in supporting learning and behavior management for neurodivergent individuals.

Rhythm and Timing

Important cognitive and physical skills related to understanding time and movement; difficulties with rhythm and timing can affect coordination and social interactions in some neurodivergent individuals.

Right Brain vs. Left Brain Theory

A theory that suggests individuals may have dominant cognitive styles (creative vs. analytical); it can highlight diverse thinking processes among neurodivergent individuals.

Risk Factors

Characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing a disorder or condition; understanding risk factors is essential for early intervention in neurodivergent populations.

Rituals

Established, repeated actions or ceremonies that may provide comfort or structure; rituals can play a significant role in the daily lives of neurodivergent individuals.

Role Models

Individuals who inspire and motivate others through their actions, attitudes, and achievements; positive role models can significantly impact the self-identity of neurodivergent individuals.

Role-Playing

An interactive activity where individuals act out scenarios to practice social interactions and develop communication skills, beneficial for neurodivergent individuals to enhance social understanding.

Routine

A set sequence of actions regularly followed; establishing routines can provide structure and predictability, which are often beneficial for neurodivergent individuals.

More coming soon!

bottom of page