Campus Library - Dictionary

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by creativity, energy, and unique information processing. Individuals with ADHD exhibit innovative thinking, hyperfocus, and adaptability, offering dynamic problem-solving skills. However, they may encounter challenges such as focus, impulsivity, time management, emotional regulation, and executive functioning difficulties.

Skills, talents, or strengths possessed by individuals, irrespective of neurodivergent conditions.

Embracing and respecting neurodiversity, including different ways of thinking and experiencing the world. Acceptance helps to challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and promote equality, allowing neurodivergent individuals to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the world. It also encourages empathy, compassion, and a more supportive community that recognizes and celebrates the strengths and diversity of all individuals,

Adjustments or modifications made to environments or activities to support the needs of neurodivergent individuals.

The process of initiating tasks or mental effort. People with ADHD often struggle with task initiation, referred to as "activation difficulties."

Life skills required to successfully navigate daily challenges. Individuals with ADHD may require strategies to strengthen adaptive skills in areas like organization and time management.

Progress, improvements, or developments in the understanding, acceptance, and support of neurodiversity initiatives.

Support and promotion of the rights and needs of neurodivergent individuals in society.

Agency, in the context of neurodivergent individuals, refers to their ability to make autonomous decisions, advocate for their needs, and take meaningful action based on their unique abilities and preferences. It emphasizes empowerment, allowing them to define success on their own terms, resist stereotypes, and thrive authentically. By fostering agency, society supports neurodivergent individuals in leading self-determined, fulfilling lives.

For neurodivergent individuals, aggression may emerge as a way to communicate distress, frustration, overwhelm, or unmet needs—especially if they struggle with verbal communication, emotional regulation, or sensory processing. Triggers can include sensory overload (such as loud noises or bright lights), changes in routine, difficulty expressing feelings, anxiety, or feeling misunderstood.

Feelings of restlessness or irritation, which may sometimes occur in individuals with neurodivergent conditions, especially during times of frustration. Agitation is also possible with any neurotypical person as well.

A state of being attentive and awake. Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining consistent levels of alertness throughout the day.

Anxiety is a natural human emotion that can alert us to threats, enhance focus, and prompt proactive planning. When managed well, anxiety can fuel growth and resilience. However, excessive anxiety can disrupt daily life, causing physical discomfort, racing thoughts, and hindered decision-making. Addressing anxiety requires self-care, coping strategies, and patience to mitigate its effects on overall well-being.

The level of alertness or responsiveness of the brain. Individuals with neurodivergent conditions may experience dysregulated arousal levels, impacting focus and activity.

A former definition of autism that resembles what "ASD Level One" is when clinically defined. It is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with repetitive behaviors and restricted interests.

Evaluation or analysis of individual strengths, challenges, and support needs related to neurodiversity. Commonly referred to as "testing".

Attention refers to the ability to focus on specific tasks, stimuli, or information while filtering out distractions. It involves actively directing mental effort and sustaining focus over time, which can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD. Understanding and supporting attention differences helps create environments where individuals can effectively engage and thrive.

The ability to manage and direct focus appropriately. This is often a key challenge for those with ADHD.

The length of time an individual can concentrate on a task without becoming distracted. This often presents differently in individuals with ADHD.

The concept of "attention deficit" in ADHD is now being re-examined and redefined. Rather than simply lacking attention, many experts recognize that individuals with ADHD experience differences in how they regulate and allocate their attention. It's now understood that people with ADHD may struggle more with attention management—such as shifting, sustaining, or prioritizing focus—rather than a simple deficit or absence of attention.

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These symptoms can affect daily functioning in areas like work, school, and relationships, but they are also accompanied by unique strengths such as creativity and problem-solving abilities. Understanding ADHD involves recognizing both the challenges and opportunities it presents, fostering strategies and environments that support individuals in thriving.

Having both ADHD and autism can be challenging because it can result in a complex and overlapping set of symptoms that impact various aspects of daily life. Individuals with this comorbidity may experience difficulties in attention, hyperactivity, social communication, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors, among other challenges. These overlapping symptoms can make it challenging to differentiate between the two conditions and may require specialized evaluation and treatment approaches. Additionally, the presence of both conditions can complicate diagnosis, treatment planning, and management, requiring a multidisciplinary team and individualized interventions to address the unique needs of the individual. Managing the diverse and sometimes conflicting symptoms of ADHD and autism simultaneously can present significant challenges in terms of understanding, support, and optimizing overall functioning and well-being.

Autism is marked by creativity, unique perspectives, and attention to detail, fostering exceptional abilities in pattern recognition, memory, and logical reasoning. Autistic individuals offer innovative insights and diverse contributions to society. While facing challenges in social interactions, communication, sensory sensitivities, and routines, individuals with autism can thrive with support and accommodations.

The part of the nervous system controlling involuntary functions like heart rate and breathing. In neurodivergent individuals, the ANS may respond differently to sensory input, emotions, or stress. For example, some people may have heightened or blunted reactions to sensory information (such as sounds, lights, or touch) because their “fight or flight” or “rest and digest” systems are more easily triggered or harder to switch. This is why things like sudden changes, intense environments, or emotional stress can feel overwhelming or exhausting for many neurodivergent people.

The act of deliberately staying away from tasks or activities that require sustained mental effort, often seen in neurodivergent conditions due to overwhelming demands.

Knowledge and understanding of neurodivergent conditions and the diversity of experiences within the neurodiversity community.