Defining Terms

While researching neurodiversity and the unique set of challenges that need to be addressed, I came across several terms which I did not know the meaning of. As I continued to LinguaLink and told others about it, I realized that there were several others who did not know several of the relevant terms. I am writing this blog in hopes of educating more people about these useful terms.

Neurodiversity:

Firstly, let’s define neurodivergent: this term describes people whose neurological development and function differ is not considered standard. In simpler terms, people whose brains work differently than what is seen as normal or neurotypical. This this a blanket term, including a wide range of conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and many more. The idea behind the term neurodivergent is that it shifts the focus away from these conditions being deficits and towards understanding that these differences are natural variations. It also encourages recognition of the fact that these conditions come with a unique set of strengths and challenges, and those can be positive.

Neurotypical:

Next up, we have neurotypical. This refers to individuals whose brain works in a way that fits societal norms and expectations. The term was created to contrast with neurodivergent individuals, showing that neither is necessarily better or worse than the other—just different.

Stimming:

Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behavior. It involves repetitive actions or movements like rocking, hand-flapping, or repeating sounds. While everyone does some form of stimming (like tapping a foot when anxious), it is more common in and noticeable in neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism. Stimming has several purposes, such as helping to manage sensory input, express emotions, and self-soothing in stressful situations.

Executive Functioning:

Executive Functioning refers to cognitive processes that are crucial for managing day-to-day tasks such as memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Many neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD, may struggle with aspects of executive functioning such as organizing tasks, following instructions, regulating emotions, and more. That being said, it is important to note that with appropriate support it is possible to develop strategies to overcome these challenges.

Sensory Processing Sensitivity:

Sensory processing sensitivity, as the name suggests, refers to how a person’s nervous system responds to stimuli. Neurodivergent individuals often have heightened sensitivity to certain types of stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, or specific textures. This heightened response can lead to sensory overload, where the intensity of this sensory information becomes overwhelming. Understanding and accommodating these sensitivities is vital when creating environments that are comfortable and inclusive for neurodivergent individuals.

Savant Syndrome:

Savant Syndrome is a rare condition where an individual with developmental disorders such as autism has extraordinary abilities in a specific area such as math, music, or art. While uncommon, Savant Syndrome is a prime example of the potential for exceptional skills in the neurodivergent community and challenges the idea that neurodivergence is only about challenge and struggle.

Neurodiversity Movement:

The Neurodiversity Movement advocates for the acceptance and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals. They spread the idea that neurological differences should be respected as part of human diversity, and pushes back against trying to “cure” or “normalize” neurodivergent individuals, instead focusing on creating environments where they can thrive.

These terms provide a solid foundation for understanding the different ways people experience the world. By embracing neurodiversity as part of the human experience, we can work towards building a more inclusive and supportive society, for everyone.