Neurodivergent and Neuroaffirming Terminology: A Quick Guide for Understanding Autism and ADHD
Language matters, especially when it comes to talking about neurodivergence. The words we use can either reinforce stigma or create space for dignity, understanding, and acceptance. As more people explore autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence, having clear definitions rooted in neuro-affirming language is essential. This quick guide explains key terms and offers an inclusive perspective on how to talk about neurodivergent experiences.
What Does “Neurodivergent” Mean?
The word neurodivergent was coined to describe people whose brains function in ways that diverge from what society considers “typical.” This includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, OCD, Tourette’s, and more. Instead of framing these differences as “disorders” or “deficits,” neurodivergent is a strengths-based way of describing human diversity.
Using the term neurodivergent identity helps shift the focus from pathology to community, resilience, and the value of diverse perspectives.
Why Use Neuroaffirming Language?
Historically, terms around autism and ADHD have often been medicalized or stigmatizing. Words like “deficit,” “disorder,” or even “high-functioning” can invalidate lived experiences. Neuro-affirming language rejects deficit-based models and instead emphasizes dignity, autonomy, and strengths.
For example:
Instead of “suffers from ADHD,” say “a person with ADHD” or “an ADHD person” (depending on individual preference).
Instead of “autism spectrum disorder,” many communities prefer “autistic person” or “on the autism spectrum”because it affirms identity.
Instead of labeling behaviors as “challenging,” reframe them as “communication differences” or “sensory regulation needs.”
These shifts matter because words influence how people see themselves and how society treats them. This impacts the creation of neuro-affirming workplaces, classrooms, and therapy spaces.
Common Neuro-affirming Terms and Definitions
1. Neurotypical
Someone whose brain processes align with dominant cultural norms. Neurotypical does not mean “better,” but simply describes one way of being. This is often wrongly put on a pedestal as the default, the standard, or the goal.
2. Autistic
A preferred identity-first term within much of the autism community. Being autistic means having differences in social communication, sensory processing, and learning styles. Autism is not something to be “cured”. It’s a natural form of human variation. Therapy for autistic kids, teens, and adults at Deconstruction Counseling is about supporting strengths and teaching coping skills rather than “fixing” something that’s not broken.
3. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD is often misunderstood as just being “distracted” or “hyper.” In reality, ADHD is about brain-based differences in executive functioning, time management, and attention regulation. Many people prefer to describe ADHD as a neurotype rather than a disorder.
4. Masking
The act of hiding or suppressing autistic or ADHD traits to fit into neurotypical environments. Masking can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout.
5. Hyperfocus
A state of deep and intense concentration on a specific activity or interest, often seen in ADHD and autism.
6. Sensory Processing Differences
Autistic and ADHD individuals may be more sensitive, or even less sensitive, to sensory input like sound, touch, smell, or light. Neuro-affirming perspectives view these not as “problems” but as variations in sensory experience.
7. Executive Functioning
The set of cognitive processes that help with organization, planning, emotional regulation, and time management. Executive functioning differences are common in both autism and ADHD.
8. Stimming
Short for “self-stimulatory behavior,” stimming refers to repetitive actions like rocking, hand-flapping, or tapping. These actions help regulate emotions or sensory input and should not be pathologized. Kids who stim at school can get bullied, and the adults in their lives may feel torn between advising them to fit in and fostering self-acceptance.
9. Neurodivergent Burnout
A state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged masking, sensory overload, or navigating inaccessible environments.
10. Special Interest
An area of deep, passionate focus often linked to joy, identity, and self-regulation for autistic individuals.
11. Executive Dysfunction
Challenges in initiating, organizing, planning, or following through with tasks, common in ADHD, autism, and trauma.
The Importance of Identity-First vs. Person-First Language
Some autistic and ADHD individuals prefer identity-first language (e.g., “autistic person”) because it affirms that their neurodivergence is inseparable from who they are. Others prefer person-first language (e.g., “person with autism”) to emphasize their personhood before their diagnosis.
The most neuro-affirming approach is to ask people which language they prefer and respect their choice, just like we do with pronouns when in doubt.
How This Impacts Therapy and Daily Life
Using neuro-affirming terminology is not just about words; it’s about fostering inclusive environments for neurodivergent people. Whether in therapy, schools, or workplaces, neuro-affirming language validates lived experiences and helps reduce shame.
For therapists, teachers, and parents, embracing neuro-affirming autism support and strength-based ADHD strategies means moving away from “fixing” and toward supporting authentic expression, emotional safety, and accessibility.
Niche Neurodivergence-Related Terms
Okay, now that we got the basics out of the way, are you ready to take it up a notch? Here’s a deep dive for my neuroaffirming logophiles out there:
Autigender
A gender identity deeply connected to being autistic; one’s experience of gender is inseparable from autistic identity or sensory experience.Neuroqueer
A way of living and expressing identity that disrupts normative ideas about gender, sexuality, and neurotypical ways of being. Rooted in queer theory and neurodivergence.Stimplicity
A word blending “stimming” and “simplicity,” referring to the comfort and grounding that comes from repetitive self-stimulatory behaviors.Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Profile
A proposed autism profile where individuals experience extreme anxiety when faced with demands or expectations, even ones they desire.Monotropism
A cognitive style where attention is intensely focused on a limited range of interests, common in autistic experience, often misunderstood as inflexibility.Alexithymia
Difficulty identifying, understanding, and describing one’s emotions; often seen in autistic and ADHD individuals.Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
An intense emotional sensitivity to real or perceived rejection, criticism, or failure, commonly associated with ADHD.Sensory Diet
A personalized set of activities designed to regulate sensory input (like weighted blankets or movement breaks) to support nervous system balance.Double Empathy Problem
The idea that communication difficulties between autistic and non-autistic people are mutual misunderstandings, not deficits in autistic individuals.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
A neurodevelopmental difference affecting motor coordination, planning, and sometimes speech, often co-occurring with ADHD and autism.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
A condition where the brain has difficulty processing sounds, even with normal hearing; often mistaken for inattention.Echolalia
The repetition of words, phrases, or sounds; in autism, echolalia often serves communication, self-soothing, or information processing functions.Spiky Profile
A description of the uneven abilities common in neurodivergence (e.g., excelling in one area while struggling significantly in another).Neurodivergent Joy
The sense of fulfillment and authenticity experienced when neurodivergent individuals are free to live without masking or shame.Spoon Theory
A metaphor used by chronically ill and neurodivergent communities to describe limited energy resources for daily tasks.Cognitive Rigidity
A tendency to find comfort in routine and struggle with unexpected change, often related to anxiety or autism.Inertial Cognition
The difficulty in shifting from one task, activity, or thought process to another. This is common in both autism and ADHD.Neurodivergent Love Languages
Nontraditional ways neurodivergent people express care, such as info-dumping, parallel play, or shared stimming.Hypervigilance
A heightened state of awareness and scanning for potential threats, common in PTSD and sometimes overlapping with neurodivergence.Neurodivergent Pride
A movement and personal stance celebrating neurodivergent identity as valuable and worthy, not as a disorder to “fix.”
Final Thoughts
Language has power. By using neuro-affirming terms for ADHD and autism, we can shift the conversation from stigma to empowerment. Neurodivergent individuals don’t need to be “fixed”. They need spaces where their strengths and challenges are recognized with compassion. This is not about policing language, but about intentionally using words that communicate kindness, respect, and dignity.
Deconstruction Counseling
Living an authentic life in a world designed by and for neurotypicals is tough, and talk therapy can help you figure out how to best pursue a life that accommodates your support needs. If you or a loved one are navigating life with autism, ADHD, or another form of neurodivergence, therapy can provide a supportive and affirming environment. At Deconstruction Counseling, I specialize in helping neurodivergent clients embrace their authentic selves while building tools for thriving in a world not always designed with them in mind.