Glossary

Key terms used throughout this guide.

A

AAC — Communication methods that supplement or replace speech (sign language, picture exchange, speech-generating devices).

Alexithymia — Difficulty identifying and describing emotions.

AuDHD — Having both autism and ADHD.

Autistic burnout — Chronic exhaustion and loss of skills from cumulative stress and masking.

D-E

De novo mutation — A spontaneous genetic change that occurs during conception rather than being inherited from parents. De novo mutations account for a significant portion of autism cases, particularly those with co-occurring intellectual disability.

Double Empathy Problem — Communication difficulties between autistic and non-autistic people are mutual—both sides struggle.

Echolalia — Repetition of words or phrases—often serves communication and regulation functions.

Executive function — Cognitive processes including planning, working memory, and attention.

H-I

Hyperfocus — Intense concentration on a specific task or interest.

Hypersensitivity/Hyposensitivity — Heightened or reduced response to sensory input.

Interoception — The sense of internal body signals (hunger, thirst, temperature, emotions).

M-N

Masking — Concealing autistic traits and performing neurotypical behaviors.

Meltdown — Intense response to overwhelm—not a tantrum, a neurological response.

Monotropism — Focusing attention intensely on a small number of interests at a time.

Neurotypical (NT) — People with typical neurological development.

Neurodivergent (ND) — Having a brain that functions differently (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.).

Neurodiversity — The concept that neurological differences are natural variations.

S-W

Shutdown — Response to overwhelm involving withdrawal—internal compared to external meltdown.

Special interest — Intense, focused interest that provides joy and regulation.

Stimming — Repetitive movements, sounds, or behaviors used for regulation (hand flapping, rocking, humming).

Unmasking — Reducing masking and expressing authentic autistic traits.

Window of tolerance — The zone where you can function effectively—not overwhelmed or shut down.

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Language note: This guide uses identity-first language ("autistic person") as preferred by many in the community.