Jargon buster

Explaining common jargon relating to autism

We have heard from some of our services users and their families/carers that the technical terms (or ‘jargon’) sometimes used by professionals can be confusing or intimidating. On this page we aim to explain some of these terms.

Alexithymia

This term describes difficulty in recognising and describing your own emotions.

ASD

An abbreviation for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Executive Function

This term describes a set of mental skills that help you to plan and manage daily activities.

Masking

Refers to strategies people may use to hide autistic characteristics. This can be conscious or unconscious.

Hypersensitive

You have a lower tolerance of certain stimuli. For example, you may be more sensitive to bright lights or strong smells.

Hyposensitive

You have a higher tolerance of certain stimuli. For example, strong tastes and deep pressure.

Interoception

How we interpret internal bodily sensations. For example, hunger and thirst.

Proprioception

This is the sense that tells us how our muscles are moving. It is essential to help the brain to know where the body and limbs are in space. It helps us to know how hard or soft we are pulling or pushing.

Vestibular

This refers to a system that helps to support balance, posture, muscle tone and eye movements.

Reasonable Adjustments

Changes that can be made to reduce inequalities faced by autistic people. This is in line with the Equality Act 2010 and Autism Act 2009.

Neurodivergent

Used to refer to the different ways a brain can work to process and interpret information.

Neurotypical

Used to refer to someone who’s brain functions and processes information in the way society expects.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity refers to the viewpoint that all brains are different and that this is normal and expected.

RRBs

Abbreviation for restrictive and repetitive behaviours.

Page last reviewed: 16 April, 2024