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