- Double Empathy Problem – The idea that differences in empathy and linked breakdowns in communication are two-directional and not just the fault of the autistic person.
- Interoception – One of your senses. This is the sense that lets people know what’s happening inside their bodies, e.g. if they are hungry or need the toilet.
- Masking – When someone hides part of their personality or how they would usually act so they can fit in.
- Neurodivergent – When someone’s brain diverges from what is considered ‘typical’ which includes autistic people.
- Neurodiversity – The idea that brains can be different and that is a natural part of being human. Just like biodiversity is a natural part of the animal and plant world.
- Proprioception – One of your senses. This is the sense that lets people know where their body is in relation to the space around them.
- Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) – A place of education for pupils who cannot go to school.
- Spectrum – This does not mean a line from less autistic to more autistic. It means that autistic people can have a range of strengths and weaknesses, more like a circle.
- Stigma – When someone sees you in a negative way because of something they know about you, e.g. you’re autistic.
- Stigmatised – Treating someone badly and unfairly due to a characteristic about them, e.g., they’re autistic.
- Vestibular – One of your senses. This affects balance and coordination, and whether or not you feel dizzy.