DISLEXICON

Category: clinical · emotional processing

Short: Difficulty identifying and describing one’s own emotions.

Detail: Commonly discussed with autism but not exclusive. It can affect emotional insight and communication; supports include emotion vocabulary practice and externalizing prompts.

Usage: “Because of alexithymia, I sometimes say ‘I don’t know’ when I feel frustrated.”

Synonyms/related: emotional alexia (rare)

Lived note: “Learning emotion words helped me recognize what I felt.” — C.

Flags: none

Autistic ADHD / Co-occurring Autism & ADHD)

Category: neurodivergence · cognition · executive function

Short definition:
A combination of autistic and ADHD traits in the same person, where both sets of neurological differences influence behavior, attention, and sensory processing.

Detail: audHD describes individuals whose neurology exhibits characteristics of both autism and ADHD. This can include differences in executive function, attention regulation, sensory sensitivity, social interaction, and emotional processing. People with audHD may experience:

• Difficulty switching tasks or managing time due to executive function overlap

• Heightened sensory sensitivities combined with distractibility or hyperfocus

• Social challenges stemming from both masking needs (autism) and impulsivity or inattentiveness (ADHD)

While audHD presents challenges, it also brings strengths such as intense interests, creativity, pattern recognition, and problem-solving in unique ways. Support strategies work best when they address both sensory and attentional needs, rather than treating each in isolation.

Usage:

“Living with audHD means I hyperfocus on my special interest but still struggle with deadlines.”
“Her audHD profile explains why she needs quiet spaces and structured routines.”

Synonyms/related: co-occurring autism & ADHD, autistic ADHD, dual neurodivergence

Lived note: “I’ve learned that my brain isn’t ‘broken’ — it’s audHD, which is chaotic but brilliant in its own way.” — K.

Flags: neurodivergence, executive function, sensory

Category: clinical · mental-health guidance

Short: Burnout and depression can overlap but have different origins and recovery paths.

Detail: Autistic burnout stems from chronic overload and masking; depression can be neurochemical and psychological. Both may co-occur. Assessment should consider history, triggers, and sensory/energy patterns for accurate support.

Usage: “She was misdiagnosed with depression when workplace burnout was the core issue.”

Synonyms/related: clinical differential, comorbidity

Lived note: “Naming it ‘burnout’ helped my employer provide the right leave.” — W.

Flags: mental-health, clinical nuance

Category: neurodivergence · learning · cognition

Short definition: Co-occurring autism and dyslexia, where social, sensory, and executive differences intersect with reading and language processing challenges.

Detail: Autistic dyslexia describes people who are both autistic and dyslexic. They may face difficulties with reading, spelling, and writing, alongside sensory sensitivities, executive function challenges, and social differences. Strengths can include pattern recognition, creativity, visual thinking, and hyperfocus on interests.

Usage: “Her autistic dyslexia means she prefers audiobooks but also notices details others miss in text.”

Synonyms/related: co-occurring autism & dyslexia, dual neurodivergence, learning + neurodivergence

Lived note: “I don’t read like everyone else, but I see the world differently and in depth.” — L.

Flags: neurodivergence, learning

Category: community · mental-health

Short: Deep physical, emotional, and cognitive exhaustion from prolonged masking or sensory/mental load.

Detail: Different from typical stress, ND burnout can include loss of skills, increased sensory sensitivity, and days-to-weeks of reduced functioning after sustained demands. Recovery can be slow and requires rest and environmental changes.

Usage: “After months of nonstop meetings I hit burnout and couldn’t work for two weeks.”

Synonyms/related: autistic burnout, executive function collapse

Lived note: “I needed months of quiet to get anything back.” — S.

Flags: mental-health

Category: community/clinical · nuance in social adaptation

Short: Camouflaging hides difference; compensating uses strategies to accomplish social tasks.

Detail: Compensating is deliberate strategy (scripts, rules) to get by; camouflaging often includes subconscious suppression of mannerisms. Distinguishing them helps tailor supports and therapy.

Usage: “He compensates with a checklist; she camouflages without realizing it.”

Synonyms/related: social compensation, adaptation

Lived note: “Knowing the difference changed my therapy goals.” — E.

Flags: none

Category: neurodivergence · learning · motor

Short: A learning and motor difference affecting handwriting, spelling, and written expression.

Detailed: Dysgraphia is a neurodivergent condition in which the brain has difficulty coordinating the physical act of writing or organizing written thoughts. People with dysgraphia may struggle with letter formation, spacing, spelling, and expressing ideas on paper. It often co-occurs with dyslexia, ADHD, or dyspraxia. Support strategies include typing, speech-to-text tools, occupational therapy, and structured writing approaches.

Usage: “Dysgraphia makes long essays exhausting, so I always type assignments.”
“My handwriting is messy because my brain struggles to coordinate pen movements.”

Synonyms/related: writing disability, fine motor difference, written expression difficulty

Lived note: “Writing isn’t broken — my hands and brain just communicate differently.” — K.

Flags: neurodivergence, learning, motor

Category: neurodivergence · learning · cognition

Short definition:
A learning difference that affects reading, spelling, writing, and sometimes processing language.

Details: Dyslexia is a neurodivergent profile that impacts how the brain interprets written and spoken language. People with dyslexia may read slowly, confuse letters or words, struggle with spelling, or have difficulty sequencing information. Strengths often include visual thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and pattern recognition. Dyslexia is not linked to intelligence, and with supportive strategies, individuals thrive academically and professionally.

Usage: “I rely on audiobooks and speech-to-text tools because of my dyslexia.”
“Her dyslexia makes reading challenging, but she excels at visual problem-solving.”

Synonyms/related: reading difference, language processing difference, learning difference

Lived note: “I see letters differently — it’s frustrating sometimes, but it doesn’t define my abilities.” — L.

Flags: neurodivergence, learning

Category: neurodivergence · motor · cognition

Short definition: A neurodivergent difference affecting coordination, planning, and execution of movement.

Detailed: Dyspraxia is a neurological condition that impacts motor planning and coordination. People with dyspraxia may struggle with fine motor tasks (writing, buttoning clothes), gross motor skills (running, jumping, catching), or sequencing movements. It can also affect speech, organization, and task execution. Dyspraxia often co-occurs with autism, ADHD, or learning differences. Supports include occupational therapy, adaptive strategies, and structured practice to improve motor skills and independence.

Usage: “Dyspraxia makes handwriting exhausting, so I use a tablet for notes.”
“Simple tasks like tying shoes or catching a ball take extra effort because of my dyspraxia.”

Synonyms/related: developmental coordination disorder (DCD), motor planning difference, clumsiness (informal)
Lived note: “I’m not uncoordinated — my brain just plans movements differently.” — S.

Flags: neurodivergence, motor, cognition

Category: clinical/community · communication

Short: Repeating words or phrases heard earlier — can be immediate or delayed.

Detail: Not merely copying; echolalia can be communicative, self-soothing, or processing language. Context matters: it may convey meaning even if not literal.

Usage: “He used echolalia to answer the question.”

Synonyms/related: immediate/delayed echolalia, parroting (pejorative)

Lived note: “My echoes helped me process what people said.” — F.

Flags: none

Category: clinical · cognitive

Short: Mental skills for planning, starting, switching, and finishing tasks.

Detail: Includes organization, time management, working memory, and inhibition. Many neurodivergent people have executive function differences that affect daily tasks, jobs, and school — not a moral failure but a cognitive variance.

Usage: “My executive function struggle means I need checklists and timers.”

Synonyms/related: EF, cognitive control

Lived note: “A planner helps, but it doesn’t fix the fatigue it takes to start.” — P.

Flags: none

Category: community · cognitive model

Short: Intense, narrowed attention on one interest or task.

Detail: Hyperfocus (often discussed in ADHD contexts) and monotropism (an autistic cognitive model) describe deep absorption that can boost productivity or make switching tasks very hard. Can be joyful or problematic depending on context.

Usage: “I lost six hours reading because of hyperfocus.”

Synonyms/related: intense focus, flow (but not identical)

Lived note: “It’s my superpower and my kryptonite.” — K.

Flags: none

Category: neurodivergence · motor · physical

Short: Reduced muscle tone that can affect strength, posture, coordination, and motor control.

Detailed: Hypotonia is a neurological or developmental difference in which muscles are less firm than typical. People with hypotonia may appear “floppy,” tire easily, or have difficulty with balance, fine motor skills, or posture. It can occur on its own or co-occur with neurodivergent conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, or developmental coordination differences. Support strategies often include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and adaptive tools to improve strength, coordination, and daily function.

Usage: “Hypotonia makes it harder for me to carry heavy objects or sit upright for long periods.”
“Fine motor tasks like handwriting are challenging due to low muscle tone.”

Synonyms/related: low muscle tone, floppy muscles, motor coordination differences

Lived note: “Even simple movements take more energy — my muscles just don’t hold themselves up.” — R.

Flags: neurodivergence, motor, physical

Category: community · language guidance

Short: Saying “autistic person” rather than “person with autism” to emphasize identity.

Detail: Many autistic people prefer identity-first language (autistic person) as it reflects a core part of self. Preferences vary — ask or follow community/individual preference.

Usage: “She identifies as autistic (identity-first).”

Synonyms/related: person-first language (contrast)

Lived note: “Identity-first felt right to me; it’s not universal.” — N.

Flags: language sensitivity

Category: community · social behavior

Short: Hiding or altering natural behaviors to appear neurotypical.

Detail: Masking includes suppressing stims, mimicking facial expressions, scripting small talk, or researching social rules to fit in. It can reduce bullying but often causes exhaustion, identity confusion, and burnout.

Usage: “I spent the whole meeting masking and felt wiped out afterward.”

Synonyms/related: social camouflaging, passing
Lived note: “Masking kept me safe early on, but later it cost me my sense of self.” — A.

Category: community · response to overload

Short: Intense expression of distress (crying, yelling, thrashing) caused by overwhelm.

Detail: An involuntary breakdown triggered by sensory, emotional, or cognitive overload — not a tantrum or manipulation. Safety and de-escalation are priorities; avoid shaming responses.

Usage: “He had a meltdown after the fire alarm went off.”

Synonyms/related: crisis response, dysregulation episode

Lived note: “Please don’t punish someone for a meltdown — help them calm.” — L.

Flags: mental-health, crisis

Category: identity · umbrella term

Short: An umbrella term for brains that deviate from societal norms (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.).

Detail: Neurodivergence frames neurological differences as natural variation rather than pathology. It centers identity, accommodations, and strengths as well as challenges. Use as an identifier when people choose it.

Usage: “The workplace needs better supports for neurodivergent staff.”

Synonyms/related: ND, neurodiverse (note: “neurodiverse” often describes groups)

Lived note: “Calling myself neurodivergent changed how I saw my life.” — J.

Flags: none

Category: identity · contrast term

Short: Describes people whose neurology aligns with societal majority norms.

Detail: Used for contrast, not insult. Some care about context when using “typical.” Helpful for explaining accommodations or social differences.

Usage: “I get different sensory needs than my neurotypical friends.”

Synonyms/related: NT (abbrev)

Lived note: “I use both ND and autistic depending on the audience.” — V.

Flags: none

Category: clinical · sensory/cognitive

Short: Difficulty recognizing faces (face blindness).

Detail: Can be congenital or acquired; affects social interactions, causing stress or misinterpretations. Strategies include using voice, clothing cues, or explicit introductions. Not related to memory for other objects.

Usage: “I have prosopagnosia — please reintroduce yourself.”

Synonyms/related: face blindness
Lived note: “I rely on shoes and haircut to know people.” — H.

Flags: none

Category: community · social strategy

Short: Prewritten or practiced phrases used to handle expected social interactions.

Detail: Social scripts reduce ambiguity and anxiety. Examples: how to decline invitations, ask for help, or introduce oneself. They are practical tools, not inauthenticity.

Usage: “My script for small talk makes airport lines tolerable.”

Synonyms/related: prepared phrases, role-play practice

Lived note: “Scripts are my rehearsal for real life.” — Q.

Flags: none

Category: community · communication

Short: Repeating memorized phrases, lines, or scripts to communicate or manage social situations.

Detail: Scripts help navigate conversation, reduce anxiety, or express feelings when spontaneous language is hard. They are a legitimate communication tool.

Usage: “I use a script for introducing myself at work.”

Synonyms/related: echolalia (when repeating others’ words), prepared phrases

Lived note: “Scripts are my safety net in noisy social scenes.” — O.

Flags: none

Category: community · sensory

Short: Overwhelming sensory input causing distress, shutdown, or meltdown.

Detail: Occurs when one or multiple senses are flooded (bright lights, loud noise, crowded spaces). Responses vary: irritability, shutdown (withdrawal), or meltdown (loss of behavioral control). Supports and environment changes help.

Usage: “The concert triggered sensory overload — I had to leave.”

Synonyms/related: sensory dysregulation, hyper-sensitivity

Lived note: “It’s like my brain has too many tabs open.” — M.

Flags: sensory, mental-health

Category: community · sensory profiles

Short: Tendency to crave (seek) or avoid specific sensory inputs.

Detail: Sensory profiles vary: someone might seek deep pressure and avoid bright lights. Supports are most effective when matched to a person’s profile rather than generalized rules.

Usage: “He’s sensory seeking — chew toys help in class.”

Synonyms/related: sensory profile, sensory processing patterns

Lived note: “Weighted blankets save my sleep.” — Y.

Flags: none

Category: community · response to overload

Short: A withdrawal response where the person becomes unresponsive, quiet, or immobile due to overwhelm.

Detail: Different from meltdown (which is outward); shutdown is internal and can look like zoning out, inability to speak, or collapse. Recovery usually needs quiet, low stimulation, and time.

Usage: “After the meeting I shut down and couldn’t answer texts.”

Synonyms/related: collapse, overwhelm response

Lived note: “I don’t ‘choose’ to shut down — it’s my brain protecting itself.” — T.

Flags: mental-health, sensory

Category: mental health, token management, executive function

Short: Tokens are units of energy we are allotted each 24 hours.

Detail: We begin each day with 100 tokens representing mental, emotional, and physical energy. Every action - thinking, socializing, sensing, deciding, or simply existing in a stimulating environment - spends tokens. As tokens run low, or run out, functioning becomes increasingly difficult, even for small tasks. Rest, solitude, or enjoyable stimming require fewer tokens, but DO NOT replenish them. Tokens do NOT roll over into the next day like cell phone minutes.

Usage: “I’m out of tokens for today - I can’t do another conversation.”

Synonyms/related: energy budget, capacity, spoons (from Spoon Theory)

Lived note: “If I’m not careful, I can use up 35 tokens before I’ve even left the house for the day.” — K.

Flags: none