List
Eleanor Hartwell
Definition
Glossary: Unmasking
Unmasking In Everyday Terms: Unmasking is when you stop trying to hide your true self and let your authentic personality shine, especially as a neurodivergent person. It’s about dropping the “mask” you wear to fit in with neurotypical expectations—like forcing eye contact, suppressing stimming, or pretending you’re
Definition
Glossary: Working Memory Bottleneck
Working Memory Bottleneck In Everyday Terms: The working memory bottleneck is when your brain feels like it’s running out of mental space. You’re trying to keep track of several things at once—like a to-do list, an idea you just had, and what someone just told you—but
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Glossary: ASD
Definition
Glossary: Autistic Burnout
Autistic Burnout In Everyday Terms: Autistic burnout is when life just becomes too much—too many demands, too much masking, too much sensory overload—and your body and brain feel like they’ve hit a wall. It’s not the same as being tired; it’s a deep mental and
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Glossary: ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) In everyday terms: ADHD means your brain is like having 47 tabs open, and you can’t find the one playing music. It’s a constant juggling act between distractions, hyperfocus, and trying to stay on top of things—sometimes succeeding spectacularly, other times feeling totally
Definition
Glossary: Repetitive Behaviors (RBBs)
Repetitive Behaviors (RBBs) In Everyday Terms: Repetitive behaviors (RBBs) are actions you do over and over, like tapping your fingers, rocking back and forth, saying the same phrase, or organizing objects in a particular way. Sometimes they’re soothing or help you focus, and other times they’re just automatic.
Definition
Glossary: Information Processing Lag
Information Processing Lag In Everyday Terms: Information processing lag is when it feels like your brain is running a bit behind. Someone might ask you a question, and while you understand the words, it takes a moment—or several—to fully process what they said and figure out how to
Definition
Glossary: Energy Budgeting
Energy Budgeting In Everyday Terms: Energy budgeting is like managing a daily bank account for your energy. Just like money, you only have so much to spend in a day, and if you use too much too quickly, you’re left drained or in “energy debt.” It’s about figuring
Definition
Glossary: Interest-Based Nervous System
Interest-Based Nervous System In Everyday Terms: An interest-based nervous system means your brain thrives on things that excite or engage you—but struggles to focus on anything that feels boring, routine, or irrelevant. It’s like your brain has a built-in "priority filter" that only turns on for
Definition
Glossary: Microtasking
Microtasking In Everyday Terms: Microtasking is breaking big, overwhelming tasks into tiny, bite-sized pieces that feel more doable. Instead of cleaning the entire house, you start with just wiping the counter. It’s like taking things one small step at a time to avoid feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Microtasking helps
Definition
Glossary: Nonverbal Episodes
Nonverbal Episodes In Everyday Terms: Nonverbal episodes are times when talking just isn’t an option—even if you want to speak, the words just won’t come out. It’s like your brain hits pause on verbal communication, leaving you stuck with thoughts but no way to express them