Insight into various neurodivergent related terms.
ADHD
Executive Function In everyday terms: Executive function is like the brain’s control center—it helps you plan, prioritize, remember things, and stay on track with goals. If your brain were a computer, executive function would be the operating system managing all the tabs, apps, and notifications. It’s what
Definition
In everyday terms: Dyscalculia is when numbers and math concepts feel like a foreign language. Everyday tasks that involve numbers—such as counting change, estimating totals, or reading time on a clock—can seem confusing or overwhelming. This learning difference means that numerical information doesn’t come as naturally, often
Definition
Tactile Sensitivity in Personal Finance In everyday terms: Tactile sensitivity is when certain textures, fabrics, or physical sensations just don’t feel right. Whether it’s the tag on your shirt, the feeling of certain materials, or even unexpected touch from others, it can be distracting, uncomfortable, or even overwhelming.
Definition
Dysregulation In everyday terms: Dysregulation is when your emotions, energy, or focus feel like they’re all over the place—one minute you’re calm, the next you’re overwhelmed, and it’s hard to get back on track. It’s like trying to drive a car with faulty brakes
Definition
Audio Processing Disorder In everyday terms: Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is when your ears work fine, but your brain has trouble making sense of what you're hearing. It’s like trying to follow a conversation in a noisy room or listening to a radio with lots of static—
Definition
Cognitive Load In everyday terms: Cognitive load is like having too many apps running in your brain at once—everything feels slow, overwhelming, and harder to manage. When your mental to-do list gets too full, even simple tasks can feel exhausting, and it becomes difficult to focus, make decisions, or
Definition
Time Blindness In everyday terms: Time blindness is when time just slips away—you sit down for a quick break, and suddenly hours have passed, or you think something will take 10 minutes but it ends up taking an hour. It’s like your brain doesn’t have an internal
Definition
Divergent Thinking In everyday terms: Divergent thinking is when your brain comes up with a million different ideas, often in ways other people wouldn’t think of. It’s like having a mental brainstorming session 24/7, where solutions and possibilities pop up from all angles—sometimes leading to amazing
Definition
In everyday terms: The Pomodoro Technique is like setting a timer for your brain to work in sprints instead of marathons. You focus hard for a short burst—like running a quick lap—then take a breather before going again. It’s a simple way to trick your brain into
Definition
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) In everyday terms: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria feels like even the smallest criticism or perceived rejection hits way harder than it should. It’s like carrying around a super-sensitive emotional radar—where an offhand comment, a delayed text reply, or constructive feedback can feel overwhelming, even if
Definition
Hyperawareness In Everyday Terms: Hyperawareness is when your brain gets stuck focusing on something you normally wouldn’t notice—like how you’re breathing, the sound of a clock ticking, or the way your clothes feel. Once you notice it, it’s hard to stop noticing, and it can feel
Definition
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