Glossary
Autism terms,
Autism terms,
plainly defined.
The terminology used across the autism community + autism research. Includes both the language autistic adults prefer and the clinical terms you'll encounter in IEPs and insurance documents.
- Actually Autistic
- A hashtag and identity claim by autistic adults — distinguishing self-advocates from parent-led, professional, or organization-led voices about autism. Originated on Twitter/X around 2010.
- Allistic
- Not autistic. Often preferred over 'neurotypical' when contrasting specifically with autistic people.
- ABA
- Applied Behavior Analysis. A therapy approach using positive reinforcement (and historically punishment, including electric shock) to shape behavior. Heavily contested by the autistic-adult community.
- ABLE Account
- A 529A tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. Up to $17K/year can be saved without affecting SSI/Medicaid eligibility.
- ASD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder. The clinical diagnostic term. Many autistic adults prefer 'autistic' to 'ASD'.
- DIR/Floortime
- Developmental, Individual-difference, Relationship-based — a neurodiversity-affirming therapy approach focused on emotional connection and child-led play. Alternative to ABA.
- Echolalia
- Repeating words or phrases heard from others — sometimes immediately, sometimes much later (delayed echolalia). Often a form of communication, not meaningless repetition.
- IEP
- Individualized Education Program. The legally binding document under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) that defines special-education services for a student.
- IEE
- Independent Educational Evaluation. A second-opinion evaluation parents can request at school-district expense when they disagree with the school's evaluation.
- Identity-first language
- 'Autistic person' (not 'person with autism'). Preferred by the autistic-adult community as identity-affirming. Most autism organizations now use it; some clinical contexts still default to person-first.
- Masking
- The conscious or unconscious suppression of autistic traits to appear neurotypical. Causes burnout, anxiety, depression. Many autistic adults learn to unmask in adulthood.
- Monotropism
- Theory that autistic attention focuses intensely on a small number of interests at any given time, rather than being spread across many. Coined by Murray, Lesser, and Lawson 2005.
- Neurodiversity
- Term coined by Judy Singer (1998) describing neurological variation (autism, ADHD, etc.) as natural human diversity rather than pathology.
- Neurotypical
- Brain wiring that fits the dominant cultural norm. Used to contrast with neurodivergent.
- PDA
- Pathological (or Persistent) Demand Avoidance. A subtype of autism characterized by extreme avoidance of everyday demands due to anxiety. Recognized in UK clinical practice.
- Person-first language
- 'Person with autism.' Preferred in some clinical contexts and by some families. Most autistic adults prefer identity-first.
- RDI
- Relationship Development Intervention. A parent-led, relationship-based therapy. Neurodiversity-affirming alternative to ABA.
- Stimming
- Self-stimulatory behavior — hand-flapping, rocking, vocalizations, fidgeting — autistic people use for sensory regulation, joy expression, focus. Suppressing stimming causes harm.
- Spoons
- Metaphor for limited daily energy. 'Spoon theory' from Christine Miserandino (2003) — autistic people often track their day in spoons because energy depletes faster than for neurotypicals.
- Special interests
- Deep, focused passions that autistic people develop. Often source of joy, expertise, and identity. Some clinical contexts pathologize these; the autistic community celebrates them.
- 504 Plan
- Civil-rights accommodation plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Less robust than an IEP but easier to obtain. For students who need accommodations but not specialized instruction.