Autistic Affirming Dictionary

Ableism
A systemic prejudice that values non-disabled norms at the expense or cost of disabled people Recognizing ableism isn’t just about naming a problem—it’s about committing to change to discriminatory practices.

Autism Mom/Autism Parent
Once casually thrown around, these terms can inadvertently center the caregiver rather than the autistic person. Many in our community find this phrase to be pathologizing as it tends to be considered within the context of the hero narrative.

Autistic Aesthetic
An ode to the creative perspectives and styles that flow naturally from the unique ways that autistic people see the world. This may be within art, design, personal style, or general vibe. Aesthetic is an inherently positive word and when paired with autistic humanizes autistic culture.

Autistic Acceptance
Embracing the fullness of our identities without the pressure to “fix” or mask. It’s a daily commitment to honor who we are and to expect the same from the world around us.

Autistic Burnout
A deep, often overwhelming exhaustion that comes from constantly navigating a world designed for non-autistic people. Recognize it as a clear, urgent call for self-care rather than a judgment about an autistic person’s capacity.

Autistic Community
A vibrant, supportive network of individuals who share insights, struggles, triumphs, and the sheer joy of being autistic. It’s our chosen family, where every voice matters and every story enriches the collective narrative.

Autistic Inertia
The sensation of feeling stuck or overwhelmed when starting a task. It’s not a flaw, but a call for personally defined living where each person creates the balance that they need to manage individualized struggle.

Autistic Joy
The radiant, sometimes unexpected bursts of happiness that come from simply being true to oneself. It’s found in the little moments—a favorite interest, a deep conversation, the beauty of a shared silence.

AuDHD
A proudly worn label that speaks to the intersection of autism and ADHD. It celebrates a unique blend of traits—both struggle and strength—that shape a distinctive, resilient way of being. settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Bed Rot
That unplanned, cozy hibernation after sensory overload or burnout. It’s not laziness—it’s your body’s way of saying “I need a pause to regulate myself” or “I choose my own comfort.”

Body Doubling
A practical strategy where the simple presence of another person (in-person or virtual) helps navigate tasks and overcome the challenge of engaging less than pleasurable activities. Think of it as parallel play but for challenging tasks.

Behaviors
In some medical and educational models, natural expressions are mislabeled as “behaviors.” Behaviors have an inherently negative connotation. Autistic traits are expected and accepted as part of being autistic. These traits should not be labeled as being problematic just because non-autistic people do not engage in the same way.

Camouflaging/Masking
The careful art of adjusting behavior in order to “fit in” or make other people comfortable at a high personal cost. While it can help navigate certain social landscapes, there must always be awareness of the cost. The toll it takes to mask in any given situation is different for each person. Masking can be a coping mechanism or once healthy response that no longer serves.

Co-occurring Conditions
A recognition that many of autistic people experience overlapping differences—such as anxiety or ADHD—that add depth to our identities. Conditions can intersect with each other.

Communication Differences
A term that honors the varied communication styles within autistic expression. All forms of communication are valid and rich with meaning.

Cure Culture
The pervasive, damaging idea that autism is something to be “fixed” or eliminated. Rejecting cure culture means celebrating neurodiversity as an intrinsic, valuable part of being human—not a flaw to be corrected.

Double Empathy
An important concept that reminds us that It’s not solely about the autistic experience conforming to the majority culture. Dr. Milton, an autistic researcher, coined this term to highlight that both non-autistic people and autistic people need to see and understand one another. We can have empathy for lived experiences that are not our own while continuing to value the diversity of other people’s experiences.

Echolalia/Scripting
The repetition of words or phrases—a mode of communication often misunderstood. Far from being empty mimicry, it can serve as a tool for language processing, emotional regulation, and even creative expression. Let’s celebrate it as a natural part of many of our communication styles.

Educational Ableism
The bias within educational systems that prioritizes certain ways of learning and behaving while marginalizing neurodivergent learners. It’s a call to transform our schools into spaces that honor every mind, not just non-autistic learners.

Fluctuating Flow
An embrace of one’s natural rhythms—the understanding that energy, focus, and creativity ebb and flow in beautifully unpredictable ways. It’s a reminder that productivity isn’t a straight line, but a dance with our own pace.

High Support Needs/Low Support Needs
Terms that describe the varied levels of assistance (emotional or physical) each person may require at any given time. Support needs are valid, and they deserve to be met with respect and compassion. Support needs may fluctuate depending on any number of factors.

High Functioning/Low Functioning
Labels that once claimed to categorize autistic people, but now are recognized as overly simplistic and harmful. Functioning labels gloss over the nuances of autistic people and reinforce stereotypes that certain ways of being autistic are better than other ways of being autistic.

Hyperacusis
An increased sensitivity to sound that can make everyday noises feel overwhelmingly vivid. While it presents challenges, it also contributes to the rich tapestry of sensory experiences.

Hyperfocus
That remarkable ability to dive deeply into a subject, sometimes to the exclusion of everything else. It’s a powerful tool for creativity and expertise. Sadly, the medical model has associated hyperfocus as a deficit where, largely, this ability for specificity is actually quite incredible.

Identity-First Language
When identity is used first, it challenges the assumption that being autistic is bad. When “autistic” comes before “person,” it affirms that autism is an essential part of who we are—not a detachable trait or an afterthought. We don’t “have” autism, we are autistic.

Inclusivity
An active commitment to creating spaces where being autistic does not exclude you from core human rights to be seen, heard, and valued.

Intersectionality
A recognition that our identities are complex and layered—our race, gender, sexuality, and more all intersect with our autistic experience, adding richness to our individual stories.

Infodumping
The enthusiastic sharing of detailed information. Non-autistic people can value a communication style that bounces back and forth. Infodumping is also a valid way of communicating. It is an expression of passion and expertise.

Level 1-3
Diagnostic labels intended to describe support needs can do more harm than good. Generally, a leveling system oversimplified and stigmatized some autistic experiences as being worse than other ways of being autistic. A more nuanced description without judgment can acknowledge support needs while not demeaning.

Mask Fatigue
The deep exhaustion that comes from constantly camouflaging one’s true selves to fit in. When autistic people are indirectly or directly asked to act less autistic to be accepted and included, inevitable mask fatigue occurs. No one should need to pretend to be anyone they are not

Meltdown
A powerful, visceral response to an overwhelmed nervous system. It’s not a tantrum or a choice. Autistic meltdown is a parasympathetic nervous system response to amygdala activation.

Monologue
An extended, passionate expression of thought. A monologue can be a vibrant outpouring of ideas and interests—a form of deep, immersive communication that deserves to be heard.

Motor Language
A valid form of communication—through gestures, actions, use of AAC, letterboard or the like where movement rather than verbal language is used. It affirms that speech is not the only form of communication.

Monotropism
The natural tendency to focus deeply on a single interest at a time. This isn’t a limitation but a powerful way of engaging with the world, turning passion into reservoirs of knowledge and creativity.

Neurodivergent
The variation and diversity within neural wiring expected within humanity which includes autistic people. Neurodivergent is an adjective that describes thinking, perceiving and experiencing life that diverge from the neuromajority. Being neurodivergent is not considered abnormal, lesser than or negative.

Neurodiverse Representation
The ongoing effort to showcase the full spectrum of neurological experiences in media, art, leadership, and beyond. It’s about ensuring every story is told, every voice heard, and every perspective valued.

Neurodivergent Tax
A tongue-in-cheek term for the extra energy, time, and resources we expend just to navigate a world that isn’t built for us. It’s a reminder of our resilience and the changes needed to level the playing field.

Neurodiversity Paradigm
A perspective that honors neurological differences as natural variations rather than deficits. It’s a call to celebrate autistic people as a valid human experience—not as problems to be solved.

Non-Autistic/Autistic
A phrase that acknowledges the differences between autistic and non-autistic ways of engaging with the world. It calls for mutual respect and understanding, emphasizing that both perspectives have value.

Non-Linear Productivity
A celebration of the fact that our best work often comes in bursts rather than in a steady stream. It honors unpredictable, creative rhythms rather than linear contributions.

Non-speaking
A term that describes people who do not rely on speech as our primary form of communication. It affirms that communication does not only come in spoken word, but in many other forms. Non-spoken communication is valid and has a full range of meaning as any spoken word.

Out of Spoons
A gentle metaphor for reaching the limit of personal energy or emotional reserves. It’s a reminder that it’s perfectly okay to pause, rest, and recharge and prioritize well-being.

Overstimulation
When the expression of the outer world has an unwelcome intensity to process comfortably. Overstimulation is a signal response to attend to oneself.

Object Personification
Object personification is the “attribution of human characteristics to non-human agents.”

Pervasive Drive Towards Autonomy
A deep, inherent desire to live life on your own terms. It’s a celebration of the yearning for independence and self-determination—a core part of what makes us who we are. Initially PDA was defined as Pathological Demand Avoidance. Although the concepts of non-conformity were intended the language was overly pathologizing.

Pathology Paradigm
A framework that views autism solely as a disorder or deficit to be “fixed.” This perspective is deeply flawed—it erases the strengths, creativity, and diversity that come from engaging in life as one’s authentic self.

Proprioception Differences
Variations in how we perceive our body’s position and movement. These differences shape our interaction with the world and remind us that there is no one “right” way to experience our physical selves.

Repetition (Repetitive Behaviors)
Often lumped under “stimming,” these naturally occurring actions—be it rocking, hand-flapping, or humming—are a valid way of self-regulating and expressing joy, calm or any number of things.

Routines
The reliable structures that give our days a comforting predictability. Routines are not restrictive; they’re the scaffolding that organizes uncertainty into a productive state.

Self-Regulation
The personalized strategies we develop to manage our emotional and energy states. Regulatory states are fluid, personalized and differences within regulation are not shameful nor do they need an apology.

Self-Diagnosis
The deeply personal journey of recognizing and naming your experiences as autistic. For many, especially those who have faced barriers to formal diagnosis, self-diagnosis is an empowering step toward self-acceptance and community connection.

Sensory Lifestyle
A lifestyle of daily decisions that support and balance oneself. Think of it as making conscious decisions to nourish one’s nervous system.

Sensory Filtering
The brain’s method of sifting through all the incoming sensory information to decide what matters most. When this filter is overwhelmed, it’s a signal to adjust your environment and soothe oneself.

Sensory Modulation
The ongoing, adaptive process of managing sensory input in ways that support your well-being. It’s all about fine-tuning one’s experience of the world to be comfortable.

Sensory Overload
That moment when the barrage of sights, sounds, and sensations becomes too much. It’s a clear message from one’s body to step back, recalibrate, and create space for oneself.

Safe Space
An environment designed to emotionally support regulatory states to create a personalized haven one can be unapologetically themselves, free from the relentless demands.

Safe Items
Items that individuals use to regulate themselves. These can be songs, tv shows/movies, stuffed animals, foods, textures or clothing, or anything else. 

Social Camouflage
The adaptive practice of modifying our behavior to navigate complex social landscapes. While it can be a useful survival tool, it often comes at the cost of autistic living, reminding us why spaces that honor authenticity are so vital.

Social Energy
That finite reserve of emotional and cognitive resources we expend in social situations. It’s perfectly okay to manage, conserve, or recharge one’s social battery on your own terms.

Spacing
Those moments when your mind drifts off, whether by design or as a gentle escape from overwhelm. Spacing is not disinterest—it’s a natural, sometimes much-needed pause to let one’s thoughts breathe.

Spontaneous Rest
The delightful act of taking an unscheduled break when you need it most—a loving reminder that self-care is not something we don’t have to plan, but something we can choose without guilt.

Special Interests
The deep, passionate and deep exploration of anything. Special interests can be a wellspring of creativity and expertise.

Stimming
Self-soothing, repetitive movements or sounds. Body autonomy includes choosing how one moves their body. This includes stimming.

Synesthesia
A phenomenon where the stimulation of one sense involuntarily triggers an experience in another—like hearing colors or tasting shapes.

Trigger
Any stimuli or memory that elicits an unprovoked strong response. Recognizing and understanding one’s triggers is an essential step in crafting environments that truly support one’s well-being.

Visual Processing Differences
The unique ways in which many autistic individuals perceive and interpret visual information. These differences often fuel distinctive artistic insights and creative approaches, proving that there is beauty in diverse perceptions.