Understanding autism is very important to help create a friendly and supportive world for people with autism. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, healthcare worker, or just want to learn more, it’s good to understand some common autism words.
Awareness on Autism and learning disabilities help people learn about autism and how it affects individuals. It teaches ways to support those with autism in communication, daily activities, and creating inclusive environments.
The 30 Key Autism Terms
Here’s a list of 30 key autism terms to help you be more aware and better support individuals with autism.
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is a condition that affects how people communicate, behave, and interact with others. It is called a “spectrum” because it can be different for everyone.
What it means for the individual: The person may find it hard to talk to others or understand how to act in social situations.
What you need to know/do: Be patient and understand that every person with autism has their own unique needs.
2. Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity means that people’s brains work in different ways, and that’s okay! It’s important to accept these differences.
What it means for the individual: People with autism might think and learn in their own way.
What you need to know/do: Appreciate how everyone’s brain works differently and support each person for who they are.
3. Spectrum
The “spectrum” refers to the wide range of differences in how autism can look in different people.
What it means for the individual: Some people with autism might have more challenges, while others might need less help.
What you need to know/do: Understand that autism can look different in each person, and each person needs different support.
4. Social Communication
Social communication is the ability to talk and interact with others. Many people with autism have trouble with this.
What it means for the individual: They might find it hard to start or join conversations or understand body language.
What you need to know/do: Be clear when talking and be patient as they learn to communicate.
5. Sensory Processing
Sensory processing is how the brain handles things like sights, sounds, and textures. Some people with autism find certain senses overwhelming.
What it means for the individual: Bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures might be too much for them.
What you need to know/do: Try to reduce things that might be too loud or bright, and give them breaks if needed.
6. Non-Verbal
Non-verbal means not using words to talk. Some people with autism use other ways to communicate, like pictures or signs.
What it means for the individual: They may not speak but still have ways to share their thoughts.
What you need to know/do: Use other methods like pictures or devices to help them communicate.
7. High-Functioning Autism
This refers to people who have autism but may not need as much help in daily life. They might do well in school or work but still struggle with social interactions.
What it means for the individual: They might do well with tasks but need support in social situations.
What you need to know/do: Support them socially and help them understand social cues and behaviours.
8. Low-Functioning Autism
This refers to people who need more help in everyday activities. They might struggle more with communication or learning.
What it means for the individual: They may need extra help with daily activities and communication.
What you need to know/do: Provide more support with daily routines and help them with basic tasks.
9. Autistic Spectrum
This term refers to the different ways autism can show up in each person.
What it means for the individual: Every person with autism may act or think in different ways.
What you need to know/do: Treat each person as unique and find the best ways to support them.
10. Social Stories
Social stories are simple stories that help explain social rules and behaviour. They are used to help people with autism understand what to expect in social situations.
What it means for the individual: Social stories help them understand social situations better.
What you need to know/do: Use simple stories to teach them how to act in different situations.
11. Applied behaviour Analysis (ABA)
ABA is a way to teach people new skills by rewarding good behaviour and helping them reduce unwanted behaviour.
What it means for the individual: ABA helps them learn new things and behave in helpful ways.
What you need to know/do: Use ABA techniques to encourage good behaviour and teach new skills.
12. Early Intervention
Early intervention is when children with autism get help at a young age to learn skills that will help them later in life.
What it means for the individual: Getting help early helps them grow and develop better skills.
What you need to know/do: Make sure kids with autism get help when they are young so they can learn and grow.
13. Speech Therapy
Speech therapy helps people with autism improve how they talk and understand language.
What it means for the individual: They might need help to speak more clearly or understand others.
What you need to know/do: Use speech therapy to help them with speaking or understanding language.
14. Repetitive behaviours
Repetitive behaviours are things that people with autism do over and over again, like hand-flapping or rocking.
What it means for the individual: These behaviours help them feel calm or focus.
What you need to know/do: Be understanding and give them space if they need to repeat behaviours to stay calm.
15. Sensory Overload
Sensory overload happens when too many loud sounds, bright lights, or other things overwhelm a person.
What it means for the individual: They might feel stressed, anxious, or upset.
What you need to know/do: If they feel overwhelmed, help them find a quiet place to calm down.
16. Meltdown
A meltdown is when someone with autism gets so overwhelmed that they can’t control their emotions or actions.
What it means for the individual: They might cry, scream, or act out because they can’t cope with stress.
What you need to know/do: Stay calm and give them space until they feel better.
17. Stimming
Stimming is when people with autism repeat certain actions or sounds, like hand-flapping or rocking.
What it means for the individual: It helps them cope with stress or excitement.
What you need to know/do: Let them stim and offer other calming activities if needed.
18. Executive Functioning
Executive functioning is the brain’s ability to plan, organize, and make decisions. Some people with autism find this difficult.
What it means for the individual: They may need extra help staying organized or finishing tasks.
What you need to know/do: Break tasks into smaller steps and use reminders or charts to help them stay on track.
19. Theory of Mind
Theory of mind is the ability to understand that other people have different thoughts and feelings. This can be hard for people with autism.
What it means for the individual: They may not always understand what others are thinking or feeling.
What you need to know/do: Help them understand other people’s feelings by talking about different perspectives.
20. Sensory Diet
A sensory diet is a set of activities to help people with autism manage their sensory needs.
What it means for the individual: It helps them feel calm and focused.
What you need to know/do: Work with a therapist to create activities that help them manage sensory overload.
21. Visual Supports
Visual supports are pictures, symbols, or written instructions that help people with autism understand what to do.
What it means for the individual: Visual supports can make instructions easier to follow.
What you need to know/do: Use pictures or written steps to help them understand tasks better.
22. Social Skills Training
Social skills training helps people with autism learn how to interact with others.
What it means for the individual: They may need help learning how to start conversations or understand body language.
What you need to know/do: Teach them basic social skills like saying “hello” and taking turns in conversations.
23. Neurotypical
Neurotypical means a person’s brain works in a way that is considered “normal” by society.
What it means for the individual: People who are neurotypical don’t have autism or other conditions affecting their brain.
What you need to know/do: Be aware that people with autism may experience things differently than those who are neurotypical.
24. Co-occurring Conditions
Co-occurring conditions are other health or mental conditions that often go along with autism, like ADHD or anxiety.
What it means for the individual: They may need help for other conditions as well.
What you need to know/do: Be ready to support them with any other conditions they might have.
25. Autism Spectrum
The autism spectrum refers to the different ways autism can show up in each person.
What it means for the individual: Each person with autism will have different strengths and needs.
What you need to know/do: Support them in ways that work best for them.
26. Intellectual Disability
An intellectual disability means a person has challenges with thinking and learning.
What it means for the individual: They may need extra help to understand and do things.
What you need to know/do: Offer clear, simple instructions and extra support for learning.
27. Person-Centered Planning
Person-centered planning is when services and support are designed to help a person with autism based on their own needs and goals.
What it means for the individual: The person gets help in ways that are important to them.
What you need to know/do: Make sure to focus on what the person needs and wants in their daily life.
28. Inclusive Education
Inclusive education means that children with autism learn in the same classroom as other children, with special support when needed.
What it means for the individual: They get to learn with their friends and classmates.
What you need to know/do: Make sure the classroom is welcoming and supportive for all students.
29. Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy is when a person with autism speaks up for themselves and their needs.
What it means for the individual: They can express what they need or want in life.
What you need to know/do: Encourage them to speak up and ask for help when they need it.
30. Autism Acceptance
Autism acceptance means understanding and respecting people with autism for who they are.
What it means for the individual: They feel respected and included.
What you need to know/do: Support autism acceptance by being understanding and encouraging others to do the same.
Why Knowing These Terms Matters
By understanding these key terms, you can help create a more supportive, inclusive, and respectful environment for individuals with autism.
Whether you’re a teacher, healthcare worker, or simply interacting with people on the spectrum, this knowledge is essential for making a difference.
We all thrive in a world that accepts and appreciates our differences! Make a difference.