Terminology

Ableism

Ableism is discrimination or bias against people who think, communicate, or move differently from societal expectations. It creates physical, social, and systemic barriers that exclude or disadvantage those who don’t fit neuronormative or able-bodied standards. It can be direct, like job discrimination, or subtle, like assuming someone who communicates differently is less intelligent.

A common example is speaking to disabled adults in a patronizing tone, using exaggerated speech, or addressing their caregivers instead of them—reinforcing the assumption that they are less competent or unable to advocate for themselves.

Accessibility

Accessibility means designing environments, experiences, and systems so that everyone—regardless of ability—can fully participate. It goes beyond compliance, proactively removing barriers to create truly inclusive spaces.

The Loneliness Epidemic

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General officially declared loneliness a public health crisis in this country, calling it an epidemic because so many people struggle with feeling disconnected from others. Research shows that loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and this epidemic is exponentially more prevalent within the neurodivergent community. It affects mental and physical well-being, making it harder to achieve a fulfilling life. Building meaningful connections and inclusive communities helps fight this crisis and make life better for everyone. 

Masking

Some neurodivergent people hide their natural way of thinking, moving, or talking so they can fit in with what is expected. This is called masking, and it often leads to burnout and decreased well-being. This is why it is important to create inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity, so people can be themselves without needing to hide.

Inclusion

Inclusion goes beyond access—it ensures that neurodivergent individuals are valued, respected, and meaningfully involved. True inclusion removes barriers, embraces diverse perspectives, and creates environments where everyone can fully participate as their authentic selves.

Neuroaffirming

A neuroaffirming approach recognizes neurodiversity as a natural and valuable part of human variation. Instead of aiming to “fix” or change neurodivergent individuals to fit neuronormative expectations, it honors their perspectives, needs, and ways of thinking. Neuroaffirming practices promote acceptance, self-advocacy, and environments that support authenticity rather than masking or conformity.

Neuroconformity

Neuroconformity is the pressure on neurodivergent individuals to adapt, suppress, or change their natural ways of thinking, communicating, or behaving to fit within neuronormative expectations. It can involve masking, forced assimilation, or efforts to appear more neurotypical to avoid stigma or exclusion.

Neurodivergent

A neurodivergent person has a brain that works differently from what most people expect. This includes people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other ways of thinking and learning. This is not a reflection on intelligence, it only means that this person experiences the world differently and has a unique perspective.

Neurodiversity

Everyone’s brain works a little differently. Neurodiversity means that people think, learn, and experience the world in different ways. Everyone’s reality is a little different from yours, and no one way is better than others - this makes the world an interesting place to be.

Neuronormativity

Neuronormativity refers to the idea that there is only one “normal” way to think, communicate, and behave, but this is not true. People’s brains work in all kinds of different ways, and we should celebrate these differences instead of expecting everyone to be the same.

Sensory Regulation

Our brains process sounds, sights, and feelings differently. Some people might need things to be quieter, softer, or slower to feel more comfortable. Others might need to move, make noise, or touch different textures to feel okay. Sensory regulation helping your brain and body feel comfortable in order for you to be your best self.

The Service Cliff

When adults with disabilities turn 21, many of the support programs they relied on in school disappear. This is called “The Service Cliff” because it can feel like falling off of a cliff without any help. Beyond losing services, many neurodivergent adults also lose opportunities for friendships, social activities, and ways to feel connected to their community. This can lead to isolation and loneliness, which is why it is so important to create inclusive spaces where everyone belongs.