New words, in plain language.

AAC

Also called: Augmentative and alternative communication

Ways to communicate besides speech: picture boards, apps, typing, writing or signs. Using AAC does not stop speech from developing. It gives a person a voice while they need it, or for good.

Try our Core board

ABA therapy

Also called: Applied Behaviour Analysis

A therapy that teaches skills in small steps, often using rewards, and tries to change behaviours that get in the way. In Ontario, ABA-based services are among those the Ontario Autism Program can fund. It is also debated: many autistic adults say older, intensive styles focused on making children look less autistic (for example stopping stims or forcing eye contact) caused them harm. Newer approaches are more play-based and follow the child’s lead. If you consider it, ask a provider how they respect your child’s comfort, consent, communication and stimming, and whether your child enjoys the sessions.

Ask other families

Accommodations

Changes that remove barriers, such as a quiet space, written instructions, extra time, breaks or headphones. In Ontario, schools and employers have a legal duty to accommodate disability under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Write an accommodations letter

Alexithymia

Finding it hard to notice, name or describe your own feelings. It is more common in autistic people. It does not mean someone has no feelings.

Allistic

Not autistic. An allistic person can still be neurodivergent, for example someone with ADHD who is not autistic.

Autism

Also called: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

A lifelong difference in how a person’s brain works: how they communicate, experience the senses, and relate to others. “Spectrum” means it shows up differently in every person. It is not a line from “mild” to “severe”. Many people prefer to say “autism” rather than “disorder”.

Learn more about autism

Autistic burnout

Deep, long-lasting exhaustion, often with losing skills for a while (like speaking or managing daily tasks) and handling less sensory input than usual. It comes from the strain of living in a world not built for autistic people, often from masking for a long time. It is different from work burnout: rest alone may not fix it. Fewer demands, less masking and more support help.

Track your energy

Co-occurring conditions

Other conditions that often come along with autism, such as ADHD, anxiety, epilepsy, sleep problems or gut problems. They are not part of autism itself, but they are common, and they deserve their own care.

Co-regulation

When a calm, trusted person helps someone else get back to calm, just by being near, quiet and steady. Children learn to calm themselves through many moments of co-regulation.

Dysregulation

When feelings or the body feel out of control: too much, too fast, or shut down. “Regulation” means getting back to a calm, steady state. Everyone gets dysregulated sometimes.

Echolalia

Repeating words or phrases heard before, right away or later (for example, lines from a favourite show). It is often meaningful communication, and a common step in learning language.

Executive function

The brain skills for planning, starting tasks, switching between things, and keeping steps in mind. Many autistic people find these harder, especially when tired or overloaded.

Try the Task breaker

Identity-first and person-first language

Identity-first is “autistic person”. Person-first is “person with autism”. Many autistic adults prefer identity-first, because autism is part of who they are, not something they carry. Some prefer person-first. The kindest thing is to use the words each person chooses. On this site we mostly say “autistic person”.

IEPOntario

Also called: Individual Education Plan

A written plan at school that describes the supports, accommodations or changes a student needs. In Ontario, parents can ask the school for one and help shape it.

Info dumping

Sharing a lot of information about a favourite topic. For many autistic people it is a way of connecting and showing care: “I’m sharing what I love with you.”

Interoception

Sensing what is happening inside your body: hunger, thirst, needing the toilet, pain, temperature, and even feelings. Autistic people may sense these signals more weakly or more strongly, which can affect eating, sleep and toilet training.

Masking

Also called: Camouflaging

Hiding or holding back autistic traits to fit in: forcing eye contact, copying others, rehearsing what to say, or holding back stims. Masking is very tiring and is linked to burnout. Sometimes people mask to stay safe, for example in a job interview, or where being different could bring harm, especially for autistic people who are Black, Indigenous, people of colour or LGBTQ+.

Meltdown

An involuntary reaction to being completely overwhelmed. It may look like crying, shouting, hitting or running. It is not a tantrum: it is not done to get something, and rewards or punishments cannot stop it. What helps is safety, quiet, fewer words and time.

Monotropism

An idea, developed by autistic researchers, that autistic attention tends to focus deeply on fewer things at once. This can bring great focus and joy, and also make switching attention hard and tiring.

Neuroaffirming

Support that respects autistic ways of being, instead of trying to make someone look less autistic. It focuses on wellbeing, communication, comfort and consent.

Neurodivergent

A person whose brain works differently from what is considered typical. This includes autistic people, and people with ADHD, dyslexia and more.

Neurodiversity

The natural variety of human brains: everyone is part of it. A group of people can be neurodiverse. One person is neurodivergent or neurotypical.

Neurotypical

A person whose brain works in the way that is considered typical.

OAPOntario

Also called: Ontario Autism Program

Ontario’s program that funds services for autistic children and youth under 18, such as therapies and support. Families register, then wait to be invited to receive funding.

See Find guidance

Occupational therapist (OT)

A professional who helps with everyday activities: sensory needs, dressing, eating, handwriting, play and daily routines.

Parallel play

Playing or spending time side by side, each doing your own thing. For many autistic children and adults, it is a real and comfortable way to connect.

Pattern recognition

Noticing patterns: repeating shapes, sounds, numbers, rules or behaviours. Many autistic people are especially strong at it. Parents can use pattern spotting too: noting what happens before hard moments helps you see what your child needs.

Open the Pattern notebook

Self-identified

Also called: Self-diagnosed

Recognising yourself as autistic without a formal assessment, often after a lot of reading and reflection, or because assessments are hard to get (cost, long waits). Our community welcomes self-identified people. A formal diagnosis can still be needed for some supports, like funding or some school or work accommodations.

Sensory overload

When there is too much sound, light, touch, smell or movement to take in at once. It can lead to a meltdown or a shutdown. Fewer inputs, a quiet space and time help.

Sensory seeking and sensory avoiding

Seeking means looking for more input: squeezing, jumping, crunchy foods, loud sounds or deep pressure. Avoiding means finding input too much: covering ears, avoiding some clothes or foods. Many people do both, for different senses.

Sensory-friendly recipes

Shutdown

An inward reaction to being overwhelmed. A person may go quiet, stop talking or moving, or seem far away. Like a meltdown, it is not a choice. Don’t ask “what’s wrong?” or push for eye contact: stay close, keep it quiet, and give time.

Speech-language pathologist (SLP)

A professional who helps with communication, including speech, understanding, social communication and AAC, and sometimes with eating and swallowing.

Special interest

Also called: Deep interest, passion

An intense, joyful, deep interest in a topic. It can be a source of calm, happiness, expertise and connection.

Spoons

Also called: Spoon theory

A way to describe limited daily energy: each task uses up “spoons”, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Christine Miserandino created it to describe living with lupus. Many disabled and autistic people now use it.

Stimming

Repeated movements or sounds, like rocking, hand-flapping, humming or fidgeting. Stimming helps people calm down, focus or show joy. It should not be stopped unless it causes harm.

Words change over time, and people use them differently. If a word feels wrong to you, or one is missing, please tell us. General information, not medical advice.