Glossary to define neurodiversity associated terms and phrases

Building inclusivity and understanding with a glossary of neurodiversity associated terms and phrases

To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their organizational culture, as well as embrace a new pool of untapped talent, enterprises and agencies are looking to the neurodiverse community to grow their workforces. The designation of “neurodiverse” evolved out of the terms “neurodivergent” and “neurodiversity”, which were coined in 1998 by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in recognition that every individual’s brain develops in its own unique way.¹ To better understand the etymology employed when discussing neurodiversity definitions, including a definition of neurodivergent, we’ve compiled a glossary of commonly associated words and phrases as a reference.

Accessibility

(noun)

The quality of being able to be reached, entered, or used by individuals with varying degrees of ability.² Accessibility is about inclusion. It is a critical quality that enables individuals with disabilities, or who show differences in patterns of thought or behavioral traits regarded as part of a normal variation in the human population, to independently participate in the physical and digital world.³ Physical accessibility applies to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities in new construction, alteration, or additions.⁴ Digital accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of removing barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to websites, digital tools, and technologies, by people with disabilities. ⁵ The Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities and many aspects of public life, is cited as the primary source for accessibility standards within the U.S.⁶

Accommodation(s)

[As defined by the U.S. Department of Labor]

(noun)

A modification or adjustment to a job or work environment that makes it possible for individuals with disabilities to perform job duties. Accommodations may include specialized equipment, modifications to the work environment, or adjustments to work schedules or responsibilities.⁷ Accommodations as they relate to employment: 1) ensuring equal opportunity in the application process; 2) enabling a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job; and 3) making it possible for an employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. Examples of accommodations include physically making existing facilities accessible; accessible and assistive technologies; accessible communications; and policy enhancements.⁸

Autism Acceptance Month

[As defined by the Autism Society]

Observed each April, Autism Acceptance Month celebrates people with autism and the unique perspectives of living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The month highlights the work the Autism Society is doing to create connections and empower autistic people and everyone in the ASD community to embrace their uniqueness and live fully.⁹

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

[As defined by the U.S. Department of Labor]

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees.¹⁰

Neurodivergent

(adjective)

Description for a singular individual or plural people who show differences in patterns of thought or behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population.¹¹

Neurodiverse

(adjective)

Description for a group of people who show differences in patterns of thought or behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population.¹²

Neurodiversity

(noun)

The wide range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population is the definition of neurodiversity.¹³ 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Occurring in March of each year, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative within the neurodiversity movement that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. By providing schools, universities, and organizations with the opportunity to recognize the many talents each individual possesses and the numerous advantages of being neurodivergent. The aim is to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported and to create more inclusive and equitable cultures that include people, celebrate differences, and empower everyone.¹⁴

Neurotypical

(adjective)

Description for a singular individual or plural people who may not be affected by a developmental challenge; exhibits patterns of thought and behavior that are considered typical within the human population.¹⁵

Neurodiversity hiring

Creating and implementing an intentional process that accommodates the needs of neurodivergent individuals through every stage of the hiring journey.

• Recruitment – Seeking talent with ideal skills and experience while being inclusive of neurodivergent individuals.
• Interview – Intentionally removing the barriers of a traditional process and considering factors such as environment and interview style. This also includes reframing abstract questions to be more direct, allowing for atypical expressions of processing information, and focusing on how a candidate’s skills align with the job requirements.

Neurodiversity in the workplace

Putting into practice the structure, methods, training, and support needed to provide career opportunities to neurodivergent individuals. The workplace encourages and supports all types of thinking, learning, interaction, and perception, aligning an employee’s skills with a job’s requirements to ensure success. Neurodiversity in the workplace adds an additional layer of DEI to organizational culture.

Types of neurodivergence

Each form of neurodivergence presents as a combination of traits that show differences in patterns of thought or behavior, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population. This is a sample list of the types of neurodivergence.¹⁶

• Anxiety disorders
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Dyscalculia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Sensory processing disorders
• Social anxiety
• Tourette syndrome

As the terminology that helps define neurodiversity continues to evolve, this glossary will be revised to allow for additional developments.

Learn more about the neurodiversity employment program available through CAI Neurodiverse Solutions, as well as the experience of neurodivergent associates like Adam.