Autism Vocabulary
Autism vocabulary includes key terms and concepts that help us better understand the lived experiences of autistic individuals. This language covers ideas like “neurodiversity,” which emphasizes natural variations in the human brain, and “sensory processing,” which refers to how people perceive and respond to sensory input. Terms like “executive functioning” and “social communication” further describe common challenges and strengths in autistic profiles. Using accurate, respectful vocabulary supports clearer communication, builds empathy, and promotes truly inclusive environments for autistic individuals and their families. This is not an all-inclusive list, and more terms may unfold as language and understanding evolve. Each entry includes the common term, clinical equivalent, research context, and a brief definition.
Anxiety around change
Clinical Equivalent: Intolerance of uncertainty
Area of Research: Clinical Psychology, Anxiety Research
Definition: Fear or stress when routines shift unexpectedly.
Autism spectrum
Clinical Equivalent: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Area of Research: DSM-5 Diagnostic Framework
Definition: The range of neurodevelopmental differences defined as autism.
Avoiding eye contact
Clinical Equivalent: Atypical gaze patterns
Area of Research: Social Cognition, Autism Research
Definition: Looking away to manage sensory or social stress.
Automatic blocking
Clinical Equivalent: Sensory gating
Area of Research: Neuroscience, Sensory Processing
Definition: The brain filters out overwhelming sensory input automatically.
Burnout
Clinical Equivalent: Autistic burnout
Area of Research: Mental Health, Trauma, Neurodivergent Studies
Definition: Physical and mental collapse after prolonged masking or overload.
Challenges with change
Clinical Equivalent: Cognitive inflexibility
Area of Research: Autism Research, Psychology
Definition: Difficulty adapting to new situations or shifts in routine.
Choosing not to stim
Clinical Equivalent: Masking or camouflaging
Area of Research: Autism Studies, Social Psychology
Definition: Suppressing natural movements to avoid judgment.
Choosing to tolerate input
Clinical Equivalent: Sensory override / Social compliance
Area of Research: Masking Research
Definition: Enduring discomfort to meet social expectations.
Co-diagnosis
Clinical Equivalent: Comorbid diagnosis / Dual diagnosis
Area of Research: Developmental Psychology, Psychiatry
Definition: Having more than one diagnosis (e.g., autism + ADHD).
Common profiles
Clinical Equivalent: Autism subtypes or phenotypes
Area of Research: Autism Research
Definition: Shared behavior patterns seen across autistic individuals.
Covering ears or hiding
Clinical Equivalent: Sensory avoidance behavior
Area of Research: Sensory Processing Research
Definition: Avoiding sensory input like noise or lights.
Difficulty switching tasks
Clinical Equivalent: Executive dysfunction
Area of Research: Executive Functioning Research
Definition: Struggles with stopping, starting, or shifting between tasks.
Eloping
Clinical Equivalent: Wandering behavior
Area of Research: Behavioral Studies, Safety Research
Definition: Running or walking away due to overwhelm or confusion.
Executive functioning
Clinical Equivalent: Goal management / cognitive control
Area of Research: Neuroscience, Psychology
Definition: The ability to plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle tasks.
Fight or flight
Clinical Equivalent: Acute stress response
Area of Research: Neuroscience, Trauma Studies
Definition: Reflex to escape or defend under perceived threat.
Freeze
Clinical Equivalent: Passive response to threat
Area of Research: Trauma Psychology, Nervous System Regulation
Definition: Brain and body shut down in overwhelming situations.
Gag reflex to stimuli
Clinical Equivalent: Sensory over-responsivity
Area of Research: Sensory Integration, OT
Definition: Strong physical reaction to textures, smells, or tastes.
Hitting / aggression
Clinical Equivalent: Dysregulation response / Behavioral outburst
Area of Research: Behavioral Psychology
Definition: Physical reactions when overwhelmed or unable to communicate.
Level 1 autism
Clinical Equivalent: ASD Level 1 (requires support)
Area of Research: DSM-5
Definition: May need help with organization and social interaction.
Level 2 autism
Clinical Equivalent: ASD Level 2 (requires substantial support)
Area of Research: DSM-5
Definition: Requires more daily support and social guidance.
Level 3 autism
Clinical Equivalent: ASD Level 3 (requires very substantial support)
Area of Research: DSM-5
Definition: Needs significant help with communication and behavior.
Manual filtering
Clinical Equivalent: Top-down sensory modulation
Area of Research: Occupational Therapy, Neuroscience
Definition: Choosing how to manage sensory input (e.g., using headphones).
Masking behaviors
Clinical Equivalent: Camouflaging / Compensatory strategies
Area of Research: Psychology, Social Neuroscience
Definition: Hiding autistic traits to fit in socially.
Meltdown
Clinical Equivalent: Emotional regulation failure / Explosive response
Area of Research: Autism Support, Behavioral Psychology
Definition: Loss of control due to overwhelming stress or sensory input.
Need for routine
Clinical Equivalent: Preference for sameness
Area of Research: Autism Diagnostic Criteria
Definition: Strong reliance on predictable patterns and habits.
Neurodivergent
Clinical Equivalent: Neurodevelopmentally different
Area of Research: Neurodiversity Studies, Disability Theory
Definition: Describes individuals whose brains work differently from the neurotypical standard.
Neurodiversity
Clinical Equivalent: Population-level neurological variation
Area of Research: Sociology, Disability Studies
Definition: The natural variation of cognitive functioning across humanity.
Not talking during overload
Clinical Equivalent: Selective mutism / Speech shutdown
Area of Research: Speech-Language Pathology, Autism Research
Definition: Temporarily unable to speak due to stress or sensory load.
Overstimulation
Clinical Equivalent: Sensory overload / Hyperarousal
Area of Research: Sensory Processing, Neuroscience
Definition: Too much input at once causing overwhelm or distress.
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)
Clinical Equivalent: Extreme demand avoidance profile
Area of Research: Autism Subtype Research
Definition: Avoids demands due to anxiety or need for control.
Picky eating
Clinical Equivalent: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Area of Research: Eating Disorders, Pediatric Psychology
Definition: Refusing foods based on texture, smell, or anxiety.
Profound autism
Clinical Equivalent: Autism + IDD + high support needs
Area of Research: Clinical Practice, Education Policy
Definition: Autism with significant cognitive or communication needs.
Pushing people or objects
Clinical Equivalent: Fight-or-flight response
Area of Research: Behavioral Neurology, Trauma-Informed Care
Definition: Physical behavior to create space or escape discomfort.
Sensory masking
Clinical Equivalent: Self-induced sensory override
Area of Research: Sensory Integration, Lived Experience
Definition: Using intense input (e.g., loud music) to block other sensations.
Sensory processing
Clinical Equivalent: Sensory integration and regulation
Area of Research: Occupational Therapy, Neuroscience
Definition: How the nervous system receives and responds to sensory input.
Sensory seeking
Clinical Equivalent: Sensory craving / Under-responsive sensory profile
Area of Research: Sensory Processing, OT
Definition: Actively seeking input like spinning or deep pressure.
Severe autism
Clinical Equivalent: Autism with high support needs
Area of Research: DSM-5, Applied Settings
Definition: Outdated label for individuals needing intensive support.
Shutting down emotionally
Clinical Equivalent: Emotional withdrawal / Autistic shutdown
Area of Research: Trauma, Burnout Research
Definition: Pulling inward due to overload; becomes unresponsive.
Shutdown
Clinical Equivalent: Protective withdrawal
Area of Research: Psychology, Trauma Studies
Definition: Body and brain shut down to cope with overwhelming input.
Social communication
Clinical Equivalent: Pragmatic language and interaction
Area of Research: Communication Sciences, Education
Definition: The way we use language socially, including tone, timing, and context.
Stimming to cover up other input
Clinical Equivalent: Competing input strategy
Area of Research: Sensory Substitution Research
Definition: Creating input (e.g., tapping, humming) to reduce outside impact.
Using headphones or dimming lights
Clinical Equivalent: Sensory modulation strategies
Area of Research: Occupational Therapy
Definition: Tools to manage or reduce sensory stimulation.
