Understanding Neurodiversity: A Comprehensive Resource Guide

A

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

• Definition: Communication methods that supplement or replace speech

• Examples: Picture boards, speech-generating devices, Proloquo2Go

• Relevance: Essential tool for supporting diverse communication needs
   

Adaptive Skills

• Definition: Practical abilities needed for daily living and independence

• Examples: Personal care, money management, time management

• Usage: Key focus area in developmental support planning
   

Advocacy

• Definition: Speaking up for and supporting the rights of oneself or others

• Types: Self-advocacy, peer advocacy, professional advocacy

• Importance: Essential for ensuring rights and needs are met
   

Autism/Autistic

• Definition: Natural neurological variation affecting information processing and sensory experiences

• Note: Identity-first language preferred by many autistic individuals

• Approach: Viewed through strengths-based, neuro-affirming lens
  
   

B

Behavior Support Plan

• Definition: Structured document outlining positive behavior support strategies

• Components: Triggers, strategies, goals, and response plans

• Purpose: Supporting positive outcomes through understanding and accommodation
   

Body Autonomy

• Definition: Right to make choices about one's own body and personal space

• Application: Fundamental principle in trauma-informed care

• Importance: Core aspect of respectful support practices
  
   

C

Co-regulation

• Definition: Interactive process of emotional and sensory support between caregiver and child

• Benefits: Helps develop self-regulation skills

• Application: Essential in therapeutic relationships
   

Client-Led Approach

• Definition: Support strategy directed by client preferences and goals

• Benefits: Increases engagement and positive outcomes

• Implementation: Core principle of person-centered practice
  
   

D

Developmental Milestones

• Definition: Key skills or behaviors that emerge as children develop

• Context: Understood within individual variation and timing

• Application: Guide for understanding progress and planning support
   

Diversity

• Definition: Recognition and celebration of different ways of thinking, being, and learning

• Impact: Enriches communities and understanding

• Implementation: Core value in service delivery
  
   

E

Executive Functioning

• Definition: Mental processes including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control

• Components: Planning, organization, time management, task initiation

• Support: Strategies and tools to enhance these skills
   

Environmental Modifications

• Definition: Adjustments to surroundings to support comfort and function

• Examples: Lighting changes, noise reduction, flexible seating

• Purpose: Creating accessible and supportive spaces
  
   

F

Functional Capacity Assessment

• Definition: Evaluation of abilities in various life areas

• Purpose: Informs support planning and goal setting

• Components: Physical, cognitive, and social capabilities
   

Family-Centered Practice

• Definition: Approach that involves and supports the entire family unit

• Benefits: Enhanced outcomes through collaborative support

• Implementation: Core service delivery principle
  
   

G

Goal Setting

• Definition: Process of identifying and planning for desired outcomes

• Approach: SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)

• Implementation: Collaborative process with clients and families
  
   

H

Holistic Support

• Definition: Comprehensive approach addressing all aspects of well-being

• Components: Physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors

• Application: Integrated support planning
  
   

I

Inclusive Practice

• Definition: Ensuring equal access and participation for all

• Implementation: Universal design principles

• Benefits: Enhanced community participation and belonging
   

Individual Support Plan

• Definition: Personalized document outlining goals and strategies

• Components: Goals, strategies, timeframes, responsibilities

• Purpose: Guide for coordinated support delivery
  
   

M

Masking

• Definition: Hiding natural behaviors to conform to social expectations

• Impact: Can be exhausting and affect well-being

• Support: Creating accepting environments to reduce masking needs
   

Motor Planning

• Definition: Ability to conceive, plan, and execute physical actions

• Support: Structured activities and environmental modifications

• Development: Progressive skill building approach
  
   

N

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

• Definition: Australian government support system for people with disability

• Components: Funding, support coordination, service provision

• Access: Eligibility criteria and planning process
   

Neurodiversity

• Definition: Natural variation in human brains and minds

• Perspective: Difference not deficit

• Value: Enriches human experience and capability
  
   

P

Positive Behaviour Support

• Definition: Framework for understanding and supporting behavior

• Approach: Proactive, person-centered, and evidence-based

• Implementation: Collaborative planning and consistent support
   

Proprioception

• Definition: Awareness of body position and movement

• Support: Movement-based activities and sensory integration

• Importance: Fundamental to body awareness and coordination
  
   

R

Regulation

• Definition: Ability to manage emotional and sensory experiences

• Strategies: Sensory tools, movement breaks, calm spaces

• Support: Individual regulation plans and environmental modifications
   

Reasonable Adjustments

• Definition: Changes made to ensure equal access and participation

• Examples: Modified activities, additional time, alternative formats

• Implementation: Legal right and best practice
  
   

S

Sensory Processing

• Definition: How the brain receives and responds to sensory information

• Components: All eight senses including interoception

• Support: Individual sensory profiles and environmental modifications
   

Stimming

• Definition: Self-regulatory behaviors that help with processing and expression

• Examples: Movement, sounds, visual engagement

• Approach: Accepted and supported as natural behavior
  
   

T

Trauma-Informed Care

• Definition: Approach recognizing impact of trauma on development and behavior

• Principles: Safety, trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment

• Implementation: Throughout all service delivery
  
   

U

Universal Design

• Definition: Creating environments and services accessible to all

• Principles: Flexibility, simplicity, tolerance for error

• Application: Physical spaces and learning approaches
  
   

V

Visual Supports

• Definition: Tools using images to support understanding and communication

• Examples: Schedules, choice boards, social stories

• Implementation: Individualized to support needs