Word List 4: Neurodiversity

a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.

behavioral syndrome characterized by varying degrees of difficulty in social and conversational skills but normal-to-above-average intelligence and language development; often accompanied by obsessive preoccupation with particular topics or routines.

the idea that people with special needs have diverse brain structures, with each person having neurological strengths and weaknesses that should be appreciated, in much the same way diverse cultures and ethnicities are welcomed

to be described as having varied levels of symptoms associated with autism

relating to the growth and maturation of a person, particularly in terms of physical, cognitive, and emotional changes

a condition characterized by a disturbance in physical or mental functioning, causing distress or impairment in daily life

the process of engaging with others, involving communication, cooperation, and mutual exchange of information or emotions

involving the repetition of certain actions, behaviors, or thoughts, often seen in individuals with autism or related disorders

communication that occurs without the use of words, including gestures, facial expressions, body language, and eye contact

related to mental processes such as thinking, learning, memory, and problem-solving

a distinct variation or category within a larger group or classification

a condition that hinders or limits normal functioning or abilities, often used in the context of disabilities or disorders

a change in body function that is felt by a patient as a result of disease or other medical condition

the verbal and nonverbal features of a message that offer more information about the context, the meaning, and the identities of the involved parties

the progression of muscular coordination required for physical activities