Neurodivergent Glossary
ADHD and Autism
An easy way to understand the medical jargon of the neurodivergent world.
Conditions
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition where attention, activity levels and impulse control work differently from most people's, present since childhood and showing up across different parts of life.
Anxiety disorder
An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition where worry or fear is frequent, hard to stop and out of proportion to the situation, often with physical signs.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder is the diagnostic name for autism, a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference in social communication and sensory experience, often with a strong preference for routine and focused interests.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood condition with distinct episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania, separated by periods when mood returns to the person's usual level.
Comorbidity (co-occurring conditions)
Comorbidity means two or more conditions present in the same person at the same time, such as ADHD and anxiety, or autism and ADHD together.
Conduct disorder
Conduct disorder is a diagnosis given mainly to children and teenagers who show a repeated, long-lasting pattern of breaking major rules or harming people, animals or property.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
DMDD is a DSM-5-TR diagnosis for children and teenagers with frequent, severe temper outbursts and an irritable or angry mood most days between them.
Negative symptoms (in schizophrenia)
Negative symptoms in schizophrenia are reductions in usual experience and behaviour, such as less facial expression, less speech, low motivation and reduced pleasure or social contact.
Secondary consequences of ADHD
Secondary consequences of ADHD are the difficulties that build up when ADHD goes unidentified or unsupported, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, job loss or debt.
Substance use disorders
Substance use disorders are conditions where use of alcohol, drugs or other substances continues despite causing harm to health, work, relationships or daily life.
Tics
Tics are sudden, repeated movements or sounds that a person feels an urge to make, such as blinking, shrugging, sniffing or throat-clearing.
Uncomplicated ADHD
Uncomplicated ADHD is ADHD without any co-occurring mental health, developmental or physical condition that would change how it is assessed or treated.
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