ADOS-2 Observation

The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) is a standardised, semi-structured assessment tool used by trained clinicians to help diagnose Autism across all ages, developmental levels, and language skills.

ADI-R

The ADI-R stands for the (Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised) is a structured, standardised interview conducted with the parents or primary caregivers of someone who is suspected of having Autism.

ACE Interview

The ACE (ADHD Child Evaluation) is a semi-structured interview standardised interview conducted with the parents or primary caregivers of someone who is suspected of having ADHD.

National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE)

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence is an independent public body in the United Kingdom responsible for improving outcomes in health and social care by developing guidance, advice and standards for clinical and public health practice.

 

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Current understanding is that PDA is a distinct behavioural profile within autism, characteristic of extreme anxiety presenting as avoidance of everyday demands and expectations, to an extreme extent.  PDA is not recognised as a diagnosis in its own right.

Neurodevelopmental Assessment

A neurodevelopmental assessment is a comprehensive evaluation used to understan a child's or young person's developmental strengths, difficulties, and needs, often to determine the presence of conditions such as ADHD, autism, or related neurodevelopmental disorders.

 

Masking / Social Masking

Social masking is the conscious or unconscious act of altering one’s behavior, expressions, or mannerisms to fit in with social norms or avoid judgment, often suppressing one’s authentic self.

Conners-4

The Conners-4 is a standardised, evidence-based assessment tool designed to evaluate symptoms and behaviours commonly associated with ADHD in young people aged 6 to 18.  The Conners-4 uses input from multiple perspectives – parent, teacher and self-report.

Neurodivergent

Someone who is neurodivergent may think, learn, communicate, or experience the world differently from what is considered the “neurotypical” standard

Neuro-affirmative language 

Neuro-affirmative language refers to ways of speaking and writing that respect and validate the experiences of neurodivergent people. Instead of framing neurological differences (like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia) as only problems, deficits, or disorders, neuro-affirmative language acknowledges them as natural variations in how human brains work.

Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA)

An Education, Health and Care needs assessment (EHCNA) is an assessment of a child's education, health and care needs. It is the first step to getting an Educational Health Care Plan.

Routine

Autistic people often thrive on routine because predictability reduces anxiety, eases sensory overload, and provides a sense of control.

Special Interest

Special interests are intense and focused passions often seen in autistic people.  Special interests are more intense than typical hobbies and can dominate an autistic person’s free time and can lead to extensive knowledge and expertise in a particular area.

Stimming

Stimming in autism refers to repetitive behaviours like hand-flapping, rocking, or vocal sounds that help regulate emotions, manage sensory input, or express feelings. It’s a common form of self-regulation in autistic people and can begin in early childhood.

Autistic fatigue/ burnout 

Autistic Fatigue, and then subsequent burnout, can happen to anybody. Autistic people, however, can be more susceptible to both, due to the pressures of everyday life, having to navigate social situations and sensory overload.  

 

Camouflaging/ Masking

Masking is a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or unconsciously, to blend in and be more accepted in society.  Masking is sometimes called ‘camouflaging’ and is described as making efforts to manually act in ways that come naturally to non-autistic people

Overstimulation

Overstimulation occurs when the brain is overwhelmed by too much sensory input leading to discomfort, anxiety, and even physical distress.

 

Spectrum

Autism is a Spectrum.  This means each autistic person is different and being a spectrum reflects the natural variations in how autistic individuals think, communicate, feel and experience the world.

Eating Disorder

An eating disorder is a mental health condition where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations.  An eating disorder can affect anyone, however research suggests that autistic people may be more likely to experience eating disorders.