Know The Term
Broad term for someone whose brain functions differently from what is considered neurologically typical
"She suffers from ADHD"
"suffers" frames ADHD negatively. Trying to say "she has ADHD"
AAC is only for people who cannot speak at all
MYTH - AAC can supplement speech AND provide an alternative to it
Repetitive movements, sounds, or behaviors that help someone regulate emotion or attention
"I need my room to be clean, I'm so OCD"
OCD is a condition, not an adjective for organized or particular
A disability can be "invisible"
Fact - Not every disability is apparent to others or looks the same
Executive Functioning
Planning, organizing, managing time, and getting started with tasks
"He has ADHD so I bet he can hardly sit still"
ADHD presents itself differently, not everyone with ADHD experiences hyperactivity
A person can have both ADHD and autism
Fact
Masking
When somebody suppresses or hides traits/behaviors to fit social expectations
"You're not even paying attention, you're just stimming"
Stimming can actually be used to help somebody regulate themselves or concentrate.
An accommodation is meant to make a task easier
Myth - Accommodations are meant to remove barriers and provide equal access
AAC
Abbreviation describing communication methods, including communication devices, symbols, and picture boards.
"She has executive dysfunction, so I bet she's really dumb"
Executive dysfunction is about completing/starting a task, not about comprehending it.
Neurodivergence is a medical diagnosis
Myth - "Neurodivergent is an umbrella term, not a diagnosis.