Glossary
Your Guide to Neurodiversity Terms
Introduction
Understanding the terminology around neurodiversity, assistive technology (AT), and support schemes like Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is essential for navigating educational and workplace environments. This Glossary page, created by Calling All Minds Ltd, a UK leader in neurodiversity support, provides clear definitions of key terms for neurodivergent individuals, DEI professionals, workplace departments, and students in 2025. Whether you're exploring AT for autism, funding through Access to Work, or mental health resources, this resource clarifies concepts with practical examples.
With over a decade of collective experience, Calling All Minds' team empowers users through tailored AT training and support. Use the searchable directory, filter by category (e.g., Neurodiversity, AT), or browse our interactive sections below to find the terms you need.
Showing 26 of 26 terms
Glossary Terms
Access to Work (AtW)
Definition: A UK government grant funding workplace support (e.g., AT, job coaches) for disabled or neurodivergent employees.
Example: An autistic employee receives noise-cancelling headphones (AtW-funded) for open-plan offices.
Accommodations
Definition: Adjustments to study or work environments to support neurodivergent individuals, often funded by DSA or AtW.
Example: An autistic student receives extra exam time (DSA-funded) to reduce sensory stress.
Anxiety
Definition: A mental health condition involving excessive worry or fear, common in neurodiversity (e.g., autism, ADHD).
Example: An autistic student contacts Anxiety UK for lecture-related anxiety support.
Assistive Technology (AT)
Definition: Tools or software enhancing accessibility for neurodivergent individuals, such as speech-to-text or visual timers.
Example: A dyslexic student uses Ghotit Real Writer (DSA-funded) to improve essay writing.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Definition: A condition characterized by difficulties with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity, impacting organization and focus.
Example: An ADHD professional uses Time Timer (Access to Work-funded) to manage workplace tasks.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Definition: Devices or apps supporting non-verbal communication, used by autistic or speech-impaired individuals.
Example: An autistic employee uses Proloquo2Go (Access to Work-funded) for team meetings.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Definition: A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction, communication, and sensory processing, with diverse strengths and challenges.
Example: An autistic student uses noise-cancelling headphones (DSA-funded) to manage sensory overload in lectures.
Crisis Support
Definition: Immediate mental health assistance for urgent situations, such as suicidal thoughts or severe distress.
Example: A dyslexic student texts Shout 85258 during a study-related crisis.
Depression
Definition: A mental health condition involving persistent low mood, impacting study or work, common in neurodiversity.
Example: An ADHD student uses Calm (DSA-funded) to manage depression symptoms during exams.
Disability Advisor
Definition: A university professional assisting with DSA applications and support arrangements.
Example: A dyslexic student works with their disability advisor to arrange a DSA-funded note-taker.
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
Definition: A non-repayable UK grant funding study-related support (e.g., AT, mentors) for disabled students in higher education.
Example: A dyslexic student receives Read&Write and a laptop (DSA-funded) for coursework.
Dyslexia
Definition: A learning difference affecting reading, writing, and spelling, often requiring AT for literacy support.
Example: A dyslexic student uses Read&Write (DSA-funded) to read textbooks aloud.
Dyspraxia
Definition: A condition affecting motor coordination and planning, impacting tasks like typing or writing.
Example: A dyspraxic employee uses an adaptive keyboard (Access to Work-funded) for workplace reports.
Emotional Regulation
Definition: The ability to manage emotions, often challenging for neurodivergent individuals.
Example: An autistic student uses TouchPoints (Access to Work-funded) to regulate stress in meetings.
Equality Act 2010
Definition: UK legislation requiring reasonable adjustments for disabled individuals in education and work.
Example: A dyspraxic employee requests an ergonomic chair (employer-funded) under the Equality Act.
Executive Functioning
Definition: Cognitive processes for planning, organizing, and completing tasks, often challenging for neurodivergent individuals.
Example: An ADHD student uses Todoist (DSA-funded) to structure coursework deadlines.
Health Adjustment Passport
Definition: A document outlining workplace support needs, used with Access to Work to streamline accommodations.
Example: An ADHD employee uses a Health Adjustment Passport to request flexible hours and AT.
Needs Assessment
Definition: A professional evaluation to identify DSA or AtW support needs, often involving AT recommendations.
Example: An autistic student's needs assessment recommends Proloquo2Go and a note-taker (DSA-funded).
Neurodiversity
Definition: The natural variation in human neurological functioning, encompassing conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
Example: A workplace DEI team uses our AT Guide to support neurodiverse employees.
Non-Medical Helper
Definition: Human support (e.g., note-takers, mentors) funded by DSA to assist with study tasks.
Example: An ADHD student employs a study mentor (DSA-funded) to organize revision schedules.
Reasonable Adjustments
Definition: Mandatory workplace or study changes to support disabled individuals, not funded by DSA or AtW.
Example: An ADHD employee receives flexible hours (employer-provided) to manage focus challenges.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Definition: Difficulty processing sensory input (e.g., sound, light), common in autism, affecting focus or comfort.
Example: An autistic student uses TouchPoints (DSA-funded) to manage sensory overload.
Speech-to-Text Software
Definition: Software converting spoken words to text, aiding users with motor or literacy challenges.
Example: A dyspraxic student uses Dragon NaturallySpeaking (DSA-funded) to dictate assignments.
Study Mentor
Definition: A non-medical helper providing organizational or study support, often DSA-funded.
Example: An ADHD student uses a study mentor (DSA-funded) to plan coursework deadlines.
Text-to-Speech Software
Definition: Software reading text aloud, supporting dyslexia or visual processing difficulties.
Example: A dyslexic student uses NaturalReader (DSA-funded) for textbook access.
Visual Timer
Definition: A device or app displaying time visually, aiding time management for ADHD or autism.
Example: An ADHD student uses Time Timer (DSA-funded) to focus during study sessions.
How to Use the Glossary
This glossary is designed for easy navigation, especially for neurodivergent users who may prefer structured or searchable resources. Below are tips to find terms effectively.
🧭Navigation Tips
Search: Use the search bar to find terms by keyword for quick access
Filter: Select categories to browse relevant terms by topic
Browse: Scroll through the alphabetized list or use category pills
Cross-References: Click "See Also" sections for related resources
Accessibility: Use keyboard navigation or request alternative formats
💡Tips for Neurodivergent Users
Simplify Navigation: Filter by category to reduce overwhelm
Use AT Tools: Apply tools like Read&Write to read definitions aloud
Take Breaks: Use Time Timer to pace glossary exploration
Bookmark Terms: Save frequently referenced definitions
Request Support: Contact us for personalized assistance
Calling All Minds Support
Calling All Minds enhances your understanding of neurodiversity and support terms through practical solutions. Our team, with over a decade of collective experience, offers:
🎓AT Training
Workshops to master tools like Read&Write, Proloquo2Go, or Time Timer, funded by DSA or Access to Work (£200–£1,000).
🔍Needs Assessments
Identify AT or support needs for neurodivergent conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD) (£100–£500).
📋DSA and AtW Guidance
Support with applications and supplier coordination to access funded tools.
💙Mental Health Support
AT solutions for emotional regulation, paired with mental health resources.
Resources & Next Steps
Key Resources
Next Steps
Explore Terms: Use search and filter tools to understand key terminology
Apply for Support: Access DSA or Access to Work to fund tools and services
Discover AT: Visit our AT Guide to find assistive technology tools
Contact Calling All Minds: Schedule a consultation for AT training or support
Seek Mental Health Support: Use our Mental Health Contacts for helplines
Join Communities: Engage with neurodiversity networks and support groups
Building Understanding Together
Understanding terminology is the first step toward accessing support and building inclusive environments. This glossary is a living resource that grows with our community's needs.