{"id":45090,"date":"2025-12-02T10:58:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T10:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/?post_type=neurodiversity&#038;p=45090"},"modified":"2026-02-13T15:10:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T15:10:37","slug":"language","status":"publish","type":"neurodiversity","link":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/neurodiversity\/about\/language\/","title":{"rendered":"Language guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_1 assembler_module_group_1\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-1\" id=\"module-1\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#module-1\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-1<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-8 sm:pt-16 pb-6 sm:pb-12\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n          <h1 class=\"text-3xl md:text-4xl leading-60 md:leading-80 font-bold mb-16 tt-neu\">\r\n        Language guide      <\/h1>\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <p>This website is designed to provide an accessible, credible source of information to everyone in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The language we use plays an important part in that. Throughout the website, we have aimed to write in plain English, and use language that is consistent and clear, so that every reader can understand it.<\/p>\n<p>The language around neurodiversity is evolving, and we know people may use a range of terms to describe themselves and others. For the website, it is important that we use a consistent set of words and phrases that people with lived experience have agreed are respectful, positive and inclusive.<\/p>\n<p>This guide has been developed with people with lived experience and neurodiversity professionals. It is a live document, which means it can be edited and added to as needed.<\/p>\n<p>The website \u2013 and therefore this language guide \u2013 focuses primarily on autism and ADHD. This is because the neurodevelopmental review carried out in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire identified a need for improved access to information and support on those conditions. However, the website also points people to information on a range of other conditions to support Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire&#8217;s wider neurodivergent community.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/about\/\">Read more about how and why we developed the information this website.<\/a><\/p>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..transparent --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_1.assembler_module_group_1  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_2 assembler_module_group_2\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-light-grey\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-2\" id=\"module-2\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#module-2\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-2<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-6 sm:pt-12 pb-6 sm:pb-12\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <h2>Accessibility<\/h2>\n<p>This website has been designed so that it can be accessed by everyone, including people with visual impairments, dyslexia, and learning disabilities.<\/p>\n<p>Language is critical to ensuring everyone can understand the information we share on the site. The language around neurodiversity can be confusing, so we have tried to explain terms wherever needed, and avoid jargon or acronyms where possible. If we do use acronyms, we will explain what they mean.<\/p>\n<p>We have avoided similes and metaphors, as some autistic people understand language very literally, so it\u2019s important to avoid phrases that don\u2019t say what they mean.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-light-grey --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_2.assembler_module_group_2  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_3 assembler_module_group_3\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-3\" id=\"module-3\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#module-3\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-3<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-5 sm:pt-10 pb-3 sm:pb-6\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <h2>Words and phrases<\/h2>\n<p>Words are powerful. Using the right words can help people to feel included and respected. Using the wrong words can cause people to feel excluded and demeaned. Language is not only important for neurodivergent people and their families, but can reframe how society views and refers to neurodivergent people.<\/p>\n<h4>A-Z list of words and phrases we have agreed should be used or avoided<\/h4>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..transparent --><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-button-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-button-module_2 assembler_module_2  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-4\" id=\"module-4\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#module-4\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-4<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-button-module - Template: template-button-neurodiversity - Matched: _only -->\r\n<style>\r\n.nd-btn-grid {\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    padding: 0 20px;\r\n    display: grid;\r\n    gap: 32px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-btn-grid--1 { grid-template-columns: 2fr 8fr 2fr; }\r\n.nd-btn-grid--2 { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }\r\n.nd-btn-grid--3 { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); }\r\n.nd-btn-grid--4 { grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); }\r\n.nd-btn-grid--5 { grid-template-columns: repeat(5, 1fr); }\r\n\r\n.nd-btn-grid--1 .nd-btn-grid__button {\r\n    grid-column: 2 \/ 3;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    max-width: none;\r\n    justify-self: stretch;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-btn-grid__button {\r\n    display: block;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    background: var(--color-primary);\r\n    color: #fff;\r\n    padding: 14px;\r\n    border-radius: 16px;\r\n    text-decoration: none;\r\n    font-weight: 500;\r\n    transition: background .25s ease;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.nd-btn-grid__button:hover {\r\n    background: var(--color-secondary);\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\r\n    .nd-btn-grid {\r\n        grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;\r\n    }\r\n    .nd-btn-grid-section\r\n    {\r\n        padding: 40px 10px;\r\n    }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content px-6 pt-3 sm:pt-6 pb-6 sm:pb-12 nd-btn-grid-section\">\r\n    <div class=\"nd-btn-grid max-w-[1144px] px-6 nd-btn-grid--5\">\r\n\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/about\/language\/#a\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                A            <\/a>\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/about\/language\/#c\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                C            <\/a>\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/about\/language\/#d\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                D            <\/a>\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/about\/language\/#f\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                F            <\/a>\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/about\/language\/#h\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                H            <\/a>\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/about\/language\/#m\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                M            <\/a>\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/about\/language\/#n\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                N            <\/a>\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/about\/language\/#r\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                R            <\/a>\r\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/neurodiversity\/about\/language\/#s\" class=\"nd-btn-grid__button\">\r\n                S            <\/a>\r\n        \r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-button-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-button-module_2.assembler_module_2..transparent --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_3.assembler_module_group_3  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_4 assembler_module_group_4\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-light-grey\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled a\" id=\"a\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#a\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled a<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-6 sm:pt-12 pb-5 sm:pb-10\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n          <h1 class=\"text-3xl md:text-4xl leading-60 md:leading-80 font-bold mb-16 tt-neu\">\r\n        A      <\/h1>\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <div class=\"table-1\">\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th align=\"left\">Term<\/th>\n<th align=\"left\">Recommendation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Accommodations<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">A term used to describe the adjustments that can reasonably be made to meet the needs of a neurodivergent person in the workplace. Also used in relation to pre-interview or pre-starting work. Sometimes referred to as <em>reasonable adjustments.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Asperger syndrome<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">The name Asperger syndrome has been used since the mid 10th century to describe a particular form of autism.<\/p>\n<p>There is considerable debate over the name and its origins, and some now prefer not to use it. The name derives from a 1944 study by Austrian paediatrician Hans Asperger. New evidence about his history and links to the Nazi regime have recently been revealed.<\/p>\n<p>Many people who fit in the profile for Asperger syndrome are now being diagnosed with autism instead. Each person is different, and it is up to each individual how they choose to identify. Some people still prefer to use the term Asperger syndrome in relation to their own condition.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/advice-and-guidance\/what-is-autism\/asperger-syndrome\" rel=\"noopener\">Asperger syndrome (Asperger\u2019s) &#8211; National Autistic Society<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>or<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>ADHD<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people\u2019s behaviour and emotions. It affects both children and adults.<\/p>\n<p>It is acceptable to use the term <em>ADHD<\/em> without giving the full name, as it is a widely used acronym.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\">Use:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Autistic people or<br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>an autistic person<br \/>\n(in relation to adults and young people)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">Rather than <em>people with autism<\/em> or <em>a person with autism<\/em> where possible.<\/p>\n<p>This is a sensitive issue in the autism community, as many autistic people see autism as a part of who they are \u2013 rather than something separate.<\/p>\n<p>Research shows that there isn\u2019t a single way which is accepted by everyone. However, <em>autistic<\/em> and o<em>n the autism spectrum<\/em> were the preferre3ed terms among most autistic adults and families.<\/p>\n<p>There is less agreement about how to describe children. Many autism organisations, particularly those focused on children and young people, use the terms<em> \u2018with autism\u2019<\/em> or <em>\u2018on the autism spectrum\u2019.<\/em> Research shows that families are divided on which term they like best.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\">Use:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Autism or on the autism spectrum<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">Rather than autism spectrum disorder or ASD.<\/p>\n<p>Autism spectrum disorder is the official way of describing autism but many autistic people and families feel that the term \u2018disorder\u2019 is too negative for everyday discussions. Autism is a difference rather than a disorder.<\/p>\n<p>The term \u2018condition\u2019 is often now used by professionals rather than \u2018disorder\u2019.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-light-grey --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_4.assembler_module_group_4  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_5 assembler_module_group_5\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled c\" id=\"c\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#c\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled c<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-5 sm:pt-10 pb-5 sm:pb-10\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n          <h1 class=\"text-3xl md:text-4xl leading-60 md:leading-80 font-bold mb-16 tt-neu\">\r\n        C      <\/h1>\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <div class=\"table-1\">\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th align=\"left\">Term<\/th>\n<th align=\"left\">Recommendation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\">Use:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>or<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Traits<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">Rather than <em>symptoms<\/em>, which makes it sound as if autism is a disease.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\">Use:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Co-existing conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>or<\/p>\n<p><strong>Co-occurring conditions<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">Refers to when a person has more than one neurodevelopmental condition.<\/p>\n<p>Use these phrases rather than <em>co-morbidity<\/em>, which has negative connotations.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..transparent --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_5.assembler_module_group_5  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_6 assembler_module_group_6\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-light-grey\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled d\" id=\"d\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#d\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled d<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-5 sm:pt-10 pb-5 sm:pb-10\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n          <h1 class=\"text-3xl md:text-4xl leading-60 md:leading-80 font-bold mb-16 tt-neu\">\r\n        D      <\/h1>\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <div class=\"table-1\">\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th align=\"left\">Term<\/th>\n<th align=\"left\">Recommendation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\">Differences<\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">Not\u00a0<em>deficits.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Disability<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">The Equality Act 2010 defines a disability as any \u2018physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Although autism and ADHD are usually described as neurodevelopmental conditions, they are sometimes referred to as <em>developmental disabilities.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-light-grey --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_6.assembler_module_group_6  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_7 assembler_module_group_7\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled f\" id=\"f\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#f\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled f<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-5 sm:pt-10 pb-5 sm:pb-10\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n          <h1 class=\"text-3xl md:text-4xl leading-60 md:leading-80 font-bold mb-16 tt-neu\">\r\n        F      <\/h1>\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <div class=\"table-1\">\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th align=\"left\">Term<\/th>\n<th align=\"left\">Recommendation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"left\">Functioning (high\/low)<\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">These terms overshadow and create an unneeded comparison. Using &#8216;high functioning&#8217; disregards the struggles of those who appear independent and well.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..transparent --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_7.assembler_module_group_7  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_8 assembler_module_group_8\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-light-grey\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled h\" id=\"h\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#h\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled h<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-5 sm:pt-10 pb-5 sm:pb-10\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n          <h1 class=\"text-3xl md:text-4xl leading-60 md:leading-80 font-bold mb-16 tt-neu\">\r\n        H      <\/h1>\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <div class=\"table-1\">\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th align=\"left\">Term<\/th>\n<th align=\"left\">Recommendation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Human language is key<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">People are people \u2013 avoid terms such as service user or client.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-light-grey --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_8.assembler_module_group_8  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_9 assembler_module_group_9\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-light-grey\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled m\" id=\"m\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#m\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled m<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-5 sm:pt-10 pb-5 sm:pb-10\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n          <h1 class=\"text-3xl md:text-4xl leading-60 md:leading-80 font-bold mb-16 tt-neu\">\r\n        M      <\/h1>\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <div class=\"table-1\">\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th align=\"left\">Term<\/th>\n<th align=\"left\">Recommendation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Masking<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">When autistic people \u2018mask\u2019 they may hide or disguise certain traits in order to conform to the expectations of a neurotypical society. Masking is more common in girls than boys, but many autistic people \u2018mask\u2019 at some point.<\/p>\n<p>Masking can be seen as a coping strategy for autistic people, but it can have a significant and detrimental impact, resulting in stress, anxiety and depression.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Meltdown<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">A meltdown is an intense response to an overwhelming situation. It can result in an autistic person experiencing very high anxiety and distress, and they may temporarily lose control of their behaviour.<\/p>\n<p>Autistic people can react to challenging situations in other ways too: for example, by refusing to interact, withdrawing from situations, or avoiding them altogether.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-light-grey --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_9.assembler_module_group_9  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_10 assembler_module_group_10\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled n\" id=\"n\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#n\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled n<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-5 sm:pt-10 pb-5 sm:pb-10\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n          <h1 class=\"text-3xl md:text-4xl leading-60 md:leading-80 font-bold mb-16 tt-neu\">\r\n        N      <\/h1>\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <div class=\"table-1\">\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th align=\"left\">Term<\/th>\n<th align=\"left\">Recommendation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Neurodivergent<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">The term neurodivergent is used to refer to someone whose brain functions differently to what is considered more typical.<\/p>\n<p>People who are neurodivergent may have one or more neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia or Tourette\u2019s Syndrome.<\/p>\n<p>Use neurodivergent to refer to a person who is not neurotypical, rather than neurodiverse.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Neurodiverse<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">Neurodiverse is a term to describe a group of individuals who represent the spectrum of neurodiversity.<\/p>\n<p>An individual cannot be neurodiverse. An individual who is not neurotypical is neurodivergent.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Neurodiversity<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">Neurodiversity is the concept that everyone\u2019s brain is unique.<\/p>\n<p>It recognises the biological fact that we are all diverse \u2013 we all think, learn, and act differently, and we all have different strengths.<\/p>\n<p>Neurodiversity recognises and celebrates the value that these different strengths can bring.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Neurotypical<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">Neurotypical refers to someone whose mind falls within the society standards of what is considered \u2018typical\u2019.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..transparent --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_10.assembler_module_group_10  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_11 assembler_module_group_11\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-light-grey\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled r\" id=\"r\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#r\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled r<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-5 sm:pt-10 pb-5 sm:pb-10\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n          <h1 class=\"text-3xl md:text-4xl leading-60 md:leading-80 font-bold mb-16 tt-neu\">\r\n        R      <\/h1>\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <div class=\"table-1\">\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th align=\"left\">Term<\/th>\n<th align=\"left\">Recommendation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Reasonable adjustments<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">A term used to describe the adjustments that can reasonably be made to meet the needs of a neurodivergent person in the workplace. Also used in relation to pre-interview or pre-starting work. Sometimes referred to as <em>accommodations.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-light-grey --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_11.assembler_module_group_11  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_12 assembler_module_group_12\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  transparent\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled s\" id=\"s\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#s\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled s<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-5 sm:pt-10 pb-5 sm:pb-10\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n          <h1 class=\"text-3xl md:text-4xl leading-60 md:leading-80 font-bold mb-16 tt-neu\">\r\n        S      <\/h1>\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <div class=\"table-1\">\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th align=\"left\">Term<\/th>\n<th align=\"left\">Recommendation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\">Use:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Support<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>or<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>adjustments<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">Rather than <em>treat.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Words like \u2018treat\u2019 mean that people might think that autism is a disease that can be removed or cured. This upsets many autistic people and families. With support and\/or reasonable adjustments, many autistic people live independent lives.<\/p>\n<p>Do not talk about \u2018managing\u2019 behaviour in relation to ADHD \u2013 focus on support.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\">Don\u2019t use:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Severe<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>or<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Mild<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">In a similar way to high and low functioning, these terms create an unneeded comparison.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td role=\"rowheader\" align=\"left\"><strong>Spectrum<\/strong><\/td>\n<td align=\"left\">As in spectrum condition \u2013 this means the condition can affect people in different ways.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..transparent --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_12.assembler_module_group_12  --><div class=\"assembler_default-group assembler_module_group assembler_default-group_13 assembler_module_group_13\"><div class=\"assembler_module_area assembler_module_area_1\"><div class=\"assembler_neurodiversity-text-module assembler_module assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1 assembler_module_1  bg-light-grey\"><a tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"Section titled module-14\" id=\"module-14\" href=\"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/#module-14\" class=\"anchor\"><span class=\"hidden\">Section titled module-14<\/span><\/a><!-- Template found for neurodiversity-text-module - Template: template-text-neurodiversity - Matched: _only --><style>\r\n@media (max-width: 799px) {\r\n  .ti-neu {font-size:40px !important; margin-bottom: 2rem !important;}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<section class=\"w-full mx-auto max-w-content text-left px-6 pt-6 sm:pt-12 pb-6 sm:pb-12\">\r\n  <div class=\"max-w-[1144px] mx-auto entry-content px-6\">\r\n    \r\n    <div class=\"grid gap-12\">\r\n      <div class=\"text-gray-800 leading-relaxed entry-content\">\r\n        <h2>Additional resources<\/h2>\n<p>The NHS website includes information on how to make information accessible, including the language we use about autism.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.england.nhs.uk\/learning-disabilities\/about\/get-involved\/involving-people\/making-information-and-the-words-we-use-accessible\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NHS England &#8211; making information and the words we use accessible<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/what-we-do\/help-and-support\/how-to-talk-about-autism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The National Autistic Society &#8211; How to talk and write about autism<\/a><\/p>\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div><!-- .assembler_neurodiversity-text-module.assembler_module.assembler_neurodiversity-text-module_1.assembler_module_1..bg-light-grey --><\/div><!-- .assembler_module_area.assembler_module_area_1 --><\/div><!-- .assembler_default-group.assembler_module_group.assembler_default-group_13.assembler_module_group_13  -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Section titled module-1 Language guide This website is designed to provide an accessible, credible source of information to everyone in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The language we use plays an important part in that. Throughout the website, we have aimed to write in plain English, and use language that is consistent and clear, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":44790,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[1125,1162],"class_list":["post-45090","neurodiversity","type-neurodiversity","status-publish","hentry","tag-language","tag-terminology"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/neurodiversity"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45738,"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/45090\/revisions\/45738"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/neurodiversity\/44790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45090"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk\/sq\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45090"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}