'Must-Google' AuDHD Terminology

Make sure these terms are on your radar if you love an AuDHDer

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

If you have a friend, family member or partner that is autistic, ADHD, or both (hence the term AuDHD), then keep reading and take note of these terms that you absolutely need to learn. It won’t take you long but in doing this small thing you will make your loved one feel 100x more seen, heard, understood and cared for. And if you love someone, why would you not want to do that?

NOTE: Some terms will overlap and some will mean something slightly different in each context. This is not an exhaustive list. Please do not get your information from Autism Speaks (it is a problematic charity that is harmful to autistic adults and children). Embrace Autism is a good alternative resource.

Terms to Google if you love someone with ADHD:

1. Inattentive ADHD

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

3. Combined ADHD

4. Executive dysfunction

5. Hyper focus

6. Hyperfixation

7. Emotional dysregulation

8. RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria)

9. Overstimulation 

10. Sensory overload

11. Masking (also: high masking)

12. ADHD burnout

Unofficial terms:

1. Waiting mode (an extension of executive dysfunction)

2. ‘The Sit Pit’ (an extension of executive dysfunction when an ADHDer gets ‘stuck’ sat down)

3. Time agnosia (sometimes referred to as time blindness, however this term can be problematic)

4. Freeze mode (sometimes referred to as ADHD paralysis, however this term can be problematic)

5. Object constancy (‘Out of sight out of mind’)

Terms to Google if you love someone who is autistic:

1. Autistic burnout

2. Autistic inertia

3. Sensory processing

4. Stimming

5. Special interests

6. Autistic meltdown

7. Autistic shutdown

8. Support needs

9. Infodumping

10. Masking (also: high masking)

11. Scripting

12. Interoception

13. Echolalia

14. Bottom-up thinking

15. Delayed processing

16. High masking autistic

Unofficial terms:

1. Sensory ‘icks’/sensory hell

2. Same food/safe food

3. Comfort shows

4. Autistic joy

The National Autistic Society have a great resource to learn more about ‘how to talk and write about autism’. You can view it here.

Look, I know this may feel like a lot. We get it, it’s a lot for us too. We’re not saying you need to become an expert or become fully familiar with all this terminology by tomorrow. We also know it’s impossible for you to fully ‘get it’ if you aren’t autistic or ADHD yourself. But trying to understand our brains and taking initiative in doing your own research goes a long way into helping us feel secure and loved.

Remember, the best way to learn about your loved ones’ lived experience is to simply ask them. As long as they have the spoons to explain they will likely be thrilled you are taking an interest in learning how you can best support them.

Thanks for reading and happy Googling! (Of course if you have any questions please feel free to comment below or message me).

Georgia x

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