GLOSSARY
CONTENT
Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder manifested by increased sensitivity to external stimuli and strong emotions , as well as a different perception of the world.
Significant differences are found in the way of communicating and interacting socially . Some autistic people may also have specific interests and repetitive behaviors.
Note that we speak of the “ autism spectrum ” because we find a whole range of nuances in the expression of this disorder.
Asperger
Asperger's syndrome, is a form of autism characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication. I can also include repetitive behaviors and specific interests. People with this syndrome often display normal or above-average intelligence and remarkable specific skills. Unlike other forms of autism, language delays are generally not present.
Dyssynchrony
Dyssynchrony is a condition where there is a mismatch between a person's intellectual, emotional and physical development. This means that different aspects of a person's growth do not progress at the same pace. For example, a child may have advanced intellectual capacities for his or her age, but emotional or social development that corresponds to a younger age. This asynchrony can create challenges in social interaction and learning, as skills and behaviors are not typically aligned. This is the source of much misunderstanding among neuroatypical children.
Hyperemotivity
Hyperemotionality is characterized by emotions that are perceived by oneself and, above all, those around one, as more intense or even excessive. They appear "disproportionate" in ordinary situations. In fact, the person feels emotions in a stronger intensity than the average. As a result, hyperemotional people may have difficulty managing their emotions and remaining calm in stressful or emotional situations.
Hyperemotivity
Hyperemotionality is characterized by emotions that are perceived by oneself and, above all, those around one, as more intense or even excessive. They appear "disproportionate" in ordinary situations. In fact, the person feels emotions in a stronger intensity than the average. As a result, hyperemotional people may have difficulty managing their emotions and remaining calm in stressful or emotional situations.
High sensitivity
High sensitivity is a personality trait characterized by heightened sensitivity to sensory, emotional and social stimuli. High sensitive people can react intensely to physical sensations, other people's emotions and social environments. They are often highly empathetic and receptive to the subtleties of their environment. This sensitivity can be a source of strength, enabling deep emotional connection and creativity, but it can also lead to vulnerability to stress and overwork.
Hyperesthesia
Hyperesthesia is a condition in which a person has increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli. This means that normal sensations, such as touch, sound or light, may be perceived differently, sometimes excessively or painfully. People with hyperaesthesia may find everyday situations uncomfortable or intolerable because of this hypersensitivity.
Giftedness
Giftedness, also known as philo-cognitive, refers to individuals with an IQ of 130 or more. They are characterized by exceptional logical and abstract reasoning, rapid learning and information processing, insatiable curiosity and remarkable memory.
While giftedness is currently measured by IQ, fact is: it goes beyond a number that qualifies intelligence. It's also a way of being and perceiving the world that differs in many ways.
Gifted people are generally highly sensitive, empathetic, perfectionists and intensely committed to their (various) interests.
Although they are said to have a "gift", they may encounter challenges such as boredom, social isolation and emotional management. Early identification and a suitable environment are essential for them to flourish.
Misophonia
Misophonia is a neurological disorder characterized by an intense aversion and negative emotional reaction to specific sounds, often repetitive noises from everyday life, such as chewing, finger tapping or the clicking of pens. People with misophonia may experience feelings of anger, anxiety or disgust at these sounds, which can disrupt their social and professional lives. This disorder is distinct from hyperacusis, which is a general sensitivity to all sounds, and requires specific management to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence, refers to natural variations in human brain functioning according to a defined societal norm. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, high sensitivity and others, which differ from the neurological norms considered typical. Neurodivergent people often think, learn and perceive the world differently.
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is a concept developed by Australian sociologist Judy Singer. It recognizes and values the natural variations in human neurological functioning. Initially aimed at conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and others, considered to be brain differences, neurodiversity is rapidly expanding to cerebral diversity, celebrating the diversity of thoughts, behaviors and cognitive abilities as a whole.
In this sense, every human being is neurodiverse, and we promote inclusion and acceptance of all.
Starlike thinking
Starlike thinking is a way of thinking in which ideas develop in a non-linear fashion, like the branches of a tree. A central idea generates several other ideas, each of which may in turn branch out into new ideas, creating a complex network of interconnected thoughts.
Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics. Motor tics may include sudden movements such as blinking or grimacing, while vocal tics may include sounds such as grunting or repeating words. This syndrome usually appears during childhood and can vary in intensity over time.
Synesthesia
Synesthesia is a neurological phenomenon in which stimulation of one sense leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in another. For example, a synesthete might perceive colors when hearing music, or associate letters and numbers with specific colors. This means that sensory perceptions are crossed in unusual ways, creating unique multisensory experiences. Synesthesia varies from person to person and can include different combinations of senses.
ADHD
AD(H)D, or Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by high levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It often appears in childhood and can persist into adulthood, affecting the ability to concentrate, sit still, follow instructions and control impulsive behavior. Adults can have difficulties in organizing their everyday life, prioritize tasks and manage their time. Diagnosis can be recommended in certain cases. There are different ways of supporting people with AD(H)D such as behavioral therapies, medication and educational support to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Learning difficulties
Learning difficulties encompass a number of specific learning disorders, each affecting particular skills related to language, reading, writing, mathematics and motor coordination. These disorders are not linked to an intellectual deficit, but to specific neurological dysfunctions.
There are several DYS disorders:
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Dyslexia: Specific reading disorder manifested by difficulties in identifying words, reading fluently and understanding what is read.
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Dysorthography: Disorder in the acquisition and automation of spelling, often associated with dyslexia, which impacts the ability to write words correctly.
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Dysgraphia: Handwriting disorder that affects the quality and legibility of handwriting. It can take the form of slow, illegible and tiring handwriting.
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Dyscalculia: A specific numeracy disorder, particularly visible in mathematics. It involves difficulties in understanding numbers, arithmetic operations and mathematical concepts.
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Dyspraxia (or Developmental Coordination Disorder): A motor coordination disorder that affects the ability to perform precise gestures, often observed by clumsiness and difficulty performing fine or gross motor tasks. A dyspraxic person is dysgraphic. The reverse is not true.