Terms and Definitions

Ever feel like you’re speaking a different language when it comes to building connections?

In this list of key terms, we’ll break down the essential language that’ll help you not only understand your neurodivergent teen or young adult but also yourself.

Whether it’s mastering the art of boundaries or learning how to communicate without judgment, these definitions are your roadmap.

This isn’t just a glossary—it’s your toolkit for navigating relationships with more confidence, clarity, and compassion. Let’s get started and unlock the power of connection together!

Cognitive Load:

Cognitive load is basically the mental energy or effort it takes for us to process and complete tasks.
 
Think of it like a computer—when we have too many programs open, things slow down, and we get overwhelmed.
 
For those of us with ADHD or autism, we often feel like we’ve got a ton of tabs open, even if the tasks seem simple.
 
Every little thing, from remembering where we put our keys to solving a problem at work, adds to our cognitive load.

Externalizing:

Is basically when we take something going on inside us—like a thought or feeling—and push it outside of ourselves so we can see it more clearly.

It’s like saying, “This isn’t who I am, it’s just something I’m dealing with.”

Instead of saying, “I’m anxious,” we’d go, “This anxiety is hanging around today,” like it’s a thing that showed up, not part of our core identity.

That little bit of distance makes it easier to handle because it turns into something we can work with, rather than something that defines us.

It’s super helpful, especially when emotions feel like they’re taking over. By making that shift, we can see things more objectively and figure out how to manage them. 

Misophonia:

Misophonia is when certain sounds trigger a really strong emotional reaction, like anger, frustration, or anxiety.

It’s not just about being annoyed by a sound; it’s more intense.

For example, someone with misophonia might hear someone chewing or tapping a pen, and it feels almost unbearable.

It’s like our brain is wired to have a bigger reaction to those sounds than most people would.

It can be tough, but there are ways to manage it by creating quieter environments or using things like noise-canceling headphones.