Education
14 terms
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
Communication tools and strategies that support or replace speech—from picture cards and gestures to text-to-speech apps and eye-tracking computers. Used by people who find speaking difficult, exhausting, unreliable, or impossible, whether always or sometimes.
Accommodations
Changes to environment, tools, timing, or expectations that remove barriers so people can participate equally. Not special treatment or lowered standards—just different paths to the same destination.
Assistive Technology (AT)
Tools, devices, software, and systems that bridge the gap between what your brain/body can do and what the world expects—from sticky notes and timers to speech-to-text and eye-tracking systems. Everyone uses AT; some of us just need more specialized versions.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Your ears work perfectly, but your brain's sound-to-meaning translator is glitching. You hear everything—too many things, actually—but understanding speech is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle while everyone waits for your answer. Not a hearing problem; a sound-interpretation problem.
Chunking
Breaking large tasks, information, or time periods into smaller, manageable pieces to reduce cognitive overwhelm and improve processing and completion.
Cognitive Load
The total mental effort being used in working memory at any given time—when cognitive load exceeds processing capacity, it leads to overwhelm, errors, and shutdown.
Dyscalculia
A learning difference that affects the ability to understand numbers, perform calculations, and comprehend mathematical concepts, sometimes called "math dyslexia."
Dysgraphia
A learning difference affecting handwriting, spelling in writing, and organizing thoughts on paper.
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder, DCD)
A motor coordination difference affecting planning and execution of movements (fine/gross), handwriting, sequencing, and self‑care tasks.
Neuroaffirming
Creating spaces, practices, and attitudes that accept and support neurodivergent people as they are, rather than trying to change, fix, or hide their differences.
Twice-Exceptional (2e)
A person who is both gifted (intellectually, creatively, or in specific domains) and has one or more learning differences, disabilities, or neurodivergent conditions.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
A framework for designing learning goals, materials, and assessments that are accessible from the start via multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression.
Visual Schedules
Structured visual representations of daily activities, tasks, or routines using pictures, symbols, or text to support planning, transitions, and time management.
Working Memory
The mental workspace that holds and manipulates information for short periods (seconds to minutes) to guide actions.