Medical Disclaimer

1. Not Medical Advice

NDlexicon is an educational resource only. The information provided on this platform, including term definitions, explanations, and community discussions, is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this website constitutes:

• Medical, psychiatric, or psychological advice
• Professional diagnosis or assessment
• Treatment recommendations or therapy
• Substitute for professional healthcare services
• Crisis intervention or emergency support

2. Consult Healthcare Professionals

Always consult qualified healthcare providers for medical concerns, diagnosis, or treatment decisions. This includes but is not limited to:

• Licensed physicians for medical evaluation and treatment
• Psychiatrists for mental health diagnosis and medication
• Psychologists for psychological assessment and therapy
• Licensed therapists for counseling and behavioral support
• Occupational therapists for functional and sensory support
• Speech-language pathologists for communication support
• Educational specialists for learning accommodations

3. Emergency Situations

4. Individual Variation

Neurodivergence presents differently in every individual. Information on NDlexicon represents general patterns and experiences, but:

• Personal experiences vary widely - What applies to one person may not apply to another
• Terms describe patterns, not rules - Individual presentations can differ significantly
• Intersectionality matters - Multiple identities and conditions can interact in complex ways
• Cultural context influences experience - Societal factors affect how traits manifest and are perceived

5. Self-Diagnosis Considerations

While self-awareness and community identification are valuable, please consider:

• Professional assessment can provide comprehensive evaluation and support options
• Formal diagnosis may be required for accommodations, services, or legal protections
• Differential diagnosis helps distinguish between conditions with similar presentations
• Co-occurring conditions are common and may require specialized treatment approaches

6. Treatment and Intervention Disclaimers

NDlexicon does not recommend, endorse, or provide guidance on:

• Specific treatments or therapies - Treatment decisions should be made with qualified professionals
• Medications - All medication decisions require medical supervision
• Alternative or complementary approaches - Discuss all interventions with healthcare providers
• Lifestyle modifications - Significant changes should be made with professional guidance

7. Research and Evidence Limitations

While we strive for evidence-based content, please understand:

• Research evolves - Scientific understanding of neurodivergence continues to develop
• Historical bias - Much research has limitations regarding gender, race, age, and cultural diversity
• Community knowledge - Lived experience provides valuable insights beyond formal research
• Ongoing updates - Information may become outdated as knowledge advances

8. Educational Institution Disclaimers

For students, parents, and educators:

• Accommodations and services require proper evaluation and documentation
• IEP/504 plans should be developed with qualified school professionals
• Educational rights vary by jurisdiction and require specific advocacy
• Transition planning benefits from professional guidance and support

9. Workplace and Legal Disclaimers

Regarding employment and legal matters:

• Workplace accommodations have specific legal requirements and procedures
• Disability rights vary by jurisdiction and require legal expertise
• Documentation requirements for legal protections should be verified with professionals
• Advocacy resources can provide specialized guidance for specific situations

10. Community Support vs. Professional Care

While community support is valuable:

• Peer support complements but does not replace professional care
• Community experiences provide insight but are not universal truths
• Professional training offers specialized knowledge and intervention skills
• Both are important - Community and professional support can work together

11. Content Sources and Reliability

While we maintain content standards:

• User-generated content represents individual perspectives and experiences
• Moderation helps but cannot guarantee accuracy of all information
• Sources matter - Always check references and consider multiple perspectives
• Critical thinking is essential when evaluating any information source

12. Liability Limitations

NDlexicon and its contributors shall not be liable for any decisions, actions, or outcomes resulting from the use of information on this platform. Users assume full responsibility for how they use and apply any information found here.

13. Updates to Medical Disclaimer

This Medical Disclaimer may be updated periodically to reflect current best practices and legal requirements. Material changes will be prominently communicated to users.

14. Resources for Professional Help