Community Guidelines

1. Our Community Values

🧠 Neurodiversity Acceptance

We embrace neurodivergence as natural human variation, not something that needs to be "fixed" or "cured." Our community celebrates different ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world.

🔬 Evidence-Based Information

We value accurate, well-sourced information that combines scientific research with lived experience. Content should be grounded in reliable sources while honoring community knowledge.

♿ Accessibility First

We design our community to be accessible to diverse cognitive styles, communication preferences, and accessibility needs. Clear language, multiple formats, and inclusive design are priorities.

🤝 Inclusive and Respectful

We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and neurotypes. Respectful dialogue, empathy, and understanding guide all our interactions.

2. Content Standards

✅ Encouraged Content

• Accurate term definitions with reliable sources
• Personal experiences shared respectfully and constructively
• Helpful resources and practical information
• Supportive discussions that build community understanding
• Questions and learning - all genuine questions are welcome
• Constructive feedback on content and platform improvements
• Cultural perspectives that broaden our understanding

❌ Prohibited Content

• Harmful misinformation about neurodivergence or health
• Discriminatory content targeting any group or individual
• Promotion of harmful "treatments" like conversion therapy or dangerous interventions
• Personal attacks or harassment of any kind
• Spam or commercial promotion unrelated to our mission
• Doxxing or sharing others' personal information
• Content violating laws or our terms of service

3. Communication Guidelines

💬 Respectful Dialogue

• Use person-first or identity-first language based on individual preferences
• Avoid pathologizing language - focus on differences, not deficits
• Be patient with different communication styles - directness, processing time, and expression vary
• Ask for clarification rather than making assumptions
• Acknowledge when you're wrong and be open to learning

🗣️ Inclusive Language

🚫 Language to Avoid

4. Contribution Guidelines

📚 Term Definitions

• Include reliable sources - academic research, reputable organizations, or well-documented community knowledge
• Provide clear definitions that are accessible to various reading levels
• Include context - when and how terms are used
• Acknowledge complexity - many concepts have nuances worth explaining
• Update outdated information as understanding evolves

💭 Discussions and Comments

• Stay on topic and contribute meaningfully to conversations
• Share personal experiences while respecting others' different experiences
• Ask questions - learning together strengthens our community
• Provide helpful resources when relevant
• Disagree respectfully - focus on ideas, not personal attacks

5. Privacy and Safety

🔒 Personal Information

• Keep personal details private - don't share addresses, phone numbers, or identifying information
• Respect others' privacy - don't share information about others without permission
• Use discretion when sharing personal experiences
• Report privacy violations to moderators immediately

🛡️ Safety Considerations

• No medical advice - share experiences but don't diagnose or prescribe
• Crisis support resources - direct people to professional help for emergencies
• Report concerning behavior - help keep our community safe
• Protect vulnerable members - be especially mindful of younger or struggling community members

6. Moderation Process

👥 Community Moderation

Our moderation team consists of trained volunteers from the neurodivergent community who:

• Review reported content and user behavior
• Apply guidelines consistently and fairly
• Provide education before enforcement when possible
• Escalate serious violations to administrators

⚖️ Enforcement Actions

Depending on the severity and frequency of violations, we may:

• Provide guidance - Help users understand guidelines
• Edit or remove content - For minor violations
• Issue warnings - For more serious violations
• Temporary suspension - For repeated or significant violations
• Permanent ban - For severe violations or patterns of harmful behavior

📞 Appeals Process

If you believe a moderation decision was made in error:

• Contact our moderation team with specific details
• Provide any relevant context or clarification
• Be respectful in your appeal - attacks on moderators won't be tolerated
• Appeals are reviewed by different moderators when possible

7. Reporting Violations

🚨 How to Report

• Use the report function on posts or comments when available
• Contact moderators directly for urgent issues
• Email us at moderation@ndlexicon.com for serious violations
• Provide specific details - what happened, when, and why it's concerning

⏰ Response Times

• Urgent safety issues: Within 24 hours
• Content violations: Within 72 hours
• Appeals: Within 1 week
• General questions: Within 1 week

8. Special Considerations

🧒 Younger Community Members

We welcome users of all ages while maintaining safety:

• Extra protection for users under 18
• Age-appropriate content and interactions
• Immediate intervention for concerning behavior toward minors
• Resources for parents and guardians

🌍 Cultural Sensitivity

Our global community includes diverse cultural perspectives:

• Respect different cultural approaches to neurodivergence
• Acknowledge that language and concepts vary across cultures
• Be open to learning about different cultural contexts
• Avoid imposing one cultural viewpoint as universal

9. Resources and Support

10. Updates to Guidelines

These guidelines may be updated periodically to reflect:

• Community feedback and needs
• Evolving best practices
• New features or platform changes
• Legal or safety requirements

Major changes will be announced to the community with time for feedback before implementation.