Essential terminology for understanding disability, autism, neurodiversity, and Black African peoples within culturally responsive frameworks.
Showing 20 terms
A physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory condition that may limit a person's movements, senses, or activities. Disability is understood not only through medical diagnoses but also as a social construct shaped by environmental, attitudinal, and systemic barriers.
A term that recognizes and respects neurological differences—such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others—as natural variations of the human brain, rather than deficits. The neurodiversity paradigm promotes acceptance, inclusion, and self-advocacy.
A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behavior. Autism is a spectrum, meaning people experience it in unique ways. Some prefer the term 'autistic person,' while others use 'person with autism.'
People of African descent with cultural, ethnic, and ancestral ties to the African continent. This includes diverse groups from Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as African diasporic communities globally. Important to center cultural identity, language, and traditions when engaging this population.
The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures and identities. In the context of disability and neurodiversity, it means recognizing the intersections of race, culture, and ability.
A framework coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw that acknowledges how different aspects of a person's identity (race, gender, disability, etc.) intersect and create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege. For example, a Black autistic person may face compounded forms of systemic bias.
Repetitive behaviors (e.g., rocking, hand-flapping, humming) often used by autistic individuals to regulate emotions, process sensory input, or self-soothe. Stimming is not inherently problematic and is often misunderstood in cultural contexts.
Discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities. It includes practices, policies, or language that devalue disabled people or treat them as inferior. This can be structural, interpersonal, or internalized.
A view that sees disability primarily as a problem to be fixed or treated through medical interventions. This model often ignores societal and structural factors that limit access and inclusion.
A framework that attributes disability to barriers in society (e.g., inaccessible buildings, attitudes, policies), not to the individual. It emphasizes that people are disabled by society, not by their impairments.
A group of conditions—such as autism, intellectual disability, and cerebral palsy—that arise in childhood and may affect learning, communication, behavior, or mobility. These are lifelong but vary widely in expression.
A term used instead of functioning labels (e.g., 'high' or 'low functioning') to describe the level of assistance or accommodations an individual may require to thrive.
The act of speaking up for one's rights, needs, and choices. In the disability and neurodiversity communities, self-advocacy is central to empowerment and autonomy. For some, advocacy may need to be supported or facilitated.
An approach that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma, particularly in marginalized communities, and seeks to avoid re-traumatization. Important when supporting people with disabilities who may have experienced medical, institutional, or social trauma.
The under- or misdiagnosis of developmental or psychiatric conditions in racialized groups due to systemic racism, cultural misunderstandings, or lack of culturally adapted tools.
The role of bridging gaps between service providers and culturally diverse clients. Cultural brokers often interpret both language and cultural meanings, particularly important when discussing disability in African communities.
Supports that are rooted in and responsive to local cultural contexts, rather than institutional models. These can include extended family care, faith-based programs, and peer networks.
An approach that values diversity in learning needs and seeks to include all students, including those with disabilities, in mainstream classrooms with appropriate accommodations.
The emotional, financial, and physical strain experienced by caregivers of children and adults with disabilities—often intensified in immigrant or racialized communities due to lack of culturally appropriate supports.
An African philosophy meaning 'I am because we are'—emphasizing community, interdependence, and shared humanity. A powerful lens for inclusive care, disability justice, and collective well-being in African contexts.
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