B – Autism Dictionary

B

Being Perceived This is a big one.
The fear of being perceived, which can also be described as the fear of “being seen,” is a particularly intense experience for many neurodivergent people. Whether autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent, individuals who experience this fear often feel hyper-aware that they are being viewed by others. This anxiety can be exacerbated by societal expectations and the pressure to conform to neurotypical norms, which can lead to masking, emotional exhaustion, and self-doubt. Understanding why it occurs and how it manifests in behaviour can help neurodivergent individuals find ways to cope with and alleviate the fear of being perceived.
Further Reading: https://www.neurosparkhealth.com/blog/the-fear-of-being-perceived-in-neurodivergent-people

Bipolar Disorder (BPD) Bipolar disorder is a mental state where the person will have incredible highs (mania) and intolerable lows (depression). Some studies estimate autistic BPD to between 5% and 7%, compared with an estimated rate of 1% in the general population. Sadly people on the spectrum are more likely to be diagnosed are Bipolar before they eventually get an Autism diagnosis. Getting the correct diagnosis is often difficult as there are some symptoms of both conditions that overlap, and a person can have Autism and BPD.
Further reading: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/bipolar-disorder

Bullying
Autistic children and young people are more at risk of being bullied than their peers because of the different ways they communicate and difficulty interacting with others. The long-term effects of bullying can be serious. Research suggests bullied children can end up with long-lasting insecurities, behavioural issues and low self-esteem, as well as poor concentration.
Further reading: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/bullying/bullying/parents

Burnout Autistic burnout is a prolonged period of both physical and mental exhaustion, along with being sensitive to sensory overload, stress, depression and social isolation, and most annoyingly Brain Fog, making it hard to concentrate and focus!
Further reading: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autistic-burnout