S – Autism Dictionary
Selective or situational mutism are often used interchangeably and describe the same condition: an anxiety disorder where an individual can speak fluently in some situations but is consistently silent in others. It’s an anxiety-based disorder, not a choice, and it’s not related to a lack of language or intelligence. Some people who experience SM are able to force themselves to speak, but with great effort and often at significant cost. Individuals with SM — both children and adults — often describe their experience using terms like “freeze,” “frozen,” or “blocked,” suggesting a sensation of paralysis that renders them physically unable to speak. Like being asked a question by a teacher, I would freeze and blurt out some random incoherent gibberish.
Further reading: https://reframingautism.org.au/all-about-situational-mutism-a-guide-for-allies/
Sensory avoidant behaviour in autism refers to the tendency of some autistic individuals to actively avoid certain sensory stimuli that are perceived as overwhelming or unpleasant. This avoidance can manifest in various ways, impacting daily life and potentially leading to emotional distress.
Conversely a person with Sensory seeking behaviour will rush into seeking behaviour to stimulate themselves. This is often due to a perceived under-responsiveness to typical sensory stimuli, meaning they may need more input to feel “just right”.
Further reading: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/sensory-differences/sensory-differences/all-audiences
Shutdown is a state of sudden withdrawal and reduced responsiveness in an autistic individual, often triggered by sensory or emotional overload. It’s characterized by a decrease in interaction, communication, and physical movement, and can be likened to the “freeze” response in the face of stress. Unlike meltdowns, where there is an outward display of distress, a shutdown involves an internal, often non-verbal, withdrawal.
Further reading: https://reframingautism.org.au/all-about-autistic-shutdown-guide-for-allies/
Sleep disorders are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with estimates suggesting that 64-86% of autistic children experience sleep problems. These issues can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, as well as night terrors, restless sleep, and sleep-related movement disorders. These sleep difficulties can lead to increased anxiety, repetitive behaviours, and feelings of restlessness, impacting daily life.
Fuurther reading: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/sleep
Spanish inquisition Do you ever feel that the autistic person in your life asks A LOT of questions? We only do it to avoid misinterpretation, by better understanding what you meant by a sentence or phrase. Sometimes used to help visualise a situation, again to better understand the context.
A quick explainer by Orion Kelly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMaSb-wxuDI
Special interests also known as focused and dedicated interests, are a common characteristic of autistic individuals. These interests are typically intense, absorbing, and can involve a wide range of topics, from common ones like trains, animals, and video games, to more niche or specific areas. While often seen as obsessions, special interests can be a source of joy, learning, and even career paths for autistic people.
Further reading: https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/understanding-autism/behaviour/special-interests
Spectrum refers to a range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterised by differences in social interaction, communication, and behaviour. The term “spectrum” emphasises the wide variation in symptoms and severity among individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It’s not a linear scale from “more to less” autistic, but rather a collection of unique combinations of strengths and challenges.
Spoons, Spoon theory The term “autism spoons” refers to Spoon Theory, a metaphor used to describe the limited amount of energy and mental capacity that some individuals with autism and other conditions may experience. Each “spoon” represents a unit of energy or mental effort needed to complete daily tasks and activities. This concept helps explain why some individuals may need to carefully manage their energy and take breaks to avoid burnout.
Further reading: https://www.edpsyched.co.uk/blog/autism-spoon-theory
Social-emotional agnosia is the inability to perceive and interpret non-verbal social cues like facial expressions, body language, and vocal tone. In the context of autism, it can significantly impact social interactions, making it difficult for autistic individuals to understand others’ emotions and intentions, and to respond appropriately. I can perceive the emotions of others in conversation, but only when they are at the extreme. Extremely happy, sad or angry.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Stimming Autistic people have explained that stimming has a range of purposes and benefits:
- sensory input and enjoyment (for example, listening to sounds/music, touching fabrics and watching lights that you enjoy and/or that relax you
- staying calm (‘self-regulating’ your emotions or ‘self-soothing’ by doing things that calm you)
- to express joy or other emotions (for example, flapping your hands with happiness or excitement, or rocking in distress
Stimming toys help people on the spectrum by engaging a distraction, pulling the individual out of a stressful environment and focusing on something else.
Synaesthesia a sensory phenomenon where stimulation of one sense triggers a response in another, is significantly more common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than in the general population. Studies indicate that almost three times as many people with ASD experience synesthesia compared to those without. See sounds, taste colour, hear shapes.
Further reading: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/synaesthesia