Kind Mechanics

Terminology Tuesday

Plain-English reference cards for neurodiversity at work. Use them, share them, pin them in your team channel.

These cards are designed to make neurodiversity concepts readable without turning them into jargon. Each one covers what the term means, why it matters at work, and what teams can change. They work best as quick-reference resources, not lecture material.

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Terminology Tuesday: Cognitive Load
Cognitive Load
The total mental effort to process, hold context, and decide. Excess load impairs focus for ND folks first and everyone after.
Terminology Tuesday: Executive Function
Executive Function
The brain's management system. For ND folks, especially ADHD, it can be inconsistent rather than absent.
Terminology Tuesday: Context Switching
Context Switching
The mental effort to shift between tasks, tools, or topics. Each switch forces a rebuild. Some brains pay more per switch.
Terminology Tuesday: Masking
Masking
The extra effort to pass as neurotypical. Burns energy, hides real needs, delays support until burnout.
Terminology Tuesday: Spiky Profile
Spiky Profile
Big strengths, significant challenges, fluctuating access to capacity. Systems built for flat-line consistency misread this as unreliability.
Terminology Tuesday: Sensory Overload
Sensory Overload
When the brain receives more input than it can process. Offices are often built for tolerance, not for clear thinking.
Terminology Tuesday: Stimming
Stimming
Self-stimulatory behaviours that help regulate focus, emotion, or sensory input. It is self-regulation, not distraction.
Terminology Tuesday: RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria)
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Intense emotional pain triggered by perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. Often linked to ADHD. Give feedback with clarity, not vibes.

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