Autism = a developmental disorder of variable severity that is characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication, and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior. It’s not helpful to use high functioning, low functioning or Aspergers labels to describe an autistic’s persons ability. It’s better to think of autism as a color wheel, with every autistic person (as a neuro-typical person would) displaying weaknesses and strengths in different areas.
Stimming = behavior consisting of repetitive actions or movements of type that may be displayed by people with developmental disorders, most typically autistic spectrum disorders. Stimming is an important behavior for autistic people as it reduces anxiety, prevents sensory overload, and helps them express themselves. Stims can include, but are not limited to: jumping, hand flapping, shouting, singing, covering their ears and pacing.
Hyperfixations = the intense focus on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. This is sometimes considered to be a special interest. My son’s hyperfixation at the moment is animals.
Hypersensitive = abnormally or excessively sensitive, either psychologically or in physical response. I think my son is hypersensitive to medication. We very rarely give him any medicine, but on the occasions we have done, his reaction has been strong. Therefore, we now give him less than half the recommended dosage.
Hyposensitive = exhibiting or marked by deficient response to stimulation. My son is hyposensitive to temperatures. He is happier wearing no shoes. even outside in the winter months, than wearing them. He doesn’t seem to respond to really hot or cold water in the bath, and he seems to have a really high pain threshold.
The Pajama Gang 