glossary
Language is constantly evolving to reflect our changing society and it can be hard to keep up!
Here is a glossary of some terms we use on our website.
diverse
Including or involving people from a range of ethnicities, cultures, religious beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, neurotypes, ages and socio-economic statuses.
Neurodivergent
A descriptor that refers to someone with brain functions, behaviours and processing that differs from what is considered typical or 'normal'.
Neurodiversity
The natural variation in brain function and behaviour among humans.
Neurotypical
A descriptor that refers to someone with brain functions, behaviours and processing considered standard or typical.
Neuronormativity
Neurormativity is a set of norms, standards, expectations and ideals that centre a particular way of functioning as the right way to function. It is the assumption that there is a correct way to exist in this world – a correct way to think, feel, communicate, play, behave and more.
LGBTQIA+
LGBTQIA+ is an evolving acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more. These terms are used to describe a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Transgender
An umbrella term used to refer to people whose assigned sex at birth does not match their gender identity.
Trans people may choose to live their lives with or without modifying their body, dress or legal status, and with or without medical treatment and surgery. Trans people may use a variety of terms to describe themselves including but not limited to: man, woman, trans woman, trans man, non-binary, agender, genderqueer, genderfluid, trans guy, trans masculine/masc, trans feminine/femme.
cisgender/cis
cisnormative
A term used to describe people whose gender corresponds to what they were assigned at birth.
Cisnormativity is a discriminatory social structure that positions cis and binary genders as the only real or valid experiences of gender. It assumes that all people continue to identify with the gender they were assigned at birth and erases the existence of trans people.
heteronormative
queer
Heteronormativity is the discriminatory view that heterosexual relationships are the natural and normal expression of sexual orientation and relationships.
An umbrella term used to describe a range of sexual orientations and gender identities.
Although now the term has been reclaimed by many and is associated with resistance to heteronormativity, it was once used as a derogatory term. Some LGBTQIA+ people, especially older generations, still consider this word to be derogatory. Therefore it is best used as a self-identifier, rather than to refer to other LGBTQIA+ individuals or groups without knowledge of where they stand on its usage.
Neuro-Affirming/
LGBTQIA+-affirming
therapist
A manner of conducting oneself where the priority is to value and respect the dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of their cognitive differences, sexual orientation or gender identity.
social worker
An umbrella term for someone whose job is to treat a particular type of mental or physical illness or disability, usually with a particular type of therapy – eg a speech therapist, occupational therapist, mental health therapist etc.
Social work is a practice-based profession that promotes social change, development, cohesion and the empowerment of people and communities.
Social work involves the understanding of human development, behavior and the social, economic and cultural institutions and interactions. Social workers are professionals who aim to enhance overall well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of communities and people. Social workers are educated and trained to address social injustices and barriers to their client’s overall well-being.
In Australia, to be accredited with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) an individual must complete either a Bachelor of Social Work of Master of Social Work which includes 1000 hours of supervised practice. AASW-accredited Social Workers are bound to abide by the Australian Association Code of Ethics and Practice Standards.
psychologist
A person who specializes in the study of mind and behaviour or in the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. Psychologists work from a clinical/medical lens.
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who are also qualified psychologists. Psychiatrists mainly focus on diagnosis and the prescribing of medication.