Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, learns, and processes sensory information. It is called a spectrum because the traits and support needs vary widely from person to person. Common Identifiers - Difficulty with social cues (eye contact, tone, facial expressions) - Repetitive behaviors or routines (lining objects, repeated movements) - Intense focus or deep interest in specific topics - Sensory sensitivities (noise, textures, lights, crowds) - Differences in communication (delayed speech, literal language, monotone voice, or advanced vocabulary but social difficulty) Common Challenges - Social exclusion or bullying due to misunderstanding of behavior. - Sensory overload in crowded, noisy, or unpredictable environments - Mislabeling as “rude,” “disinterested,” or “difficult” instead of neurodivergent

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a developmental motor disability caused by early brain injury affecting movement, muscle control, and coordination. It does not affect intelligence in most cases — but because speech or mobility may be impacted, people with CP are often wrongly assumed to be less capable than they are. Common Identifiers - Differences in muscle tone (stiff, floppy, or uneven movement) - Difficulty with balance, posture, or fine motor skills - Delayed motor milestones like sitting, crawling, or walking - Speech that may sound slurred or slow due to muscle control, not thinking ability Common Challenges - Physical barriers in schools, events, and public places due to poor accessibility - Being spoken to as if they are younger or cognitively impaired - Fatigue or pain from increased physical effort for daily tasks

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. It affects physical features, developmental growth, and learning, but individuals with Down Syndrome have a wide range of abilities and strengths and can lead healthy, meaningful, and independent lives with the right support. Common Identifiers -Distinct facial features (almond-shaped eyes, flatter facial profile, smaller nose) -Low muscle tone (hypotonia) and slower motor development in early childhood -Mild to moderate intellectual disability or slower learning pace -Delayed speech and language development -Friendly, social, and expressive communication style Common Challenges - Stereotypes that underestimate capability (“always happy,” “can’t learn much,” etc.) - Limited access to inclusive education or employment due to low expectations, not ability - Higher medical risks such as heart conditions, hearing loss, or vision challenges

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects how the brain processes written language, especially reading, spelling, and sometimes writing. It has nothing to do with intelligence — many people with dyslexia are highly creative, verbal thinkers, and problem-solvers, but need different pathways to learn and express knowledge. Common Identifiers - Difficulty decoding words or matching letters to sounds - Slow or effortful reading, even with practice - Frequent spelling errors or inconsistent spelling of the same word - Strong verbal skills but weaker written expression Common Challenges - Being misunderstood as “not trying hard enough” or “slow” despite high ability - Lower confidence due to repeated corrections or comparison with peers - Struggles in systems that grade speed and accuracy over understanding

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, impulse control, and regulation of attention and energy levels. It is not a discipline problem or a lack of effort — it is a brain-based difference in how attention, motivation, and executive functioning work. Common Identifiers - Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks that feel boring or repetitive - Impulsivity - acting/speaking without pause, interrupting, quick decisions - Hyperactivity (restlessness, fidgeting, constant movement) or internal hyperactivity (busy mind, rapid thoughts) - Trouble with time management, organization, or remembering steps Common Challenges - Being labeled “lazy,” “careless,” “unmotivated,” or “disruptive” instead of understood - Higher rates of anxiety, low self-esteem, or burnout due to constant correction or failure messaging - Struggles with school systems that reward neatness, silence, and long sitting periods

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements or sounds called tics. These tics are not done on purpose and cannot be fully controlled, though their intensity may change with stress, excitement, or focus. Tourette does not affect intelligence or ability. Common Identifiers - Motor tics (blinking, shoulder shrugging, facial movements, head jerks) - Vocal tics (throat clearing, sniffing, humming, sudden words or sounds) - Tics may come and go, change over time, or appear stronger in certain situations - Temporary ability to “hold in” tics, often followed by a bigger release later Common Challenges - Misunderstanding or stigma (others assuming tics are intentional or “for attention”) - Social anxiety or bullying due to visible or audible tics - Difficulty in quiet environments like classrooms, libraries, or exams