Glossary of Technical Terms

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

A neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control, and activity levels, often impacting organisation, memory, and daily functioning.

Autism / Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

A form of neurodivergence affecting communication, sensory processing, and social interaction. Experiences vary widely between individuals.

Body-based therapies

Therapeutic approaches that work through the body rather than talk alone, such as massage or reflexology, to support regulation of the nervous system, reduce stress, and manage pain or anxiety.

Chronic pain

Persistent pain lasting longer than three months, often fluctuating in intensity and affecting physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Co-design

A collaborative approach where people with lived experience actively shape the design, delivery, and evaluation of services.

CORE-34 (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation)

A validated questionnaire used to measure psychological distress and wellbeing over time.

Executive function

A set of cognitive skills that help people plan, organise, start tasks, manage time, and regulate emotions.

Fibromyalgia

A long-term condition characterised by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive difficulties, often exacerbated by stress or trauma.

Flare-up

A temporary worsening of symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, or neurological symptoms.

FND (Functional Neurological Disorder)

A condition where the nervous system is not functioning properly, causing symptoms such as weakness, seizures, movement difficulties, or sensory changes.

Gaun Yersel model

A self-management framework centred on empowerment, lived experience, shared decision-making, and whole-person care.

Grounding

Techniques that help people feel safe and present in their bodies, often used to manage anxiety, dissociation, or trauma responses.

Lived experience

Direct personal experience of trauma, long-term conditions, or service use, recognised as valuable expertise.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

Processes used to track outcomes, assess impact, and continuously improve services.

Neurodivergence / Neurodivergent

A term describing natural variations in how brains work, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.

Neurotype

An individual’s particular pattern of neurological functioning.

Pacing

A self-management strategy that balances activity and rest to reduce flare-ups.

Peer support

Mutual support between people with shared experiences.

Psychoeducation

Providing clear, accessible information to help people understand and manage their health.

Self-efficacy

A person’s confidence in their ability to manage challenges.

Self-management

Skills and strategies people use to manage symptoms and daily impacts of long-term conditions.

Sensory overload

A state where sensory input becomes overwhelming, leading to distress or fatigue.

Somatic approaches

Therapeutic methods focusing on bodily sensations to support emotional regulation.

Trauma-informed

An approach that recognises the impact of trauma and prioritises safety and choice.

Whole-person approach

Support that addresses mental, physical, social, and neurological needs together.

WEMWBS (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale)

A validated measure used to assess mental wellbeing.