Glossary

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Stimulus Overselectivity(also: Tunnel Vision, Attentional Overselectivity)

A phenomenon observed in some individuals with autism where attention is focused on a limited subset of available sensory information while other relevant stimuli are neglected. Sometimes described as a form of "tunnel vision," stimulus overselectivity means a person may attend…

Stress Process Model(also: Pearlin Stress Process Model)

A theoretical framework developed by Leonard Pearlin and colleagues (1981) that describes how stressors, mediators, and outcomes interact dynamically over time to shape psychological wellbeing. In caregiving research, the model is widely used to understand how primary stressors…

Structural Abstraction(also: Formula Abstraction, Expression Collapsing)

Structural abstraction is an accessibility technique that simplifies complex visual structures — particularly mathematical formulas — by initially collapsing sub-expressions into symbolic summaries and allowing users to progressively expand and explore them at their own pace.…

Subitizing

The rapid, accurate perception of the number of items in a small group without counting, typically for quantities up to about four or five. Subitizing is considered a core numerical ability that contributes to number sense development. Individuals with dyscalculia often have…

Support Network(also: Support Worker, Support Person, Circle of Support)

The caregivers, family members, support workers, teachers, and peers who assist a person with a disability in daily life and in participating in research or design activities. In inclusive co-design with people with intellectual or cognitive disabilities, support networks often…

Survey Knowledge(also: Configurational Knowledge, Map-like Knowledge)

Survey knowledge is a type of spatial understanding that provides an overview or mental map of an environment, including the relationships between landmarks, streets, and points of interest. Unlike route knowledge, which gives sequential turn-by-turn directions, survey knowledge…

Sustained Attention(also: Vigilance, Continuous Attention)

The ability to maintain focus on a task or stimulus over an extended period of time. Sustained attention is a core executive function that can be impaired in conditions such as ADHD, traumatic brain injury, and various neurodevelopmental disorders. Designing for sustained…

Symbol Communication(also: Symbol-Supported Communication)

The use of graphic symbols — pictograms, ideograms, line drawings, or photographs — alongside or in place of text to convey meaning. Symbol communication supports people who cannot rely on spoken or written language, including many AAC users, children and adults with…

Symbol-based AAC(also: Picture-based AAC, Pictographic AAC, Picture Communication Symbols)

Symbol-based AAC refers to augmentative and alternative communication systems whose vocabulary is represented by graphic symbols, line drawings, photographs, or pictograms rather than (or alongside) written words. Users select symbols on a paper board, a dedicated…