Vague expressions about ASD

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I think the areas of "autism research" and "autism activism" are becoming full of expression with a meaning so vague or broad that perhaps are more harmful than useful:

- neurotypical
- empathy
- executive function/dysfunction
- high/low functioning
- theory of mind

Neurotypical originally meant someone who isn't autistic. It's been expanded a bit by others who have developmental neurological differences, although it's arguable as to whether it's truly applicable. Some use it to mean anyone with mental illness, which is completely meaningless.

Executive function has some pretty specific meanings. The short version is that it makes self-regulation and long-term planning difficult. I'm not sure how it's vague, but maybe I'm a bit too mired in reading about neurology to see where you're coming from.

Theory of mind seems to be a specific thing as well, although frequently misinterpreted and misused.

It's less about the meaning of the words, it's more about the associations behind the words.

Exactly