Terms
This information is provided to give an introduction to terms that you may be seeing and hearing during this process and jumping off point for you to do your own research. It is not to be used as a diagnosis tool and/or instead of a qualified medical professional's diagnosis.
Grooming is a method used by offenders that involves building trust with a child and the adults around a child in an effort to gain access to and time alone with her/him. In extreme cases, offenders may use threats and physical force to sexually assault or abuse a child. (The US Department of Justice)
RAINN- Grooming- know the warning signs
Darkness2Light- Grooming and Red Flag Behaviors
Gaslighting is defined by Oxford Language as to manipulate (someone) by psychological means into questioning their own sanity.
Psychologytoday.com- Warning signs of gaslighting
Better by Today- What is gaslighting? And how do you know if it's happening to you?
Sociopath is defined by Oxford Language as a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience.
Very Well Mind- Qualities of a Narcissistic Sociopath
WebMD- Sociopath v. Psychopath: What’s the Difference?
Pathological liar is defined by merriam-webster as a person who lies compulsively usually for no external gain or benefit and often with detrimental consequences.
Narcissistic personality disorder — one of several types of personality disorders — is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. (Mayo Clinic)
Very Well Mind- How to Recognize Someone With Covert Narcissism
Gillick competence - A UK term of art referring to the competence of a child under the age of 16 to consent to his/her own medical care, without the need for parental permission. (Medical Dictionary)