Glossary
Autism and special needs in general seem to be conveyed in a different language at times, full of abbreviations and acronyms that we, as parents of autistic children, eventually use fluently. I will try to sum up and define all those here.
Glossary of Terms
A
ADLs
An abbreviation for Activities of Daily Living, ADLs are a series of basic activities performed by individuals on a daily basis necessary for independent living at home or in the community. There are many variations on the definition of the activities of daily living but most organizations agree there are five basic categories: Personal hygiene, dressing, eating, maintaining continence and transferring (as in in and out of bed).
ASD
An abbreviation for autism spectrum disorder, ASD is a developmental disability characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior.
Autism
A mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.
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G
Glossary
This is a glossary. You are reading it right now…you’re on the page “glossary”.
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I
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M
N
Neurotypical
Not displaying or characterized by autistic or other neurologically atypical patterns of thought or behavior. Commonly used to describe people that simply do not display autistic traits.
O
OT
An abbreviation for Occupational Therapy, OT is a profession that helps people across their lifespan do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). OT practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent injury and illness.
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S
Speech Therapy
The treatment of speech and communication disorders. The approach used varies depending on the disorder and may include physical exercises to strengthen the muscles used in speech, speech drills to improve clarity, or sound production to practice to improve articulation.