Autism Glossary

Many of the terms that you'll hear in relation to autism and autistic spectrum disorders are unfamiliar to most people. Here's a glossary of some of the autism jargon you may hear.

ABA - see Applied Behavioral Analysis

Applied Behavioral Analysis
Early Intervention system developed by Ivar Lovaas that rewards children for appropriate interaction. It can be very effective in reducing the behaviors associated with autism.
Asperger Syndrome (AS)
One of the autism spectrum disorders. Asperger Syndrome was originally decribed by Hans Asperger in 1943. The symptoms are similar to classic autism, but often less severe. The main affects are to social understanding and behavior, and with processing language.
Aspie
A term often used among people with Asperger syndrome to refer to themselves.

Chelation
Chelation is a way of ridding the body of heavy metals by using a binding agent. It's often used in cases where lead poisoning doesn't respond to diet and less intrusive methods, and to remove mercury from the system of children with autism.
Echolalia
A pattern of speaking in which the autistic child repeats words or phrases that they've heard, often without the attendant meaning. Most children go through echolalia during normal speech development, but an autistic child may never outgrow it.
Epilepsy
A neurological disorder that may lead to seizures. It is more common in autistic people and their families.
Extinction
Extinction is one of the more difficult concepts of applied behavioral analysis to grasp. It's an attempt to eliminate a behavior (extinguish) usually by ignoring it completely. While it may seem counter to what most people believe (punishing undesirable behavior being the norm), extinction often works.
Generalisation
An psychological term that refer to the ability to apply things learned in one situation to other places and people.
Gluten-free casein-free (GF/CF) diet
Some people with autism spectrum disorders benefit from completely avoiding gluten (found in grain products) and casein (found in milk products)
Hyperlexia
Very early reading ability while having trouble using spoken language
Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI)
Another term for Applied Behavioral Analysis
IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
In the U.S. any child with special needs must have an IEP that states goals, methods to achieve those goals and how progress toward those goals is to be measured. Parents must be invited to contribute to the IEP, and may accept or reject any part of it.

ISP (Individualized Service Plan)
Similar to an IEP, the ISP is completed for children and adults who receive services through a social service agency.

LRE (least restrictive environment)
The least restrictive environment is a term used in education to denote the best environment in which a child with a disability can learn.

MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
The MMR is a vaccine that is mandated by law. A child can not attend public school unless they have received at least two doses of it. There is a strong belief in some circles that the MMR is directly or indirectly responsible for triggering or causing autism in children.

Neurotypical (NT)
People who don't have autistic disorders. The term is often used by people with Aspergers or other autism disorders to refer to the 'real' world.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PECS was originally designed to facilitate communication for people without the ability to speak. It's a board with pictures and symbols that the person can point to in response to questions. In many cases, it can help an autistic child to develop communication skills, including verbal and spoken language
SIB
Shorthand for 'self injurious behavior', which many people with autism are compelled to do. SIBs can range in severity from attempts to jump out of windows or in front of moving cars to repeatedly lightly rubbing the skin until a sore or abrasion develops

Stimming
Shorthand for 'self stimulation'. Any repetitive action that seems to have no clearn purpose, but which an autistic person may feel compelled to perform.
Thimerosal
A compound containing around 50% mercury, used in medicine for its antiseptic properties. In the past it has been used in vaccines.