Autism Glossary - What it All Means

A
ABA: Applied Behavior Analysis

ABC: Autism Behavior Checklist - a diagnostic tool

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act

ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADI: Autism Diagnostic Interview - a diagnostic tool developed in London by the Medical Research Council

ADOS: Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale

AIT: Auditory Integration Training

AS: Asperger's Syndrome

ASA: Autism Society of America

ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorders

ASL: American Sign Language

C
CARS: Childhood Autism Rating Scale

CBCL: Achenbach Childhood Behavior Checklist - a diagnostic tool

CHAT: Checklist for Autism in Toddlers - a diagnostic tool

D
DAN Doctor: a physician who uses the DAN protocol to diagnose autism

DAN Protocol: an assessment protocol that examines the underlying disorders causing autism

DD: Developmental DisabilitiesDVD: Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia

E
EEG: ElectroencephalogramELAP: Early Learning Accomplishment Profile - an evaluation tool

F
FC: Facilitated CommunicationFCT: Facilitated Communication Training

G
GARS: Gilliam Autism Rating Scale

H
HFA: High-functioning Autistic

I
ICF: Intermediate Care Facility

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Act

IEP: Individualized Education Plan

IFSP: Individualized Family Service Plan

IHP: Individualized Habilitation Program

IPP: Individual Program Plan

L
LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social WorkerLRE: Least Restrictive Environment

M
MSDD: Multi-System Developmental Disorder

N
NT: Neurologically Typical or Neurotypical

NOS: Not Otherwise Specified

O
OCD: Obsessive Compulsive DisorderODD: Oppositional Defiant DisorderOT: Occupational Therapist

P
PDD: Pervasive Developmental Disorder

PDD NOS: Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System

PEP: Psycho-educational Profile

PEP-R: Psycho-educational Profile Revised

PRT: Pivotal Response Training

PT: Physical Therapy

S
SAS: Specialized Autism Services

SI: Sensory Integration

SIB: Self-Injurious Behavior

SIT: Sensory Integration Therapy

T
TEACCH: Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children