Glossary

Here are explanations of some words, diagnoses and phrases that are sometimes used in child development.

Additional learning difficulties

A sizeable proportion of people on the autism spectrum (estimates vary) will have additional learning difficulties which can be moderate, severe or profound.

Advocacy

Advocacy is taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates and advocacy schemes work in partnership with the people they support and take their side.

Anxiety

May be specific phobias or general anxiety because of changes in routine, communication difficulties or not understanding a situation. May be shown in behaviour or emotional responses (anger, distress, self-injury), disturbed sleep or eating patterns or difficulties in education or employment. There are various relaxation techniques available and exercise and medication can help with more acute symptoms. The best course of treatment is entirely dependent upon the cause of the anxiety and the individual in question.

Applied behavioural analysis (ABA)

An approach for changing behaviour that involves the systematic application of a set of principles derived from psychological theories of learning.

Apraxia

Apraxia is the term that is used to describe the complete loss of this ability. The following may be affected:

• gross and fine motor skills
• motor planning and the organisation of movement (planning what to do and how to do it)
• speech and language
• ability to carry out activities of daily living

Asperger Syndrome, Asperger's or Aspie

Asperger's syndrome used to be considered a 'type' of autism. It was used to describe autism without the learning disabilities often linked with autism. It is no longer used as a diagnostic term for autism.

• More information

Assessment of needs

A systematic and thorough evaluation of the needs, goals and aspirations of a person.

Attachment disorder

Difficulties in relating to other people, forming and maintaining relationships. Usually caused by interruption to a person’s emotional development in early childhood as a result of trauma, separation, constant change of routine, neglect or abuse.

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a condition characterised by differences in levels of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It may affect learning, behaviour and social interactions. Difficulties must be present in more than one setting.

Autistic features, tendencies and traits

This is a vague description of autism. If you or your child is described as having these, seek clarification from an autism specialist.

Atypical autism

Used to describe people with many of the features of autism but do not fulfil all of the diagnostic criteria.

Autism spectrum condition (ASC)

This is a different term for autism.

Challenging behaviour

There are lots of different types of challenging behaviour.

• Behaviour that is so intense, frequent or lasts a long time that it puts the physical safety of themselves or other people in danger.
• Behaviour that will seriously limit or remove access to ordinary community facilities.
• Behaviour that will impact someone's personal growth, development and family life.

Dyslexia

A specific learning difficulty causing ongoing problems with reading, writing and spelling (and often maths) because of perceptual difficulties (interpreting what we see) in identifying letters and numbers, which may appear blurred or distorted, and listening difficulties in identifying sounds which make up words and matching the spoken word with its printed symbol.

Dyspraxia / developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

Dyspraxia is the partial loss of the ability to co-ordinate and perform skilled, purposeful movements and gestures with normal accuracy. Dyspraxia appears in childhood and causes significant difficulties in motor skills and development. The condition is lifelong and often results in severe deficits in spatial awareness and communication skills. People with dyspraxia often find it difficult to relate to others and to participate in imaginative play. They also frequently struggle with understanding and following instructions and may appear very slow to respond to given information or requests. Some people with dyspraxia may not want to take part in activities that require motor skills. They may also have very poor handwriting and poor fine motor skills and concentration.

Echolalia

Repeating speech (or signs/gestures), rather than replying, usually when the person cannot understand what is said. This can be immediate or delayed.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder and these seizures may be easily noticeable if they involve fitting (tonic-clonic seizures). However, seizures may also mean unexplained staring and loss of response (absence seizures) as well as loss of muscle tone and sudden limpness (atonic seizures). Seizures are often followed by periods of confusion. It is believed that some of the differences in brain structure found in people with autism cause seizures to occur. Epilepsy can be treated with anti-epileptic medication to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures or eliminate their occurrence altogether.

Global developmental delay (GDD)

Delay in two or more areas of the child's development before the age of 5 years.

Learning disability / Intellectual disability

Delay in overall development and ability to learn over the age of 5 years. May be described as mild, moderate (MLD) or severe/profound (SLD).

Pica

Pica is defined as compulsive eating of non-food items.

Respite care

Respite care is the provision of short-term, temporary relief to those who are caring for family members who might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside the home.

Sensory processing difficulties / differences

Many people experience sensory processing difficulties/differences. This can mean that sounds, smells and sights can be overwhelming and distressing.

Self-stimulation or stimming

Behaviours which are thought to be used to provide stimulation to the individual.

Social communication disorder

A way of describing those with autism. Not all people with social communication difficulties have autism.

Special interest

Something a person with autism is particularly interested in that brings them joy or pleasure.

Specific learning difficulties

Overall development may be appropriate for the person’s age, but there may be specific areas of difficulty for example reading, writing or maths.

Visual impairment

Difficulties with vision are quite common but often overlooked for those with autism.