Glossary of Terms
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
A developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, learns, and experiences the world. Autism is called a "spectrum" because every autistic person is unique and has different strengths and support needs.
Assessment
A process used to learn about a person's strengths, challenges, and needs. Assessments may include observations, interviews, and standardized tests.
Autism Evaluation
A comprehensive assessment completed by qualified professionals to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism Observation
Watching a child in different settings, such as home or school, to better understand how they communicate, play, learn, and interact with others.
Behavior
The actions or responses a person shows in different situations. Behavior is often a form of communication.
Communication
The way a person shares thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs. Communication can include speaking, gestures, facial expressions, sign language, or communication devices.
Developmental Delay
When a child learns certain skills, such as talking, walking, or social interaction, later than expected for their age.
Diagnosis
A medical decision made by a qualified healthcare professional after evaluating a person's symptoms and development.
DSM-5-TR
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. It is the guide healthcare professionals use to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder and other conditions.
Early Intervention
Services provided to infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities to help build important skills during the early years of development.
Educational Eligibility
The process schools use to determine whether a student qualifies for special education services under federal law.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
A teaching strategy or intervention that has been proven effective through high-quality research.
Evaluation
A series of assessments used to understand a child's strengths, needs, and whether special education services are appropriate.
Family-Centered Practice
An approach that values parents and caregivers as important members of the child's educational and intervention team.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
A right under federal law that ensures eligible students with disabilities receive special education services at no cost to families.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
A process used to understand why a behavior happens so that effective supports can be developed.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A written plan that describes a student's educational goals, services, accommodations, and supports.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
A federal law that protects the educational rights of students with disabilities and ensures they receive appropriate services.
Inclusion
Providing opportunities for students with disabilities to learn alongside their peers without disabilities whenever appropriate.
Intervention
A teaching strategy or support used to help a child develop new skills or overcome challenges.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
The educational setting where a student with a disability learns with peers without disabilities as much as possible while receiving the support they need.
Medical Diagnosis
A diagnosis made by a healthcare professional that identifies a medical condition, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Multidisciplinary Team
A group of professionals and family members who work together to evaluate, plan, and support a child's needs.
Naturalistic Intervention
An evidence-based practice that teaches new skills during everyday routines, play, and activities that are meaningful to the child.
Neurodiversity
The idea that differences in how people's brains work are a natural part of human diversity and should be respected and valued.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
A service that helps children develop skills needed for daily activities, such as dressing, writing, playing, and participating in school.
Parent Consent
Written permission from a parent or guardian allowing the school to evaluate a child or provide special education services.
Parent Coaching
A service that teaches families strategies to support their child's learning and development during everyday activities.
Referral
A request made by a parent, teacher, doctor, or another professional asking for a child to be evaluated for special education or other services.
Related Services
Additional supports, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, or transportation, that help students benefit from special education.
School Psychologist
A professional who evaluates students, helps determine educational eligibility, and supports learning, behavior, and emotional well-being.
Sensory Processing
The way the brain receives and responds to information from the senses, such as sounds, lights, textures, smells, tastes, and movement.
Social Communication
The skills needed to interact with others, such as taking turns in conversation, understanding body language, and building relationships.
Social Story (Social Narrative)
A short story that helps explain social situations, routines, or expectations in a simple and understandable way.
Special Education
Specialized instruction and services designed to meet the unique learning needs of students with disabilities.
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
A professional who helps individuals develop speech, language, communication, and social communication skills.
Standardized Assessment
A test that is given and scored the same way for everyone, allowing professionals to compare results fairly.
Strength-Based Approach
An approach that focuses on a person's abilities, interests, and talents while providing support for areas of need.
Transition Planning
Planning that helps students prepare for adulthood, including employment, education, independent living, and community participation.
Visual Supports
Pictures, schedules, symbols, or written reminders that help individuals understand routines, expectations, and instructions.
Autism Strengths
Creativity
The ability to think in unique and imaginative ways or create original ideas and solutions.
Honesty
Being truthful, sincere, and dependable in communication and actions.
Visual Thinking
Understanding and remembering information best through pictures, diagrams, or other visual information.
Attention to Detail
The ability to notice small details or patterns that others may overlook.
Strong Memory
The ability to remember facts, routines, or information accurately over time.
Perseverance
Continuing to work toward a goal even when a task is difficult or takes extra time.