AC = Augmentative Communication
ABA = Applied Behavior Analysis – a research-based approach to treatment
ABIX = Area Board IX for Developmental Disabilities
ADA = Americans With Disabilities Act – legislation that can help you get services
ADD = Attention Deficit Disorder – have a hard time staying on task
ADHD = Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – excess physical activity and difficulty staying on task
AHA = American Hyperlexia Association
AIT = Auditory Integration Therapy
ARC = Association for Retarded Citizens – 50 year old organization for people with disabilities and their families
APD = Auditory Processing Disorder
AS = Asperger’s Syndrome – a type of high-functioning autism
ASA = Autism Society of America – National organization
ASASB = Autism Society of America, Santa Barbara Chapter – local chapter
ASD = Autism Spectrum Disorder – a type of brain dysfunction
ASHA = American Speech – Language Hearing Assoc.
ASL = American Sign Language – communicate with your hands, not words
ASPIE = How some individuals with Asperger’s Syndrom refer to themselves
AT = Assistive Technology – devices that help you, like keyboards or wheelchairs
BCBA = Board Certified Behavior Analyst
BCaBA = Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
CAN = Cure Autism Now – an organization dedicated to finding a cure for autism
CAPD = Central Auditory Processing Disorder
CDD = Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
CP = Cerebral Palsy
DAN! = Defeat Autism Now! – a project that focuses on biomedical research and treatment
DD = Developmentally Disabled or Developmentally Delayed – not meeting all the typical milestones
DDS = Department of Developmental Services
DIR = Developmental/Individual Differences/Relationship based Approach (also known as Floortime or Greenspan Model)
DIS = Designated Instructional Service
DOB = Date of Birth
DS = Down Syndrome
DSI = Dysfunction of Sensory Integration - another acronym for SID
DTT = Discrete Trial Teaching – a type of teaching technique used in ABA
Dx = Diagnosis or Disorder – what the specialist says you have
ECSE = Early Childhood Special Education
EFA = Essential Fatty Acids – parts of our food that help us think
EBD = Emotional and Behavioral Disorder
EI = Early Intervention (also Early Start) – therapies provided to children under 3 years old
ENT = Ear, Nose and Throat
ESY = Extended School Year – school programming during the summer break
FAPE = Free Appropriate Public Education
FC = Facilitated Communication
FRAXA = Fragile X Syndrome
GAD = Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GDD = Global Developmental Delays
GF/CF = Gluten-Free/Casein-Free diet (wheat and dairy)
HFA = High Functioning Autism – can talk, get dressed, etc., but not good socially
HI = Hearing Impaired
HOH = Hard Of Hearing
ID = Intellectual Disability – hard time figuring things out
IDEA = Individuals With Disabilities Education Act – legislation that can get you services
IEP = Individualized Education Program – plan for what services or accommodations your child will receive
IFSP = Individualized Family Service Plan
IQ = Intelligence Quotient – how well you did on a standardized test

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. ASI does not endorse any individual provider or treatment for autism, per the ASI Options Policy.