Terminologies and Phrases for Your Autism Journey

The Autism Directory: Comprehensive Terminologies and Phrases for Your Autism Journey

The autism directory a comprehensive list of terminologies and phrases relating to the diagnosis that you will hear during your autism journey.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Unveiling the Complexity – Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), unfolds as a neurodevelopmental condition featuring challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior. ASD encompasses diverse abilities, making each diagnosed child unique. These individuals may grapple with understanding social cues, expressing themselves, and navigating sensory experiences.

Guiding the Path: Autism Early Intervention

Explore the realm of early intervention tailored for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This specialized approach tackles crucial developmental years by nurturing cognitive, social, communication, self-help, and adaptive skills.

Tailored Education: Autism-Specific Schools

A Glimpse into Learning – Autism-specific schools stand apart from mainstream curricula, catering to the educational needs of ASD-diagnosed students. Focused on speech, communication, social skills, and sensory integration, these schools craft individualized academic journeys supported by evidence-based strategies.

ADHD and Autism: Navigating Co-occurrence

Unveiling ADHD – Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) intersects with autism. Learn how it influences attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity, often co-occurring with autism.

Decoding Stimming: Self-Stimulatory Behavior in Autism

Dive into self-stimulation’s world, or “stimming,” a repertoire of repetitive behaviors aiding sensory regulation in ASD individuals. From hand-flapping to vocalizations, stimming holds unique significance.

Hyperlexia: Early Fascination with Language and Reading

Unveiling Hyperlexia – Discover the early and intense interest in letters, numbers, and reading among children with autism. Hyperlexia can be observed as young as two years old, shedding light on unique learning traits.

ABA: A Controversial Therapeutic Approach for Autism

Delve into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a therapy sparking debates. Explored are behavior patterns, triggers, positive reinforcement, and the reduction of challenging behaviors.

Embracing Neurodiversity: Recognizing Varied Perspectives

Grasp the essence of neurodiversity, acknowledging neurological differences, such as ADHD and autism, as natural facets of the human experience.

Sensory Sensitivities: Navigating the Sensory Spectrum

Embark on the journey of heightened sensory responses encompassing light, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Discover how sensitivities affect autistic children’s daily lives.

Unveiling Meltdowns and Shutdowns in Autism

Decode intense reactions to stimuli – meltdowns, emotional outbursts, or even shutdowns. Uncover the ways autism individuals cope with sensory overload and emotional distress.

Navigating Executive Functioning in Autism

Explore executive functioning, cognitive processes pivotal in planning, organization, task initiation, and impulse control. Uncover the challenges many autistic children face in these areas.

Choosing Words Wisely: The Person-First Language Debate

Embark on the journey of language – opting for person-first language emphasizes individuals before their condition. Learn how language preference varies within the autism community, reflecting diverse perspectives.

Ilse Kilian-Ross
ilse@amazingk.co.za

Ilse Kilian-Ross is the owner of Amazing K, a registered ECD and Partial Care Facility in Johannesburg. Amazing K is a private adhd school, autism school and therapy centre for children from age 2 - 6 years where learners receive the best of both the schooling and therapy world. The autism school offers Individualized Education Programs, Speech- and Augmentive Alternative Communication (AAC) therapy as well as a full and adapted Academic Curriculum.