Glossary of Terms on Autism
This glossary is designed to explain some of the scientific terminology, abbreviations etc. used by some people when they talk about autism or research.
You may be able to find more information, including links to other parts of this website, by clicking on the title of an item.
If you can’t find the word you are looking for, or you know of a word we should include, please email info@researchautism.net
Disclaimer
The fact that an intervention is listed in this glossary does not necessarily mean that we agree with its use. Nor does it necessarily mean that there is any scientifically valid or reliable evidence behind it.
Over time we hope to evaluate each of the interventions listed in this glossary, providing a ranking which tells you the level of scientific evidence which supports or does not support its use. For more information please see Treatments and Therapies for Autism Currently Under Scientific Evaluation by Research Autism
- Glossary Item
- Description
- Daily Life Therapy
-
An intensive form of specialised education delivered to children attending a single special school in either Japan, the UK or the USA.
- Daily Schedule
-
Another name for Visual Schedule, which is a set of pictures that communicates a series of activities or the steps of a specific activity.
- DAMP
-
Acronym for Disorder of Attention, Motor Co-ordination and Perception, a condition in which a person has a combination of these problems.
- Dance Movement Therapy
-
Creative therapy which uses movement and dance as a means of expression and communication.
- Dance Therapy
-
Another term for dance movement therapy, a creative therapy which uses movement and dance as a means of expression and communication.
- DAT
-
Acronym for Dolphin Assisted Therapy, a specialised form of dolphin therapy.
- Davis Autism Approach
-
The Davis Autism Approach is a developmental intervention based around teaching the indivdual to become a real human being through three key stages: individuation—identity development—and social integration.
- DDAT
-
Another term for the DORE programme, an intervention which consists of a series of physical exercises which are designed to stimulate the brain so that it speeds up the processing of information.
- Deep Pressure Therapy
-
Type of pressure that is exerted in most types of firm touch, such as hugging, cuddling, squeezing, stroking or holding someone
- Dejian Mind-Body Intervention
-
Dejian Mind-Body Intervention is based upon the traditional Chinese Shaolin healing practice, Chanyi.
- Delusion
-
A fixed, false belief, for example that someone is listening to your phone calls or trying to kill you. One of the symptoms of psychosis.
- Denver Model
-
This intervention fuses developmental and relationship-based intervention techniques with applied behavior analysis teaching strategies.
- Depakene®
-
A brand name for sodium valproate, a type of anti-convulsant designed to prevent or reduce the severity seizures.
- Depakote®
-
A brand name for sodium valproate, a type of anti-convulsant designed to prevent or reduce the severity of seizures.
- Depot injection
-
Long acting, intramuscular injection
- Depression
-
Feelings of extreme sadness that can last for a long time. These feelings are severe enough to interfere with your daily life, and can last for weeks or months rather than days.
- Desipramine
-
Desiprmaine is a type of tricyclic anti-depressant, which is used to treat depression.
- Desmopressin
-
Desmopressin is a type of drug called called a vasopressin analogue and is used as an antidiuretic.
- Detox or Detoxification
-
Removal of toxic substances from the body. Some people believe this can be achieved through a healthy balanced diet, by taking nutritional supplements and/or by using techniques such as chelation.
- Detox or Detoxification Diet
-
The detox or detoxification diet requires you to avoid processed foods, to eat fresh, organic food and, as far as possible, to eat raw fruit and vegetables.
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Last Updated : 22/01/2013
