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
- Packing Therapy
-
Therapy which involves wrapping the individual in towels previously wet in cold water. The individual is then wrapped with blankets to help the body warm up.
- PACT
-
Acronym for the Pre-school Autism Communication Trial, a programme developed by the University of Manchester in the UK which uses a form of reciprocity training.
- PACTS
-
Acronym for Parents of Autistic Children Training and Support, a programme of early intensive behavioural intervention devised by the London Borough of Bexley.
- Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus
-
Condition in which children develop antibodies which attack the basal ganglia in the brain as well as those bacteria.
It is believed to be caused when a child is exposed to the common group-A beta-haemolytic streptococcal bacteria, which occur in the throat.
- Paired Associative Learning
-
Teaching method which involves the learner experiencing two stimuli at once or in close proximity and beginning to associate them.
- Palaeolithic Diet
-
The palaeolithic diet requires you to follow the diet believed to have been followed by early humans i.e. eating mainly meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, roots and nuts, and avoiding grains, legumes, dairy products, salt and processed fat and sugar.
- Palaeolithic Diet
-
The palaeolithic diet requires you to follow the diet believed to have been followed by early humans i.e. eating mainly meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, roots and nuts, and avoiding grains, legumes, dairy products, salt and processed fat and sugar.
- Paliperidone
-
An atypical anti-psychotic drug, sold under the brand name Invega®, used to treat delusional psychosis.
- Pamelor
-
A brand name for nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant.
- PANDAS
-
Acronym for Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus.
This is a condition in which children develop antibodies which attack the basal ganglia in the brain.
- Pangamatic or Pangamatic Acid
-
Another name for Dimethylglycine (DMG), a derivative of the amino acid glycine. It is found naturally in plant and animal cells and in certain foods such as beans, cereal grains, and liver
- Papain
-
Papain is an ‘enzyme present in the leaves, latex, roots, and fruit of the papaya plant (Carica papaya) that catalyzes the breakdown of proteins by hydrolysis (addition of a water molecule).’
Source: Encyclopædia Britannica
- Parent-Led / Involved Interventions
-
Parent-led / involved interventions are treatments and therapies in which the parents of the individual with autism play a significant role.
- Parents of Autistic Children Training and Support
-
Parents of Autistic Children Training and Support is a programme of early intensive behavioural intervention devised by the London Borough of Bexley.
- ParoMerck®
-
Brand name for paroxetine, a type of SSRI anti-depressant. It is used to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety and depression.
- Parotin®
-
Brand name for paroxetine, a type of SSRI anti-depressant. It is used to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety and depression.
- Paroxetine
-
Type of SSRI anti-depressant used to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety and depression.
- Pathological Demand Avoidance
-
Condition in which individuals resist and avoid the ordinary demands of life, using skillful strategies which are socially manipulative (distracting adults, using excuses, appearing to become physically incapacitated).
- Patterning Therapies
-
Range of therapies based on a series of movement patterns which are designed to facilitate neurological feedback to the brain.
- Paxil®
-
Brand name for Paroxetine, a type of SSRI anti-depressant. It is used to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety and depression.
Full ListBack To Top
Last Updated : 31/01/2012
