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
- WAIS
-
Acronym for Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, a comprehensive test of cognitive ability for adults.
- Walden Programs
-
A range of early intervention programmes for toddlers, preschool children and kindergarten students run by the Emory Autism Resource Center in Georgia, US.
- Waldon Approach
-
The Waldon Approach, named after its creator the neurologist Geoffrey Waldon, is an intervention designed to help children with developmental disabilities.
- Warkeelate Acid
-
Another term for EDTA, a synthetic solution used as a chelating agent to remove heavy metals from the body.
- Water Shiatsu
-
Another name for watsu, a form of hydrotherapy which combines elements of massage, joint mobilisation, shiatsu, muscle stretching and dance
- Watsu
-
Form of hydrotherapy which combines elements of massage, joint mobilisation, shiatsu, muscle stretching and dance
- Watsu
-
Form of aquatic massage, which uses elements of various massage and mobilisation techniques.
- Websites
-
Some websites, but not all, are a type of online community.
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
-
Comprehensive test of cognitive ability for adults.
- Weighted Blanket
-
Weighted blankets are ordinary blankets which are made heavier by adding small weights, which can either be stitched into the fabric or put into specially designed pockets.
- Weighted Items
-
Weighted items, such as vests and blankets, are made heavier by adding small weights, which can either be stitched into the fabric or put into specially designed pockets.
- Weighted Vest
-
Weighted vests are vests or jackets which are made heavier by adding small weights, which can either be stitched into the fabric or put into specially designed pockets.
- Welch Method
-
Another term for holding therapy, an intervention which consists of forced holding by a therapist or parent until the child stops resisting or until a fixed time period has elapsed
- West's Syndrome
-
Condition usually commencing between 3 and 8 months of age characterised by infantile spasms. More common in people with autism.
- Western Medicine
-
Another term for conventional medicine, the medicine practiced by doctors and by allied health professionals – such as nurses, occupational therapists etc – which is based on sound scientific evidence.
- Weston A. Price Diet
-
The Weston A. Price diet is another term for the Nourishing Traditions diet. This requires you to consume a combination of traditional food types including saturated fats, unprocessed dairy products, sprouting grains, stocks and broths while avoiding processed foods
- Wilbarger Technique
-
Form of brushing therapy, which involves applying rapid and firm pressure touch to the arms, hands, back, legs, and feet using a surgical brush
- Wilkins Rate of Reading Test
-
Test designed to measure the effects on reading of visuo-perceptual distortions of text, such as apparent movement of the words and letters, blurring and coloured halos.
- Williams Syndrome
-
Rare disorder caused by an abnormality in chromosomes. It shows a wide variation in ability from person to person. It can cause learning disabilities. More common in people with autism.
- Work System
-
A type of visual schedule, a set of pictures that communicates a series of activities or the steps of a specific activity.
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Last Updated : 18/06/2012
