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
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
ABA is an acronym for Applied Behaviour Analysis, an approach in which behavioural interventions are used to build positive behaviours – such as talking to other people – and to suppress unwanted behaviours – such as being aggressive towards other people.
ABA is also sometimes used to refer to any of the specific interventions which use the principles of applied behaviour analysis, especially early intensive behavioural interventions, such as the Lovaas method (EIBI UCLA model) or the Nova Scotia Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention model.