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
- Challenging / Disruptive Behaviour
-
Behaviours which are are likely to cause significant harm to the individual or to his or her carers.
- Chat Room
-
Form of online community used by people with autism and others to talk to one another.
- Chelation
-
Chelation is a chemical means of removing heavy metals, such as mercury from the body. Some people believe that chelation also improves the sulphur amino acid balance, and increases the anti-oxidant properties, of people with autism.
- Chemet
-
Another name for DMSA, a synthetic chemical used as a chelating agent to remove heavy metals, such as mercury, from the body.
- Chemical Castration
-
Another name for testosterone regulation, which involves using a drug, such as leuprolide, to reduce the amount of testosterone and oestrogen in the body.
- Chemical-Free Diet
-
The chemical-free diet is another name for the additive-free diet, which requires you to avoid additives, such as colourings, flavour enhancers, sweeteners and preservatives.
- Childhood Autism
-
Another term for autistic disorder. It is also known as autism, early infantile autism, infantile psychosis, or Kanner’s syndrome.
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale
-
Measure used to identify children ages 2 years and older with autism.
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
-
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) is an extremely rare form of autism. Children with CDD appear to develop normally until the age of two. After that they go backwards, losing many of the skills they had before, such as the ability to walk or talk.
- Children's Global Assessment Scale
-
Numeric scale (1 through 100) used to rate the general functioning of children under the age of 18.
- Children's Toddler School Program
-
The Children’s Toddler School Program is a combined/multicomponent intervention run by the University of California, San Diego.
- Child’s Talk
-
A programme developed by the University of Manchester in the UK
which is designed to enhance parent-child communication in autism and the social and language development of the child. - Chinese Medicine
-
Another term for Traditional Chinese Medicine, a complete medical system based on ensuring that opposing energies, called yin and yang, are in balance and that the life force or energy in every body, called qi, is also balanced and flowing freely.
- Chiropractic
-
Therapy in which disease is considered the result of abnormal function of the nervous system. The method of treatment usually involves manipulation of the spinal column and other body structures
- Chlorella Microalgae
-
A single-celled algae used as the core ingredient in Nanocolloidal Detox Factors. This is a supplement which is sometimes used as an agent in detoxification and chelation
- Cholesterol
-
A type of fat, manufactured by the liver from the fatty foods that we eat.
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors
-
A class of drugs used to treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
- Choreotherapy
-
Another term for dance movement therapy, a creative therapy which uses movement and dance as a means of expression and communication.
- Chromotherapy
-
Alternative therapy which uses colour and light to balance energy in the patient’s body.
- Cipralex®
-
A brand name for Escitalopram, a type of SSRI anti-depressant used to treat a range of conditions including anxiety and depression.
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Last Updated : 06/01/2012
