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
- Sensory Stories
-
Sensory stories instruct children with autism to use calming sensory strategies in order to deal with unpleasant sensory aspects of particular situations.
- Sequential Homeopathy
-
The use of homeopathic treatments in a sequence determined by the illnesses and other traumas in a person’s life.
- Serine
-
Non-essential amino acid found in many proteins in the body (e.g., casein, vitellin). It is synthesized from glycine or threonin and is a precursor of the amino acids purine, cysteine, and others.
Some people believe that it can be used as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders.
- Seroquel®
-
Brand name for quetiapine, a type of anti-psychotic drug.
- Serotonin
-
Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter found in many tissues, including blood platelets, intestinal mucosa, the pineal body, and the central nervous system.
- Serotoninergic Diet
-
The serotoninergic diet requires you to eat foodstuffs which contain serotonin and avoid foodstuffs which contain high levelsof protein.
- Seroxat®
-
Brand name for paroxetine, a type of SSRI anti-depressant used to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety and depression.
- Sertraline
-
A type of SSRI anti-depressant, sold under various brand names including Lustral® and Zoloft®.
- SGD
-
Acronym for speech generating device, a form of augmentative electronic device which enables the user to speak.
- Shaping
-
A behavioural technique, in which successively closer approximations of a desired behaviour are reinforced.
- Shared Reading
-
Shared reading is a broad term describing activities where an adult reads aloud to children, incorporating interaction through the use of questioning and discussion.
- Sheltered Employment
-
Sheltered employment refers to programmes which are designed to assist individuals who for whatever reason are viewed as not capable of working in a competitive employment setting in their local community.
- Sheltered Housing
-
Sheltered housing is a type of residential care that allows people to live independently in the community but with significant support.
- Shiatsu
-
Type of massage which uses the thumbs, fingers and palms to apply pressure to determined areas and points of the body
- Short Breaks
-
An intervention which consists of regular, short breaks during which individuals with autism spend some time away from their immediate family.
- SIBIS
-
Acronym for self-injurious behaviour inhibiting system, a device designed to provide a brief electrical stimulation when it detects a blow to the head
- Siccacell Therapy
-
Another name for cell therapies, a range of interventions in which processed tissue from animal embryos, foetuses or organs, is injected or taken orally.
- Sign Language
-
Language which uses manual communication instead of sound to convey meaning
- Sign Supported English
-
A sign language which takes the signs from another language (such as British Sign Language) and uses them in the order that the words would be spoken in the spoken language (English).
- Simulation Training
-
Simulation training refers to any kind of training which involves imitating a real-life process in order to provide a lifelike experience.
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Last Updated : 22/03/2013
