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
- Antihistamines
-
Class of drugs used to treat the effects of histamine (a chemical released during allergic reactions)
- Antipsychotics
-
Antipsychotics are a type of psychoative drug which are used to treat a range of mental health problems including psychosis, anxiety and dementia.
- Anxiety/Fear
-
Condition which may include excessive worrying and agitation accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid breathing and a fast heartbeat.
- Anxiolytics
-
Anxiolytics are a class of drugs used to treat feelings of anxiety or nervousness caused by stress or psychological problems. They are also used for sleeplessness and other problems.
- App
-
App is an abbreviation for application. An app is a piece of software that can run on the Internet, on your computer, or on your phone or other electronic device.
- Applied Behaviour Analysis
-
The process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviours to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behaviour
- Arginine Vasopressin
-
Another name for vasopressin, a hormone which plays an important role in increasing water re-absorption in the kidneys. It has also been implicated in social behaviours and in reducing anxiety.
- Argipressin
-
Another name for vasopressin, a hormone which plays an important role in increasing water re-absorption in the kidneys. It has also been implicated in social behaviours and in reducing anxiety.
- Aricept
-
A brand name for donepezil, a drug which is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
- Aripiprazole
-
Aripiprazole is a type of antipsychotic medication, sometimes used to treat problem behaviours in people with autism.
- Aripiprex
-
Aripiprex is a brand name for aripiprazole, a type of antipsychotic medication.
- Aromatherapy
-
Therapy involving the use of aromatic plant oils to improve health and well-being.
- Aropax®
-
Brand name for paroxetine, a type of SSRI anti-depressant. It is used to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety and depression.
- Art Therapy
-
Therapy which is designed to effect change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe and facilitating environment
- AS
-
Acronym for Asperger syndrome, a form of autistic spectrum disorder, characterized by normal or high IQ but impairments in social interactions, social communication and imagination.
- Ascorbic Acid
-
Ascorbic acid is another term for Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin.
It is found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Good sources include peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, oranges and kiwi fruit.
- ASD
-
Acronym for autism spectrum disorder/s, an umbrella term for a range of neurological disorders characterised by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development including social skills, communication and repetitive behaviour.
- ASL
-
Acronym for American Sign Language, a manual sign language used by the deaf community and others in many parts of North America
- Asperger Syndrome
-
Form of autism characterized by normal or above average IQ but impairments in social interactions, social communication and imagination.
- Aspirations programme
-
A social skills training programme which is designed to give young adults with autism spectrum disorders the opportunity to discuss their own vocational and social experiences.
Last Updated : 11/01/2013Back To Top
