Jargon A-Z

An A-Z of autism related terminology

Hyperlinks provide additional information about conditions on the main NAS website

Diagnositc Terms

Condition

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Asperger Syndrome

Autism

Autistic Spectrum Condition

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

DAMP Syndrome

Developmental Delay

A significant difficulty with or impairment in reading ability, when reading is compared with other aspects of psychological functioning

Difficulty in understanding language and in self-expression.

Impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement with associated problems of language, perception and thought.

Elective Mutism

(also known as selective mutism)

Condition in which children talk in one situation, for example, at home, but remain silent elsewhere, eg, at school.

People with epilepsy have seizures or periods of loss of consciousness. It is the second most common neurological condition in the UK. Some people with autism also have epilepsy.

A pattern of behaviour in  children who have problems concentrating and who are always overreactive.

An abnormally acute sense of hearing.

Excessive motor activity, voluntary or otherwise.

Mechanical reading skills developed in excess of comprehension and verbal expression skills.

Disorders, usually due to cognitive or neurological dysfunction resulting in problems in symbolisation or in delays in language and speech development. The Afasic website contains a series of information sheets on different language disorders

Anxiety disorder where an individual has to perform specific actions such as washing. These activities may reach such proportions that the individual's entire life is centred upon them.

An autism spectrum disorder where individuals resist and avoid the ordinary demands of life, using skilful strategies which are socially manipulative (distracting adults, using excuses, appearing to become physically incapacitated).

Disorders which fit the general description for pervasive developmental disorders, but in which contradictory findings or lack of adequate information mean that the criteria for other pervasive developmental disorders cannot be met.

A profoundly disabling neurological disorder which only affects girls. The girls appear normal at birth and acquire infant skills to the 9 to 12 month level. A slowing of development then occurs and regression, with loss of skills in speech and hand use and social withdrawal, begins at around one to three years. Motor development is severely impaired, with difficulty in planning and co-ordinating movement.

Semantic pragmatic disorder affects the use of language in a social context (knowing what to say and when to say it).

Specific language disorder

A condition characterised by multiple tics characteristically involving the facial area (twitches, blinking, nodding) as well as phonic (vocal) tics. The onset of symptoms usually occurs between the ages of 2 and 21.

Professionals