Autism and Developmental Disabilities Glossary
A glossary of terms that you’ll encounter in the autism and developmental disability space.
» learn moreDeepen your knowledge of autism with introductory information on terminology, self-determination principles and other topics.
Diagnosis and Screening
What is diagnostic criteria for autism? It is the standard by which doctors assess children to determine if they in fact have autism spectrum disorder.
» learn moreDual Diagnosis (Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities)
Dual diagnosis, co-occurring, co-existing or co-morbidity refers having more than one disability at the same time. Some common related conditions that can accompany autism spectrum disorders are low IQ, seizures, chronic constipation and/or diarrhea, sleep problems, pica, low muscle tone, sensory integration disorder, allergies/immune system problems, high or low pain thresholds, and hearing and visual impairments.
» learn moreEnvironmental Health
Intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities. including autism spectrum disorders, are estimated to affect approximately one in six children under age 18 in the U.S. Infants and young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities may spend more time in the crawling stage of development than those without disabilities.
» learn moreSelf Determination Principles
Self determination means that all people have the right to direct their futures; have control over how they live their lives, where, and with whom; and have authority over the resources that support them.
» learn moreSelf-Advocacy
Self-Advocacy is the civil rights movement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities working together for justice by supporting each other to take charge of our lives and fight discrimination. The way self-advocates learn about advocating for themselves is by supporting each other to gain confidence in order to express their own opinions about things.
» learn moreThe Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) is the fundamental law supporting and enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families through activities designed to improve service systems for individuals with developmental disabilities.
» learn moreWhat is Autism
Autism spectrum disorders describe a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that significantly impact communication and social skills and are evidenced by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. The definition of autism spectrum disorders is evolving and is seen differently depending on who is explaining autism spectrum disorders.
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