Glossary

ASAS is an acronym for the Australian Scale for Asperger's Syndrome, a screening tool designed to identify children who may have Asperger syndrome.

Ascorbic acid is another term for Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin./p>

ASD is an 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 is an acronym for American Sign Language, a manual sign language used by the deaf community and others in many parts of North America.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism characterised by normal or above average intelligence.

The Aspirations programme is a social skills training programme which is designed to give young adults on the autism spectrum the opportunity to discuss their own vocational and social experiences.

Aspirin is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature (fever).

ASQ is an acronym for the Autism Screening Questionnaire (now called the Social Communication Questionnaire), a screening tool designed to identify children who may be on the autism spectrum.

Assistance dogs (also known as service dogs) are dogs that are specifically trained to help individuals with various types of disability.

Assistive or adaptive technology commonly refers to  '...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities'

At risk is a term used by researchers to describe individuals, such as the siblings of children on the autism spectrum, who are more likely to be at risk of developing autism or related conditions.

Atenolol is a type of drug called an β-adrenergic antagonist (beta blocker) and is sold under the brand name Tenormin.

Ativan is a brand name for lorazepam, a type of drug called a benzodiazepine, which is used to treat anxiety or anxiety associated with symptoms of depression

Atomoxetine is drug used to increase the ability to pay attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in children and adults with ADHD.

Attachment holding therapy is another term fo holding therapy, which consists of forced holding by a therapist or parent until the child stops resisting or until a fixed time period has elapsed

Attachment therapy is the name for an extremely controversial group of therapies designed to help children with attachment disorders.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Atypical antipsychotics is a term used to describe the newer antipsychotics, such as risperidone, as opposed to the older, typical antipsychotics, such as haloperidol.

Atypical autism is another term for pervasive developmental disorder (not otherwise specified).

Audio psycho phonology is another term for the Tomatis method, an auditory training method in which a person with autism listens to a selection of music which has been modified.