Glossary

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.

Audiokinetron is a machine developed to deliver auditory integration training. The person with autism uses the machine to listen to modified sounds.

Auditory integration training (also known as AIT) involves a person listening to a selection of music which has been electronically modified.

The auditory trainer is an electronic device that allow an individual to focus attention on a speaker and reduce the interference of background noise.

Auditory-motor mapping training (also known as AMMT) is an intervention which aims to promote speech production directly by training the association between sounds and articulatory actions using intonation and bimanual motor activities.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is any form of communication that people use if they are unable or unwilling to use standard forms of communication such as speech.

Augmentative communication systems are designed to complement and sometimes enhance standard means of communication.

Auranofin is a medication which contains gold salts and which is used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.