Glossary

A synapse is the tiny gap across which a nerve cell, or neuron, can send an impulse to another neuron.

A syndrome is a group of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterise a condition, disorder or disease.

Systemic therapy is a generic term for any form of psychotherapy dealing with people in relationship to one another, the interactions of groups, and their patterns and dynamics.

The Systemic Transition in Education Programme for Autism Spectrum Disorder (STEP-ASD) is an intervention designed to facilitate successful school transition for children on the autism spectrum via intervention on the child's educational environment.

T3 is another name for triiodothyronine, a thyroid hormone.

The Tackling Teenage Training programme is an individual training programme designed to teach adolescents on the autism spectrum about sexual health issues.

Tacrine is a drug usually used to treat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Taekwondo is a  Korean art of unarmed self-defence characterised by the extensive use of kicks.

The TAGteach method is a type of teaching with acoustical guidance.

Tai chi is a gentle exercise programme and form of martial art that is a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

The TalkAbility program is a family-focused programme that aims to give parents of children with autism and related social communication difficulties, practical tools to help their children communicate.

Tannin is a natural substance found in some plants which has antioxidant properties.

Tantrum is an outburst of childish or petulant behaviour in which the person may become angry, tearful or over react.

Task analysis is a process in which an activity or behaviour is divided into small, manageable steps in order to assess and teach the skill.

Task organisation is presenting visually clear information on what a task is about.

Tatinol is a brand name for tianeptine, a selective serotonin reuptake enhancer used to treat depression and anxiety.

Taurine is an amino acid. It is found in large amounts in the brain, retina, heart, and blood cells.

TCM is an acronym for traditional Chinese medicine, a complete medical system based on ensuring that opposing energies, called yin and yang, are in balance and that the life force or energy in every body, called qi, is also balanced and flowing freely.

TEACCH is an acronym for Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-Handicapped Children, a term which describes the various activities undertaken by Division TEACCH, part of the Department of Psychiatry of the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina in the USA.

Teaching interaction is a 10-step procedure designed to help students learn appropriate social and school-related behaviours.