Glossary

Antidiuretic hormone is another term for vasopressin, a hormone which plays an important role in increasing water re-absorption in the kidneys. It has also been implicated in social behaviours and in reducing anxiety.

Antiepileptic drugs is another term for anticonvulsants, a group of drugs designed to prevent or reduce the severity of fits (convulsions) in various types of epilepsy.

Antifungal drugs are a class of drugs used to treat fungal and yeast infections.

Antifungal foods and supplements include a wide range of foodstuffs and dietary supplements which some people believe have antifungal properties.

Antihistamines are a class of drugs used to treat the effects of histamine (a chemical released during allergic reactions).

Antihypertensives are a class of drugs used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Antioxidants are substances, including some medications and some food supplements, which are used to slow or inhibit the oxidization of other chemicals.

Antipsychotics are a type of psychoative drug which are used to treat a range of mental health problems including psychosis, anxiety and dementia.

Anxiolytics are a class of drugs used to treat feelings of anxiety or nervousness caused by stress or psychological problems. They are also used for sleeplessness and other problems.

Applied behaviour analysis (also known as ABA)  is a systematic way of observing someone's behaviour, identifying desirable changes in that behaviour and then using the most appropriate methods to make those changes.

Apps is an abbreviation for computer applications. An app is a piece of software that can run on the Internet, on your computer, or on your phone or other electronic device.

Arbaclofen placarbil is a form of R-baclofen, a GABA receptor agonist.

Arginine vasopressin is another name for vasopressin, a hormone which plays an important role in increasing water re-absorption in the kidneys. It has also been implicated in social behaviours and in reducing anxiety.

Argipressin is another name for vasopressin, a hormone which plays an important role in increasing water re-absorption in the kidneys.

Aricept is a brand name for donepezil, a drug which is used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Aripiprazole is a type of antipsychotic medication, sometimes used to treat problem behaviours in people with autism.

Aripiprex is a brand name for aripiprazole, a type of antipsychotic medication.

Aromatherapy involves the use of aromatic plant oils to improve health and well-being.

Art therapy which is designed to effect change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe and facilitating environment

AS is an acronym for Asperger syndrome, a form of autism characterised by normal or above average intelligence