Glossary

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

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).