Autism is such a broad spectrum that a whole vocabulary of
both official and slang terms has arisen. As I am aware that you may not be
familiar with the terms used in this blog or may have different ways of
referring to certain things I have written this brief and simplified list to
explain the definition of abbreviations and the meaning or understanding of
certain colloquial terms I use.
I am aware that certain sensitivities arise around the use
of certain terms (for instance some people refer to themselves as an autistic
person, others prefer person with autism). I will try to be respectful of this
in my writing, but for ease I will tend to use the terms that I find most acceptable
in my day to day speech.
ASC – Autism Spectrum
Condition
A blanket term used to refer to the whole range of
corresponding conditions that make up autism. Autism is broadly speaking a
grouping of three overlapping neurological conditions categorised as pervasive
developmental disorders (PDD).
ASD – Autism Spectrum
Disorder
As ASC. This is no longer the accepted term in England as the word disorder
has negative connotations and is seen to be misleading. This however was the terminology used here until very recently and still in use worldwide.
ASC is the politically correct
terminology if (like me) you live England, but ASD will be the term you hear must often virtually everywhere else.
Aspie
A slang term for someone with Asperger’s Syndrome.
DSM - Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual
A handbook used widely by medical professionals in
diagnosing and categorizing mental and developmental disorders. This is an American publication so for areas using different manuals (eg the World Health Organisation's ICD-10) will use different terminologies (see ASD/ASC above)
HFA (High Functioning
Autism) and Asperger’s Syndrome
HFA is traditionally used to refer to someone deemed to be cognitively
higher functioning (defined as having an IQ over 70). The overlap of diagnosis
between HFA and Asperger’s Syndrome has been vague at best, and the most recent
release of the DSM as grouped the two together. Depending on context I use both
HFA and Asperger’s when referring to my diagnosis.
Meltdown &
Shutdown
The extreme reaction to over stimulation where the brain
‘resets’ leading to loss of cognitive function for a period of time. If the
response is externally projected, adrenaline fuelled, loud and active it is
usually referred to as a meltdown. If the response is internally projected, withdrawal
and unresponsiveness it is usually referred to as shutdown.
NT – Neurotypical
A term used commonly to refer to those without an ASD.
On the Spectrum
Refers to an individual diagnosed with an ASC
SO – Sensory Overload
Sensory issues are a common feature of ASCs. An overload or
oversensitivity to certain senses can trigger a Sensory Overload. The brain
stops filtering the incoming signals and extreme oversensitivity to that sense
can occur.
Stimming
A term used to describe the repetitive self-stimulating
traits seen in many autistic individuals often performed subconsciously as a
means of calming and reducing cognitive overload. Examples are rocking, tapping
of hands or repetition of words
