What In The Word? Know The Word – Know Autism

The spectrum itself comes with a high variety of symptoms, however, when it comes to certain expressions it can get very confusing. Learn the meaning behind..

Here i‘ve listed a few important terms and their meanings, to help understand autism

Echolalia

This is the repeating of sounds, words, or phrases. People who „echo“ may not always be able to communicate effectively or express their own thoughts, but they parrot back what they have heard. If asked a question, they might repeat the question and not answer the question. Sometimes referred to as scripting.

Scripting

The repetition of words, phrases, intonation, or sounds of the speech of others, sometimes taken from movies, books or something someone has said.

Masking

Masking (also called camouflaging) is where an autistic person acts „normal“ in order to be accepted by others.

Self-Stimulatory Behavior (Stimming)

Repetitive behavior, such as the spinning of objects, vocal echoes, rocking back and forth, clapping or other repetitive actions, to minimize the stressors of overstimulation or to express joy and happiness.

Prosody

Prosody is the rhythm and melody of spoken language. Prosody is shown in the rate, pitch, stress, inflection, and intonation used in our speech. Autistics can often be more monotone or speak in a singing voice.

Meltdown

Often mistaken as temper tantrums, meltdowns are common with people on the spectrum and are typically not anger-infused. Instead, it‘s the body‘s way of reacting to a confusing or overstimulating situation. One can be loud or one can be very quiet.

Transition

A change from one environment or activity to another can be hard for a person on the spectrum. It sometimes helps if warnings are given before a transition.

Comorbidity

Simultaneous presence of two chronic conditions. Autism comorbidities include, for example, epilepsy, Stomach issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders.

Perseveration

Repeating or persisting with an action or behavior after the stimulus that prompted it has ceased. To perseverate is to become stuck on something and not to be able to mentally shift gears.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Applying the principles used for learning and motivation toward social situations or problems of social significance. Therapists use ABA Therapy to teach communication, play, social, academic, and self-care skills to those with autism while decreasing behaviors that are harmful or affect learning.

Reinforcement

A principle of ABA Therapy. There are two types of reinforcement: positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is when a positive consequence is presented immediately following the behavior to increase the likelyhood of that behavior occurring again. Negative reinforcement is the removal of a negative stimulus to decrease the probability of that behavior from occurring again.

Visual Schedule

A visual schedule tells a person what to expect next and in what order. People with autism often benefit from knowing what is next as it may be harder to transition from one activity to another.

Savant

To have detailed knowledge in a specialized field. Savants may have many different skills not specific to one field.

Splinter Skill

A skill that is stronger than the other skills a person has. A person with autism might be able to do one or more things really well but have far less ability in other areas.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

A neurological condition that exists when sensory signals are not adequately processed in order to appropriately respond to the demands of the environment. Many people wits SPD are highly sensitive to fabrics, light, and certain food textures.

Vestibular System

Our vestibular system (or sensory system) gives us an awareness of balance and spatial orientation so we can coordinate our movements. People with autism have a harder time managing their movements, such as their walk.

Sensory Diet

A Plan that includes specific activities designed to increase sensory development and decrease sensory defensiveness.

Discrete Trial

A structured way of teaching in simple steps. A task is broken down and thaught in steps and then built back up to the entire task. Discrete trial is used in ABA Therapy.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy in which negative patterns of thought about the self and the world are challenged in order to alter unwanted behavior patterns or treat mood disorders such as depression. People with autism struggle with anxiety and depression alike. CBT has been shown to help reduce these feelings and behaviors associated with them by working to adjust thoughts and perceptions.

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