Abbreviations List
ABA = Applied Behavior Analysis
ABA = Applied Behavior Analysis (therapy method)/
AD/HD = The DSM-IV eliminated the diagnosis of ADD and replaced it with
AD/HD (for Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). The specifiers for
subtypes for this disorder are Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly
Hyperactive or Combined
ADA = The Americans with Disabilities Act
ADD = Attention Deficit Disorder. Now replaced by AD/HD
ADD-RT = ADD that lasts into Adulthood is referred to as ADD-RT (Residual
Type)
ADHD = Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
AEA = Area Education Agency, provides support services to
AIT = Auditory Integration Training
AIT = Advanced Individual Training or Auditory Integration Therapy
APD = Auditory Processing Disorder
AS = Asperger's Syndrome (part of the autism spectrum)
ASD = Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASPIE = A person with Asperger's Syndrome
AUTIE = A person with Autism
BIL = Brother-In-Law
BIP = Behavior Improvement Plan
BMP = Behavior Management Plan
BP = Bi-Polar (formerly called 'manic depressive')
CAPD = Central Auditory Processing Disorder
CARS = Childhood Autism Rating Scale (diagnostic and evaluation tool)
CAT Scan = Computer Axial Tomography - a scan using an xray machine linked
to a computer that produces a scan in cross sections catalog of medical
diagnoses)
CF = Cystic Fibrosis
CF = Casein Free (milk protein)
CFS = Chronic fatigue syndrome
CNS = Central Nervous System
CP = Cerebral Palsy
CVPD = Central Vision Processing Disorder
DAS = Developmental Apraxia of Speech
DCD = Development Coordination Disorder (DSM IV 315.4)
DD = Darling Daughter (in email)
DD = Developmentally Delayed
DD = Development Disorder/Developmental Disabilities
DH = Darling Husband (in email)
DH = Developmentally Handicapped (used in some areas instead of DD)
DHH = Deaf and Hard of Hearing
DMG = Dimethyl Glycine (a supplement)
DSM = Disablity Statistical Manual (enormous industry-standard
DSM-IV = Diagnostic Statistical Manual (edition IV) the current
DSMR = Diagnostic Statistical Manual (Revised)
DSPS = Disabled Students' Programs and Services
DVD = Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia
DX = Diagnosis
EBD = Emotional Behavior Disorder
ECG = ElectroCardioGram - records electrical activity in the heart
EEG = ElectroEncephaloGram - records electrical brain-wave activity in the
brain
EI = Early Intervention
FAPE = Free Appropriate Public Education
FBA = Functional Behavioral Assessment
FC = Facilitated Communication
FDA = Food and Drug Administration
FIL = Father-In-Law
FSP = Family Support Plan
GF = Gluten Free (protein in small grains)
GFCF = Gluten Free / Casein Free diet
GI = Gastro Intestinal
GT/LD = Gifted, Talented & Learning Disabled
HFA = High Functioning Autism (autism without mental retardation, e.g. w/IQ
of 70 or higher)
HI = Hearing Impaired (all of us in general)
IDEA = Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
IEP = Individual Education Plan
IQ = Intelligence Quotient
LD = Learning Disabilities/Differences
LDA = Learning Disabilities Association
LF = Lactose Free (milk sugar)
LFA = Low Functioning Autism
LI = Lactose Intolerant
M-D = Manic Depression (Bipolar depression)
MDO = Major Depressive Disorder
MDT = Multidisciplinary Team (teacher, SLP, OT, psych and
mental retardation, e.g. w/IQ lower than 70)
MIL = Mother-in-Law
MR = Mental Retardation, Mentally Retarded (IQ less than 70)
MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging
NLD = Nonverbal Learning Disability
NOD = Not Otherwise Defined, Often appears alot with DX by psychologists
NOS = Not of Specific Origin/Not Otherwise Specified (usually
NT = Neurologically Typical (no diagnosable neurological disorder)
NVLD = Non-verbal learning disability
OCD = Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
ODD = Oppositional Defiant Disorder
OT = Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy
PDD = Pervasive Developmental Disorder
PDD/NOS = Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified
PECS = Picture Exchange Communication System
PET Scan = Postronic Emission Tomography (a nuclear scan that measures blood
flow in brain, heart etc.)
PLAN = Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network
PT = Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy
SAH Mom or SAHM= Stay at home Mom
SI = Sensory Integration
SID or DSI = Sensory Integrative (or Integration) Disorder/Dysfunction
SIDS = Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
SLP = Speech Language Pathologist
SLT = Speech Language Therapist
SPD = Sensory Processing Disorder (new name for SID or DSI)
SPED = Special Education - also used in referring to a Special Ed Teacher
SSRI = Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor - antidepressant medication
includes Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft
TASK = Team of Advocates for Special Kids
TEACCH = Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication
Handicapped Children
TS = Tourette Syndrome
VQ = Verbal IQ
