Diagnostic Terms
Adaptive Functioning
The ability to manage everyday life skills, including communication, social interaction, and independent living skills. Often assessed in autism evaluations.
ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
A standardized assessment tool used by professionals to observe social and communication behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Apraxia of Speech
A neurological condition affecting the brain’s ability to coordinate the muscle movements needed for speech, often co-occurring with autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
A developmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. ASD is a spectrum, meaning individuals experience varying strengths and challenges.
Co-Occuring Conditions
Other medical, neurological, or developmental conditions that often occur alongside autism, such as ADHD, anxiety, epilepsy, or gastrointestinal issues.
Developmental Delay
When a child does not reach developmental milestones at the expected time, which may affect speech, motor skills, or social abilities.
Developmental Disability
A group of conditions that cause impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas, often diagnosed in childhood and lasting throughout life.
DSM-5 (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual, 5th Edition)
The guide used by clinicians to diagnose autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD)
A condition affecting motor planning and coordination, making activities like writing, buttoning clothes, or sports challenging.
Echolalia
The repetition of words, phrases, or sounds, which can be immediate or delayed. It is common in autistic individuals and can serve as a form of communication or self-regulation.
Executive Functioning Deficits
Challenges in cognitive skills such as planning, organizing, impulse control, and flexible thinking, which impact daily tasks and learning.
Hyperlexia
An advanced ability to read at an early age, often accompanied by difficulties with comprehension and social communication.
Hypertonia (High Muscle Tone)
A condition where muscles are overly tense or stiff, making movement difficult. It can affect coordination, balance, and flexibility, and may be seen in some individuals with neurological or developmental differences, including autism.
Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone)
A condition that affects muscle strength and coordination, sometimes present in autistic individuals and linked to motor skill delays.
Joint Attention
The ability to share focus with another person on an object or activity, a skill that can be delayed in autistic individuals.
Masking (Camouflaging)
The act of suppressing natural behaviors and mimicking neurotypical behaviors in social situations often leads to stress and burnout.
Nonverbal Communication
Any form of communication without spoken words, including gestures, facial expressions, body language, and sign language.
OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
A mental health condition involving unwanted, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors done to reduce anxiety. Common compulsions include checking, cleaning, or repeating actions. OCD can sometimes co-occur with autism and may impact daily routines and emotional well-being.
ODD – Oppositional Defiant Disorder
A behavioral condition characterized by frequent defiance, irritability, arguing, and refusal to follow rules or authority figures. These behaviors go beyond typical childhood challenges and can affect home, school, and social life. ODD may co-occur with autism, ADHD, or anxiety, and often requires behavioral and therapeutic support.
Perseveration
The repetition of words, thoughts, or behaviors beyond what is socially or functionally necessary, which can be a coping mechanism for autistic individuals.
Receptive Language Delay
Difficulty understanding spoken language, which may affect following instructions, answering questions, or processing conversations.
Repetitive Behaviors (Restricted & Repetitive Behaviors – RRBs)
Actions or movements that are repeated, such as hand-flapping, lining up objects, or repeating phrases. These behaviors can be comforting or serve sensory needs.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
A condition in which the brain has difficulty processing sensory information, leading to heightened or reduced responses to stimuli such as sounds, textures, or lights.
Social Communication Disorder (SCD)
A condition affecting the ability to use verbal and nonverbal communication in social settings, distinct from but sometimes overlapping with autism.
Stimming (Self-Stimulatory Behavior)
Repetitive movements or vocalizations (such as rocking, hand-flapping, or humming) that help with self-regulation, focus, or sensory processing.
Theory of Mind (ToM)
The ability to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and perspectives different from one’s own, a skill that can be delayed or different in autistic individuals.