Preface: Through out my research/observation, I found several every day words that were either used differently, or carried significantly more importance than what one would generally give them. I also found (unsurprisingly) that several terms are medical in nature and revolved around various medications and alternate methods of therapy. Below is a list of the terms used most often.

Glossary

Applied Behavior Analysis (A.B.A): A method of therapy that focus on reinforcing appropriate behaviors through rewards. The goal with A.B.A is to replace inappropriate behavior with something more acceptable (consider it another form of conditioning through positive reinforcement).

Asperger: This is, in fact, another disorder very similar in nature and related to Autism. The difference stems from the “preservation of linguistic and cognitive development” (Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome)

Aspy/Aspie: A term used to refer to those with Aspergers Syndrom; My child is an Aspy.

Diagnosis: A term that is generally well understood by all, it has taken on increased importance within the Autistic community. Families can tell you the exact date Autism OFICIALLY came into their lives and is something of a defining moment (one might compare it to how people describe the date Kennedy died or 9/11). Even though symptoms did not go away upon finding out, diagnosis is considered to be something of a relief and is an incredibly sensitive subject.

High Functioning: A term used to describe both individuals with Aspergers and Autism who are able to function relatively normally in society.

Individualized Educational Plan (IEP): Mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools are required to make an individual educational plan for children with special needs. Districts are must provide their students with a “Free and Appropriate Public Education” (FAPE) and it is the aim of an IEP to accomplish this; however, many districts lack the resources and/or are too ignorant to provide workable programs for Autistic Children.

Mainstream: used as a verb, ‘mainstream’ is used to describe the act of assimilating into regular life with other neurotypical individuals. My son can successfully mainstream.

Neurotypical: This is a term used to refer to those who fall out side of what is generally considered Autistic. More often than not, the term is applied to fully functioning individuals without any neurological abnormalities.

Sensory Defensive: is the negative reaction to what would generally be considered harmless (e.g. being unable to eat red things).

Sensory Integration: an issue had by many who deal with autism, it is an issue sorting sensory input in its relation to the body. As a result, Those with Sensory Integration problems find it difficult to operate effectively in the workaday world.