Autism Glossary

Autism is a condition where affected individuals, especially children, struggle with learning basic skills and behaviors, which means they often have difficulties achieving developmental milestones. At PRISM Learning Center, we have the expertise and experience to help your child overcome these difficulties. We have put together an autism glossary to help you understand this condition better.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

This is the official term that is used to describe autism. The broad definition of this condition is that it is a developmental condition where the affected child struggles with restricted interests and social communication, and often engages in repetitive behavior.

Autism is said to be on a spectrum, which means that different individuals manifest these symptoms differently. The severity of these symptoms will also vary from one individual to another.

Stimming

This refers to repetitive and often compulsive behavior that people with autism may sometimes engage in. Some of these behaviors could include rocking their body, arranging items in certain specific patterns, and much more.

A related behavior to this is what is known as Echolalia where the affected child repeats what others say. Sometimes, this could lead the child to learn new languages.

Scripting

Sometimes, a child who suffers from autism may engage in scripting. This is a situation where the child repeats memorized words or phrases. Usually, children will engage in this kind of behavior as a way of comforting themselves or making their environments somewhat predictable.

Social Communication

This is the ability to engage socially with other children and, at the same time, to be able to understand verbal and non-verbal communication. Children with autism often struggle with this aspect of their lives. Fortunately, there are several ways in which this problem can be tackled.  Not helping your child overcome this obstacle can prevent them from being independent or forming the social networks that they need to function in society.

Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA is a therapy approach that uses a variety of tools from the applied behavior field to help children with autism develop the necessary skills they need for life. One of the more widely known approaches here is positive reinforcement, where therapists reward desired behavior with a view of increasing the chances that this behavior will be repeated in the future.

Sensory Diet

In autism management, sensory diet refers to strategies and planned activities that are carefully curated to ensure that they do not overwhelm the child’s senses. This is because children with autism can sometimes suffer sensory overload, and it is important to manage how the child engages with the outside world.

Why Choose PRISM Learning Center?

PRISM Learning Center is your best bet when it comes to giving your autistic child the skills that they need to be independent. All our approaches are based on sound scientific principles, which ensures that your child gets the most effective interventions available.

If you have any inquiries about our ABA therapy services, feel free to contact us today.