Autism Terms Explained: 20 Must-Know Autism Glossary for Parents (ASD Guide)

Autism Terms Explained: 20 Must-Know Autism Glossary for Parents

Understanding autism terms and ASD terminology is essential for parents, caregivers, and professionals. This autism glossary explains common autism words in a simple and practical way to help you better understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This article describes common terms related to Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These terms are often used when speaking with physicians, therapists, or while researching autism.

What is Autism Terminology?

Autism terminology refers to commonly used words and phrases that describe symptoms, behaviors, therapies, and developmental aspects of autism.

These are not dictionary definitions but simple explanations to help parents understand autism better.

20 Must-Know Autism Terms (ASD Glossary)

1. Disorder:

An abnormality or disruption to the mental or physical health and its development. A disorder, as opposed to a disease, is caused due to internal factors such a genetic difference or abnormality.

Example: Autism Spectrum Disorder

2. Symptom:

A feature or characteristic or a disorder or disease. Symptoms, as opposed to signs, are felt and understood by the affected person and are not always visible to others.

Example: A symptom of Autism is presence of auditory sensitivity.

3. Developmental delay:

A condition wherein there is a delay of achieving skills along the typical developmental pattern. Typically used for children below the age of 8 years and

Example: A child with ASD has developmental delays which can be in across a variety of skills such as attention, speech, fine motor skills etc.

4. Eye contact:

The ability to look at a face or eyes of the person who is talking or being spoken to. Looking too long (which can be considered as ‘staring’) is awkward or maintaining eye contact for too short a time, at all times would be considered socially rude.

Example: When speaking to your colleague about an urgent work mail, you will turn towards them and look at their face during the conversation. 

5. Attention:

Ability to attend to a stimuli (a sound, person, or item) for a duration of time. Joint attention is a form of attention where two or more people are jointly paying attention to the same stimuli.

Example: A teacher holds a book out during reading time in a class and the whole class jointly pays attention to it.

6. Echolalia:

The repetition of words, phrases or sentences. Echolalia can be repetition immediately as in the example below or delayed.

Example: Teacher asking – ‘What is your name?’. Child says – ‘What is your name?.’ (instead of replying meaningfully to the question).

7. Self-stimulatory behavior:

Referring to behavior of a repeated action such as physical movements, movements with an object or use of a sound.

Example: Flapping or rocking seen in some children with Autism.

8. Motor deficits:

A lack of motor skills such as gross, fine or self-help skills.

Example: Inability to climb steps (gross motor), hold a pencil (fine motor) or wear own pants (self help skill) are motor deficits.

9. Sensory processing disorder:

A condition in which the body is not able to adequately ‘process’ information in response to the demands of the environment. It has an underlying neurological cause. Asd a result of this, a child may be hyper and / or hypo sensitive to touch, smell, sound etc. Sensory integration therapy by trained therapists provides activities and methods to assist in alleviating the issues, as far as possible.

Example: A child with ASD may be hypersensitive to sound and hence find certain sounds s/he would find difficult to bear.

10. Oral motor skills:

Skills related to movement of muscles in and around the mouth that can assist in eating, drinking and speaking.

Example: Blowing or sucking through a straw are two oral motor skills. Many times, children with ASD have difficulty in achieving them by themselves.

20 Must-Know Terms Related to Autism

11. Motor coordination:

The ability of the body to coordinate different movements for an intended action.

Example: To throw a ball, the ball has to coordinate limbs, grasp and release of the ball while balancing of the body to accomplish the same.    

12. Dyspraxia / Apraxia:

The inability to perform a certain action when asked (or on command) although the same action can be performed voluntarily during other times.

Example: A child may be able to open his mouth to eat. However, despite understanding and willing to participate the same child is unable to perform when asked by the therapist ‘open your mouth’.

13. High-functioning (autism)- HFA:

These individuals have average or above average cognitive functioning with symptoms of Autism. They also display difficulty in communication and social skills. Within the DSM V and ICD 10 (the manuals guiding diagnostic assessments) there is no formal diagnosis for HFA.

Example: A child with HFA may have some exceptional ability despite severe social issues. To know more about some of the unique abilities that children with high functioning autism may have, read our article

14. Transition:

Changes of moving from one location to another (such as home to playground) or between different stages of life (such as out of school and into college). Transitions are difficult for several children with Autism or ASD.

Example: The unpredictability and loss of routine during a transition is typically what is difficult for a child with ASD / Autism. Therefore, a huge change such as moving out of school and into a totally new environment such as college life, would be difficult and could cause anxiety.

15. Individualized Education Plan (IEP):

Detailed plans laid out and written for a child’s intervention which is customized to suit his / her skills and needs.

Example: An IEP in its strict sense would contain information such as the child’s skills, the services s/he needs, yearly goals etc. However, there may be variations to the same used in different settings or countries.

16. Early intervention:

Early intervention looks at providing intervention early one. There are a variety of Early intervention programs for children with Autism / ASD. They would include inputs for a variety of core areas that form

17. Augmentative and Alternate communication (AAC):

Modalities that assist a person to use his speech or provide an alternate way to communication such as use of visual aids.

AAC includes tools like:

• Visual schedules

• Communication apps

• Picture boards

Example: Visual schedule is a form of AAC support that provides photos or pictures in assisting an individual to understand a sequence of events or schedule.  

20 Must-Know Terms Related to Autism

18. Speech -language therapy:

A therapist that conducts assessments and provides intervention for individuals with a delay in communication skills (which include speaking or use of language).

Example: A speech-language therapist can assist a child with Autism to use words to speak or to alternately use gestures to communicate with others.  

19. Occupational Therapist:

A therapist that teaches everyday practical life skills and skills related to develop the same.

Example: The life skill of bathing requires gross motor skills, eye-hand coordination etc. An occupational therapist would focus on these aspects while teaching the skill of bathing.

20. Special educator:

A therapist that can provide training and educational support to children with different developmental delays.

Example: A special educator uses technique to teach skills such as reading time to a child with developmental delays.

Why Understanding Autism Terms is Important

Understanding autism terminology helps parents communicate better with therapists, make informed decisions, and support their child effectively.

Conclusion: Autism Glossary for Better Understanding

Learning common autism terms and ASD terminology empowers parents to navigate diagnosis, therapy, and intervention more confidently. The more informed you are, the better you can support your child’s development journey.

 FAQ Section

What are common autism terms parents should know?

Echolalia, sensory processing disorder, AAC, early intervention, and IEP are key terms.

What is echolalia in autism?

It is the repetition of words or phrases instead of meaningful communication.

What is AAC in autism?

AAC includes tools that help nonverbal individuals communicate using visuals or devices.

What is sensory processing disorder in autism?

Difficulty in processing sensory input like sound, touch, or smell.

What is early intervention in autism?

Therapy started early to improve developmental skills.

What is an IEP in autism?

A customized educational plan for children with special needs.

What is stimming behavior?

Repetitive movements like hand flapping or rocking.

What is apraxia in autism?

Difficulty performing actions despite understanding them.

Why are autism terms important for parents?

They help in understanding therapy, diagnosis, and communication strategies.

How can I learn more about autism terminology?

Through reliable blogs, therapists, and medical resources.

This article is a part of the Autism Series. Read on to learn more about intervention and other topics related to ASD and Autism.

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