New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline - Ministry of Health

Glossary
Self-injury
Selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI)
Self-stimulatory
behaviour
Semantic
Sensory impairment
Sensory integration
Sensory modulation
Sensori-motor handling
Sensory overload or
defensiveness
Sensory stimulation
Serotonin
self-inflicted injury to oneself, usually in response to stress or anxiety. It can
involve hitting one’s face, gouging one’s eyes, gouging or cutting the skin or
head banging.
an antidepressant medication
(see stimming), also known as self-stimulation – a term for behaviours whose
purpose appears to stimulate one’s senses. Many people with autism report
that some self-stimulation may serve a regulatory purpose (ie, calming,
increasing concentration or shutting out overwhelming sensory input).
relating to the meaning of language
deficit in sensory function (eg, reduced visual acuity secondary to a primary
eye abnormality or to damage of the visual cortex or impaired hearing or
any other sensory deficit). Impaired sensory processing functions can affect
learning, play, work, socialisation, health and well-being.
a theory of brain behaviour relationship which explores the organisation
of sensory input in order that individuals can effectively interact with the
environment by making adaptive responses
ongoing physiological process central to the ability to filter or attend
selectively to sensory information
a broad range of unrelated treatment techniques focusing on the sensory
or motor systems, eg, reflex integration, neuro-developmental therapies,
patterning etc
a group of symptoms that show over-reactions to sensory input. Individuals
may show avoidance, seeking, fear, anxiety and even aggression in reaction
to sensory stimuli, particularly if they are over-exposed to them.
sounds, smells, tactile sensations and other inputs which stimulate the
senses
a neurotransmitter involved in, for example, sleep and depression and
memory
Glossary
Severe and complex
behaviour
Shared positive affect
Sialorrhoea
see challenging behaviour
positive or pleasurable shared experiences between children and others
excessive production of saliva; drooling
Sibkids
Social communication
Social Communication
Emotional Regulation
Transactional Supports
(SCERTS)
online support group for siblings
the skills that allow people to interact with and influence others and gain
some control over the environment
multidisciplinary educational intervention that focuses on the development
of spontaneous communication, teaching and supporting the child to
regulate his or her emotional state and providing supports to the child, the
family and the professionals working with the child
258
New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline