a handbook for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders

APPENDIX D:GLOSSARYAutistic Spectrum Disorders: Term that encompasses Autism and similardisorders. More specifically, the following five disorders listed in the DSM-IV: AutisticDisorder, Asperger’s Disorder, PDD-NOS, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, andRett’s Disorder.BHRS/Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services: Community-based mentalhealth treatment available to children with mental health needs in Pennsylvania.BSC: Behavior Specialist Consultant, refers to an advanced degree behavioralspecialist providing services through BHRS.DSM-IV-TR: The official system for classification of psychological and psychiatricdisorders prepared by and published by the American Psychiatric Association.You play anextremelyimportant rolein helpingyour childto develop.Like otherchildren, kidswith Autismlearn primarilythrough play.So, it’simportantto join yourchild in playthat you bothenjoy.Discrete Trial Training: A short, instructional training which has three distinct parts,(e.g., a direction, behavior, and consequence). Many discrete trial programs relyheavily on directions or commands as the signal to begin the discrete trial.Early Intervention (EI): A state-funded program that is designed to identify and treatdevelopmental problems or other disabilities as early as possible.Evaluation Report (ER): The comprehensive evaluation completed by 3-5 servicesthrough the Intermediate Unit (IU) and forwarded to the school district upon the startof school to formulate the IEP. This may include an IQ test and/or an assessment ofyour child’s current abilities to determine whether he or she is meeting appropriatedevelopmental milestones.IEP/Individualized Educational Plan: A plan that identifies the student’s specificlearning expectations and outlines how the school will address these expectationsthrough appropriate special education programs and services. It also identifies themethods by which the student’s progress will be reviewed. For students 14 years orolder, it must also contain a plan for the transition to postsecondary education or theworkplace, and help the student live as independently as possible in the community.- Page 33 -