Jargon
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the acronyms and clinical language related to autism—you’re not alone.
Terms like ASD, IEP, ABA, OT, and more can feel confusing, especially when you’re simply trying to understand and support your child in daily life.
Below, you’ll find a clear, parent-friendly guide to common acronyms used when talking about autism, education, therapies, and support services. This resource is here to make things easier to understand—so you can focus on what matters most: supporting your child.
ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
IPE
Interprofessional Education
OT
Occupation Therapy
DSM
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
DSM-5
Redefines Autism | last version | 2013
ICD
International Classification of Diseases
ICD-10
Used to categorize and record autism diagnoses.
ICD-11
STAMP
STOMP
PDD-NOS
Used also to categorize and record autism diagnoses.
Supporting Treatment and Appropriated Medication in Pediatrics
Stopping Over Medication of People with a learning disability.
PDD
Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder- not otherwise Specified
ODD
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
OS
Overstimulation
ADI-R
Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised
ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis
FMRI
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
DTT
Discrete Trial Training
SD
Discriminative Stimulus
PECS
BACB
FBA
DRO
SCD
ERP
NDD
CAM
ADOS
SLP
RAS
Bonus
Verbal behavior
Mand
Echoic
Tact
Intraverbal
Autoclitic
Picture Exchange Communication System
Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Involves requesting or asking for something.
Where a speaker repeats what they have just heard, essentially imitating vocal stimulus they received.
Where a person labels or identifies an object, action, or event in their environment.
Verbal response that fallows another person’s verbal behavior.
It’s language used to clarify or alter the meaning of what’s already been said.
IAP
MFE
ETR
BAP
RRB
Functional Behavior Assessment
Intervention Assistance Team
Multifactored Evaluation | measurement of the 5 emotions
Evaluation Team Report
Broader Autism Phenotype
Differential Reinforceement of Other behaviors
Social Communication Disorder
Exposure and Response Prevention
Restricted and repetitive behaviors
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
Speech-Language Pathologist
Reticular Activating System