Rett’s Syndrome: a neurological disorder that occurs only in girls. Unlike autism, girls initially show normal development, and then revert. The initial symptoms include some that are associated with autism.

Sensory Integration (SI): This is a term applied to the way the brain processes sensory stimulation or sensation from the body and then translates that information into specific, planned and coordinated motor activity.

T.E.A.C.C.H. (Treatment and Education of Autism and Communication Handicapped Children): This is a therapeutic approach broadly based on the idea that individuals with autism more effectively use and understand visual cues. It focuses on promoting dependence by using items such as picture schedules to break down tasks step-by-step. This enables an individual to better comprehend and perform the task independently. This approach often aids receptive communication and sequential memory.

Theory of Mind: The ability to understand that others have beliefs, desires and intentions that are different from one’s own.

Verbal Behavior: A program of applied behavior analysis that focuses on teaching verbal behavior through a collection of highly effective teaching procedures taken from the science of behavior analysis.

Visual Supports: Written words, pictures and/or icons that conveys information in visual medium. Individuals with autism are typically visual learners and conveying information visually assists with comprehension.