A
Asperger Syndrome: developmental disability that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others.
Autism: developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three;
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): categorical term that encompasses the various syndromes related to autism. Often used interchangeably with autism and pervasive developmental disorders.
B
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): behavior analyst certified through the Behavior Analysts Certification Board
C
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD): developmental disability in which children develop normally until ages 2 to 4, but then demonstrate a severe loss of social, communication and other skills.
D
Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA): a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense with the mission to plan, direct, coordinate, and manage the education programs for eligible dependents of U.S. military personnel and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense.
Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM): publication of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that contains the diagnostic criteria for all mental health disorders for children and adults, including autism. DSM-IV is the current edition and DSM-V is expected to be published in 2013.
Dispute Resolution: under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents have the right to request mediation, file an administrative complaint, or request a due process hearing to resolve special education conflicts with school districts.
E
Evidence Based Practices (EBP): educational practices supported by research findings and/or demonstrated as being effective through a critical examination of current and past practices.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): component within the military that provides support to military families that include members with exceptional needs, including ASD. Each branch of the military administers its own EFMP for its members.
I
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): federal law that requires public school districts to identify children with disabilities and provide them with a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.
M
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MICCC): created to address education transition issues faced by military families when they are reassigned so they are afforded the same opportunities for educational success as other children.
O
OCONUS Directory of Special Needs: provides information about the level of special education services available in overseas military communities.
P
Pervasive Developmental Disorder: categorical term that encompasses several developmental disorders, such as autism or Asperger syndrome, characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication or by the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors.
R
Rett Syndrome: rare genetic disorder that affects the way the brain develops. It occurs almost exclusively in girls.
T
TRICARE: health care program serving active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, families and survivors worldwide.
