This glossary is designed to explain some of the jargon and gobbledygook used by some people when they talk about autism or research.
You may be able to find more information, including links to other parts of this website, by clicking on the title of an item.
If you can’t find the word you are looking for, or you know of a word we should include, please email info@researchautism.net
The fact that an intervention is listed in this glossary does not necessarily mean that we agree with its use. Nor does it necessarily mean that there is any scientifically valid or reliable evidence behind it.
Over time we hope to evaluate each of the interventions listed in this glossary, providing a ranking which tells you the level of scientific evidence which supports or does not support its use. You can find details of the interventions we have already ranked in the List of interventions
Another name for carnitine, a compound which helps in the consumption and disposal of fat in the body and which is sometimes taken as a nutritional supplement
Another term for cysteine, an amino acid that can be found in many proteins throughout the body.
Essential amino acid, used as a food supplement
A brand name for lamotrigine, a type of anti-convulsant which is also used as a mood stabiliser.
A brand name for lamotrigine, a type of anti-convulsant which is also used as a mood stabiliser.
Brand name of Terbinafine hydrochloride, a type of anti-fungal medication used to treat athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections and fungal skin infections.
A brand name for lamotrigine, a type of anti-convulsant which is also used as a mood stabiliser.
A type of anti-convulsant designed to prevent or reduce the severity of seizures.
Acronym for Language Acquisition through Motor Planning, a programme of clinical strategies developed for implementing Alternative and Augmentative Communication with individuals who have autism.
Programme of clinical strategies developed for implementing Alternative and Augmentative Communication with individuals who have autism.
Devices, such as the Hug Machine, which allows individuals to apply deep pressure to themselves
Acronym for Learning Experiences, An Alternative Program for Preschoolers and Parents, an intervention in which very young children with autism are taught alongside ordinary children.
Permanent condition, arising during childhood or adolescence, characterised by a state of incomplete development of mind that includes significant impairments of intelligence and social functioning.
Intervention in which very young children with autism are taught alongside ordinary children
Form of play therapy in which LEGOŠ building materials are used to encourage children with autism to play with and communicate with other people.
Programme to lend assistive technology, toys and expertise to disabled children
Rare, inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT).
Drug which turns off the production of testosterone.
A type of anti-convulsant, a group of drugs which aim to prevent or reduce the severity of seizures.
A form of amphetamine, which is used alone or together with dextroamphetamine, as a stimulant medication, sold under a variety of brand names such as AdderallŽ and DexedrineŽ.