Glossary
BAPSee broader autism
phenotype. |
Behaviour modificationThe application of
principles of learning and conditioning to influence or improve a person's
behaviour, by eradicating “maladaptive behaviours” and promoting the learning
of new ones through reinforcement of behaviour. Based on the work of B.F.
Skinner, and pioneered in the autism field by Ivar Lovaas. |
Biological explanationThis suggests that the causes of a condition are rooted in a person’s biological make-up, that is, their genes and the structure and function of the brain and other components of the nervous system. |
BlindingIn experiments and observational
studies, this refers to the procedure in which the researcher evaluating the behaviour
does not know which participants are in the experimental group and which are in
the control group. |
Body languageThe means by which information about thoughts, feelings or attitudes is communicated non-verbally, either consciously or non-consciously. Includes facial expressions, gesture and posture, as well as the use of space. |
brainsilly |
Brain imagingA number of techniques that generate
computerised images of the living brain, used to investigate structural and
functional characteristics. Includes MRI and fMRI. |
Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP)Milder manifestations of traits characteristic for autism in relatives of people with autism. |
CAMHSAcronym for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, services
within the UK National Health Service that assess and treat young people with
emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. Usually a
multi-disciplinary team including psychologists, psychiatrists and other
specialists. |
Candidate genes
A gene whose
function, or location on a chromosome, suggests that it might be associated
with a condition or disorder. |