Glossary

In terms of communication and social interaction this means the two-way use of language and turn-taking in conversation, with each person listening to and responding to what the other has said, with coordination to avoid excessive interruption of the other. It also involves responding to another’s actions in order to meet the other person’s expectations and build relationships.

A central principle in behaviour modification and behavioural intervention. Involves shaping an individual's behaviour through the operation of influences known as reinforcers because they increase or decrease the frequency of a particular response. A sweet would be a simple example of a reinforcer given to a child who has managed to articulate a request for the first time. But not all reinforcers are so obvious. (See also operant conditioning.)

Replication is when an experiment, or other study, is repeated under the same conditions to discover if the same results are obtained. Demonstrating that a result is replicable is an important feature of scientific methodology.

A special school equipped so that children with autism or other special needs can stay throughout the week, or even for longer periods. Caters for children with complex needs that cannot be met in mainstream school or in a daily special school.

The ability to withstand hardship and to overcome adversity, becoming stronger and more resourceful as a result.

One of the two main diagnostic criteria for autism. RRBIs involve repeating the same physical activity over and over again, such as flicking fingers or watching the same video, sticking to the same routines and/or being exclusively interested in very few topics, or a single topic, for lengthy periods of time.

An experimental test of a person’s ability to understand that another person may have a different belief about a situation, one which differs from current reality and is thus ‘false’. This test involves a scenario enacted by two dolls called Sally and Anne and the movement of a marble when one is absent. The test is whether the person observing the scenario understands that the character who has been absent will not know that the marble is not in its original position. (See also Theory of Mind.)

A term used for those with profound difficulties in most areas who display an exceptional talent in one area such as art or music.

This is a condition, seen especially in children, in which a person does not speak or communicate effectively in situations where they do not feel comfortable, secure and relaxed. For instance, a child may not speak – or indeed attempt any communication – at school, yet do so at home with their close family. In many cases, selective mutism can be attributed to extreme social anxiety. When it occurs with autism, it may be part of a more fundamental communication problem.

A person’s capacity to reflect on their own thoughts, feelings and traits.