Definitions Definitions have been collected from several differenent sources, including books I have bought. Also from:Tourette Syndrome "Plus" 504 Plan An individualized plan developed for a student with a disability that specifies what accommodations and/or services they will get in school to "level the playing field" so that they may derive as much benefit from their public educational program as their nondisabled peers.  The plan follows from the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and also applies to extracurricular activities and non-student situations such as employment.  Section 504 applies to all public entities receiving federal monies or federal financial assistance. Acting out A term that is generally used when the observer believes that the child's behavior is an expression of unconscious wishes or feelings. Frequently used in describing undesirable behavior. Adaptive behavior In general, behavior that enables the individual to "fit in" with their environment and peers. Age-appropriate At the right level for the chronological (actual) age of the child/student. The descriptor can be applied to materials, curriculum, modifications for the child, or to the student's behavior. As an example, to say that a child is acting extremely immaturely is to say that he is not behaving in age-appropriate ways. ARD Admission, Review, & Dismissal. Another name for the local education agency committee that determines whether a student is in need of special education services, and if so, what services, etc. Asperger's Disorder According to the DSM-IV, Asperger's Disorder is a type of pervasive developmental disorder similar to Autism that typically manifests in childhood. It is characterized by social impairments (which may include poor body language and eye contact skills, failure to develop peer relationships, lack of spontaneous sharing of experience, lack of reciprocity) and the presence of repetitive behavior and interest patterns. Asperger children typically become overly focused on their interests and may resist efforts to redirect their behavior. They also frequently show odd stereotyped hand or body movements. Unlike in autism, there are no significant delays in the development of language or cognitive abilities. Mark Dombeck, Ph.D. - Jan 1st 2000. Collection: Mental Health Assessment Assessment refers to the process of measurement. In mental health, assessment refers to the process of having your personality, intelligence or brain functioning tested. Common tests used these days are the Weschler Adult Intelligence Test (an IQ test), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (a personality test), the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (a personality test), and any of a variety of NeuroPsychological Tests that measure how well your brain is working after an accident or illness. Mark Dombeck, Ph.D. - Jan 1st 2000. Collection: Mental Health Atropine (supfate) An alkaloid derived from belladonna (from the deadly night-shade plant).   It is a respiratory and circulatory stimulant and counteracts parasympathetic stimulation.   Hence, it relaxes non-voluntary muscles and inhibits secretions by acting as a false transmitter preventing acetylcholine action. Auditory Integration Training An experimental procedure for reducing painful hypersensitivity to sound.   It has proved beneficial for some people with autism and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Behavior Intervention Plan A formalized plan that targets specific behaviors for alteration and that follows from a functional behavioral assessment.  Usually appended to the student's IEP, a public school district must attempt such a plan before changing a student's placement to a more restrictive environment (unless there is an emergency situation).  The plan is supposed to be based on positive inducements, if possible.   A behavior intervention plan should also include what environmental or proactive changes the staff will make to decrease the likelihood of the undesirable behavior or symptom. Behavior Management/Modification To develop, strengthen, maintain, decrease or eliminate behaviors in a planned or systematic way. Behavior Modification A technique of changing human behavior based on the theory of operant behavior and conditioning. Careful observation of events preceding and following the behavior in question is required. The environment is manipulated to reinforce the desired responses, thereby bringing about the desired change in behavior. Consulting (or Consultant) Teacher A teacher (usually certified in special education) who serves as support personnel by either providing direct services to the student in the classroom or by providing indirect services to the student through working with the teacher to help the teacher modify curriculum, materials, etc. Delayed Language A language disorder in which there is a noticeable slowness in the development of the vocabulary and grammar necessary for expressing and understanding thoughts and ideas. Delayed Speech Failure of speech to develop at the expected age. More specifically: A deficit in speaking proficiency where the individual performs like someone much younger. Developmental Having to do with the steps or stages in growth and development before the age of 18. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) The offical manual listing psychiatric and psychological disorders.   In order to recieve a diagnosis you must show within a predetermined number of characteristics from each category. Disorder A disturbance in normal functioning (mental, physical, or psychological). Due Process Procedural safeguards that protect a child's (and their parents') rights.  Amazingly, many people act as if this is a new or technical term that they never heard before -- the term comes from our U.S. Constitution (see the Bill of Rights, Articles V and XIV) and the concept traces back to the Magna Carta.  In special education law, both I.D.E.A. and Section 504 describe the procedural safeguards; each state may also give additional (but not fewer) safeguards.  The "guts" of IDEA's procedureal safeguards are in Subpart E of IDEA. Due Process Hearing In special education disputes, a formal legal proceeding presided over by an impartial hearing officer (IHO) who listens to both sides of the dispute and renders a decision based upon the law.  In many states, the problem with this system is that the IHO applies the state's laws or regulations, and if the state is out of compliance with the federal regulations, the IHO may not apply the federal regulations. Dysgraphia Extremely poor handwriting or the inability to perform the motor movements required for handwriting.  The condition is often associated with neurological dysfunction. Dyslexia A type of learning disability that affects reading ability.  More specifically: the individual may have problems remembering, recognizing , and or reversing written letters, numbers, and words, might read backwards, and have poor handwriting.  The term is frequently used when neurological dysfunction is suspected as the cause of the reading disability. Dyspraxia An inability to perform coordinated movements, although there is no apparent problem in the muscles or nerves.  Can also be applied to speech and language functions. Echolalia A meaningless repetition or imitation of words that are heard. Typical echolalia tends to be repetitive and persistent. The echo is often uttered with a mocking, mumbling or staccato intonation. Echolalia should not be confused with habituation repetition of questions, apparently to clarify the question and formulate its answer, as when a patient is asked, "When did you come to the hospital?" and replies "Come to the hospital? Yesterday." Echolalia is observed in some pervasive developmental disorders, organic mental disorders and in schizophrenia. Emotional/Behavioral Disorder An educational or school-based term and not a specific diagnosis. &bnsp;It generally refers to a situation in which the student has significant or prominent problems adhering to the expected behavioral standards and/or in regulating their emotional state. Emotional Disturbance/Emotionally Disturbed In general, dysregulation or inability to maintain emotional state and behavior within "normal" or accepted range of variation. Expressive Language The use of language to communicate and/or express one's ideas, feelings, etc.  Can apply to spoken (oral) communication skills, written communications, or gestural (signing). Facilitate To make easy or easier. As used in communication: The increased ease of performance of any action, resulting from the lessening of nerve resistance by the continued successive application of the necessary stimulus, i.e., hand over hand assistance. Familial Occurring in members of the same family; said of certain diseases or disorders. Fine Motor The use of small muscle groups for controlled movements, particularly in object manipulation. Such as movements our hands make, how we hold onto things, move our fingers, etc. Fine Motor Development/Skills Development of precise and delicate abilities such as reaching, grasping, and the manipulation of small objects. Gait Style of walking, ambulation. Gross Motor Movement that involves balance, coordination and large muscle activity as required in holding your head up, walking, running, skipping, climbing, jumping and other physical activities. Hyperactivity Constant and excessive movement and motor activity. Hyperactivity is a feature of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, autism, toxic reactions, etc.