When you are facing a new diagnosis or even years after, it is easy to be overwhelmed with the amount of acronyms that you will hear. 

We have compiled a list of some of the more common acronyms we hear and hope this is helpful to you in your advocacy journey. 

AAC – Augmentative and Alternative Communication

ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis

ADD – Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADL– Activity of Daily Living

ADOS – Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

AFO - Ankle Foot Orthotic 

APE – Adaptive Physical Education

ASD – Autistic Spectrum Disorder

BCBA - Board Certified Behavior Analysis

BIP  - Behavior Intervention Plan

DSP - Direct Service Professional

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ETR - Evaluation Team Report

GAD - Generalized Anxiety Disorder

IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

IEP - Individualized Education Plan

IFSP – Individualized Family Service Plan

FAPE - Free and Appropriate Education

FBA - Functional Behavioral Assessment

FSS - Family Support Services

LRE – Least Restrictive Environment

NT - Neurotypical 

OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

ODD - Oppositional Defiant Disorder

OT - Occupational Therapy

PANDAS - Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep

PDD - Pervasive Developmental Disorder

PECS - Picture Exchange Communication System

PT - Physical Therapy

RBT - Registered Behavior Technician

SIB - Self Injurious Behavior

SLP - Speech and Language Pathologist

ST - Speech Therapy

SPED - Special Education

SPD - Sensory Processing Disorder

SSI - Supplemental Security Income

UR - Utilization Review