Key terms to understand for families of children with Autism

Hands holding beads with a variety of letters on them

Whether your child was recently diagnosed or you have been navigating the autism world for some time, the related terminology can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you understand some foundational terms related to autism and Applied Behaviour Analysis to help you advocate for your child and manage conversations with others. We will return to this guide periodically to update and add as new research and terminology evolves.

We’ve gathered the full A–Z glossary of these terms on our Resources page, where you can search for a term, jump to a letter, and open any definition at a glance.

Compassion, with Evidence

Maximum Potential provides family-focused care and resources for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental challenges and disabilities.

We put our clients, patients, and caregivers at the centre of everything we do, and work with you to identify the right evidence-based practices for your child and family.

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