Glossary of Terms

While we define our clients by their abilities, not their disabilities, there is a certain vocabulary associated with what we do at Special Care & Career Services. The Glossary of Terms defines some of these terms and includes links to Web sites for advocacy groups related to each term. 

Asperger’s Syndrome – Asperger's belongs to a group of childhood disorders known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) or autistic spectrum disorders. The essential features of Asperger's disorder are severe social interaction impairment and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and activities. It is similar to austism, but children with Asperger's do not have the same difficulties in acquiring language that children with autism have.

Autism - Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.”

Cerebral Palsy – Cerebral palsy, also referred to as CP, is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development; before, during, or shortly after birth; or during infancy. Thus, these disorders are not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves. Instead, faulty development or damage to motor areas in the brain disrupt the brain's ability to adequately control movement and posture.

"Cerebral" refers to the brain and "palsy" to muscle weakness/poor control. Cerebral palsy itself is not progressive (i.e. brain damage does not get worse); however, secondary conditions, such as muscle spasticity, can develop which may get better over time, get worse, or remain the same. Cerebral palsy is not communicable. It is not a disease and should not be referred to as such. Although cerebral palsy is not "curable" in the accepted sense, training and therapy can help improve function.

Developmental Delays – An umbrella term for a host of delays that range from mild to severe and include, but are not limited to, sensory-motor deficits, speech/language disorders, attention deficits, learning disabilities, pervasive developmental disorder, and autism. Early Childhood Intervention therapy provided for children at as young an age as possible can make significant improvements in many developmental delays.

Developmental Disabilities - Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.

Down Syndrome – Down syndrome is the most common and readily identifiable chromosomal condition associated with mental retardation. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality: for some unexplained reason, an accident in cell development results in 47 instead of the usual 46 chromosomes. This extra chromosome changes the orderly development of the body and brain. In most cases, the diagnosis of Down syndrome is made according to results from a chromosome test administered shortly after birth.

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) -- ECI is a statewide program for families with children, birth to three, with disabilities and developmental delays. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. Services are provided by a variety of local agencies and organizations. ECI goes to families and focuses on working with the child and family in their natural environment, such as at home, grandma's, or a child care center. Essentially, it's where children live, learn and play.

Fragile X Syndrome – The most common cause of inherited mental impairment. This impairment can range from learning disabilities to more severe cognitive disabilities. FXS is the most common known cause of autism or "autistic-like" behaviors. Symptoms also can include characteristic physical and behavioral features and delays in speech and language development. Fragile X can be passed on in a family by individuals who have no apparent signs of this genetic condition. In some families a number of family members appear to be affected, whereas in other families a newly diagnosed individual may be the first family member to exhibit symptoms. 

Mental Retardation – Mental retardation is characterized both by a significantly below-average score on a test of mental ability or intelligence and by limitations in the ability to function in areas of daily life, such as communication, self-care, and getting along in social situations and school activities. Mental retardation is sometimes referred to as a cognitive or intellectual disability.

Children with mental retardation can and do learn new skills, but they develop more slowly than children with average intelligence and adaptive skills. There are different degrees of mental retardation, ranging from mild to profound. A person's level of mental retardation can be defined by their intelligence quotient (IQ), or by the types and amount of support they need.

Spina Bifida – Spina Bifida, which means “cleft spine,” occurs within the first month of pregnancy and results in an incomplete closure of the spinal column. Spina Bifida is the most frequently occurring permanently disabling birth defect. Its cause is not known with certainty, but scientists believe that genetic and environmental factors may act together to cause Spina Bifida.

Supported Employment - Supported Employment refers to competitive work in integrated settings consistent with the interests, skills, strengths and choice of an individual with a cognitive disability. Supported employment is intended for individuals for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred or has been interrupted or intermittent as a result of a most severe disability. This employment outcome is obtained by providing intensive services and is sustained through the provision of extended services. The level of employment participation may be full or part-time based on the interests and abilities of the individual. .