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ACRONYM GUIDE
Conversations with school staff, therapists, and other professionals can get overwhelming–especially when
they use acronyms or initialisms to describe services, laws, and programs as they relate to your child.
Below is a guide with some of the most common acronyms and initialisms you will encounter along the
autism journey. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on this list, click here to visit our website for a more
comprehensive list.
Above all, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Asking questions shows confidence and lets your child’s
team members know that you are actively listening.

AAC Augmentative and Alternative Communication

ABA Applied Behavior Analysis
ABC Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADL Activities of Daily Living
APA American Psychiatric Association
ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder
AT Assistive Technology
BCBA Board Certified Behavior Analyst
CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CHIP Children’s Health Insurance Program
DD Developmental Delay
DIR/Floortime Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based model (DIR)/Floortime
DSM Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder by the American Psychiatric Association
ECE Early Childhood Education
ECI Early Childhood Intervention
ECSE Early Childhood Special Education
EI Early Intervention
FAPE Free Appropriate Public Education
FBA Functional Behavioral Assessment
FC Facilitated Communication
FERPA Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
GFCF Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet
GFCFSF Gluten-Free, Casein-Free, Soy-Free Diet
HCS Home and Community-based Services
IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEE Independent Educational Evaluation
IEP Individualized Education Program
IFSP Individualized Family Service Plan
LEA Local Education Agency
LRE Least Restrictive Environment
LSSP Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
OHI Other Health Impairment
OT Occupational Therapy
PBS Positive Behavioral Supports
PLOP/PLAAFP/PLP Present Levels of Performance
PT Physical Therapy
RDI Relationship Development Intervention
SLP Speech-Language Pathologist
SPED Special Education
SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI Supplemental Security Income
ST Speech Therapy
VB Verbal Behavior
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