Glossary

A

American Sign Language (ASL)

An American communication system that uses hand and body movements along with facial expressions to convey information.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

The science that uses the principles of behavior to identify factors that affect behaviors targeted for change and facilitate functional, socially significant changes in behavior.

Assistive Technology (AT)

Use of a device or a service (i.e. assisting with the selection of the device) to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with special needs.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

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B

Behavior Intervention (BI)

A service paid for by state agencies, military agencies, school districts, or private parties, which seeks to address behavioral deficits and build skills using the concepts of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Behavior Intervention Development (BID)

As termed by the California Department of Education, the portion of service that creates and oversees the implementation of behavior intervention services.

Behavior Intervention Implementation (BII)

As termed by the California Department of Education, the portion of service that directly implements the behavior plan with the client.

Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)

An associate level Behavior Analyst, certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, to practice under that title and under the supervision of a BCBA or other mental health professional.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

A behaviorist, certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, to practice under that title.

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C

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

Find out more about the Council for Exceptional Children.

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)

An international organization that certifies service providers in crisis prevention and Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention.

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D

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Find out more about the Department of Developmental Services.

DIR/Floortime

Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based Approach created by Stanley Greenspan, M.D.

Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

The repetitive, systematic and controlled presentation of two or more choices where the desired behavior is reinforced and the undesired behavior is not reinforced.

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E

Early Intervention (EI)

Specialized services provided to infants and toddlers who are at-risk for or are showing signs of developmental delays.

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H

Hawaii Early Learning Profile (HELP)

Hawaii Early Learning Profile is an assessment tool to do ascertain the developmental level of a child. Visit VORT Corporation for more assessment tools. Click here for more information on HELP.

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I

Individual Program Plan (IPP)

A specific plan created by the school district and the IEP team for students who qualify for services between the ages of 3 to 22 years.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

A written plan designed by professionals and caregivers, which is meant to help a child access the educational curriculum (ages three years to twenty-two years).

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

A written plan that details what services will be provided to a family (ages birth to three years). A Transition Plan, which examines preschool educational options, will be included from two years, six months, until the child is three years old.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Find out more about Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

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L

Lanterman Regional Center (LRC)

The local office for the state-funded agency, DDS, that determines need and eligibility for intervention services, covering families who reside in particular parts of the county of Los Angeles. Click here to find DDS catchment areas.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT/LMFT)

A licensed psychotherapist that specializes in issues surrounding the treatment of families. An MFT/LMFT is licensed by the state of California to directly provide mental health services, give clinical supervision to interns, and supervise the delivery of intervention services via state funded programs.

Local Education Agency (LEA)

The agency responsible for providing special educational services on the local (school district, city, and county) level.

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M

Mental Retardation (MR)

Mental Retardation is a cognitive/intellectual delay of an individual. Currently, the more widely used term is intellectual disability.

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N

Non-public Agency (NPA)

An agency contracted by the Regional Center or another party to provide intervention services and address delays.

North Los Angeles Regional Center (NLARC)

The local office for the state-funded agency, DDS, determines need and eligibility for intervention services, covering families who reside around the San Fernando Valley area in the county of Los Angeles. Click here to find DDS catchment areas.

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O

Occupational Therapy (OT)

A form of therapy that addresses deficits in executive functioning, motor skill and sensory issues, which affect the performance of everyday living skills.

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P

Physical Therapy (PT)

A form of therapy that addresses disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

A specific system of communication that uses icons and pictures to convey information. Other, modified visual communication systems are sometimes casually referred to as "PECS."

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S

Sensory Integration (SI)

A person's ability to receive, interpret, organize and respond to sensory information and then use that information to complete physical actions in response to environmental demands.

Social Skills Intervention program (SS/SSI)

Opportunities to practice engagement and communication with others, particularly ones peer group.

Special Day Class (SDC)

Special education services provided in a separate classroom environment for the majority of the school day.

Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)

In each region, the SELPA develops a local plan describing regarding how it would provide special education services.

Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)

A form of therapy that addresses speech and language deficits.

Speech Therapy (ST)

A form of therapy that addresses speech and language deficits.

Stim, Self-stim, Stimming

Self-stimulatory, often repetitive, behavior.

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W

Westside Regional Center (WRC)

The local office for the state-funded agency, DDS, that determines need and eligibility for intervention services, covering families who reside on the west side of the city of Los Angeles. Click here to find DDS catchment areas.

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