Glossary?

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Is there a glossary of terms somewhere on this site?

I think I understand most of the abbreviations and terminology now (NT, ASD, HFA, LFA, neurodiversity, indigo children etc) but when I first got here I was mightily confused.

One thing I'm not yet 100% clear on is: Does "AS" refer to Autism Spectrum or to Asperger's Syndrome? Is Aspie a shorthand for someone who has Asperger's or for someone who is autistic?

If there isn't one yet, it would be useful to make it and put it up in the main menu, not part of the forum (because that would make it harder to find for newbies)

That sounds like a good idea. I too was confused on first visiting this site. So much jargon being thrown around. I didn't understand any of it. I'm still foggy on some terms a year later! At the very least it should be a sticky in the General Autism Discussion forum - that is where most newbies start out with lots of questions.

There must be people here who could put together such a list?

General rule of thumb:

AS refers to Asperger's Syndrome; ASD refers to Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is at best a general rule, and not always helpful.

[edit] AS, when used in context with NT, will often refer autistic spectrum. [/edit]


M.

Thanks makuranososhi, that clears it up a bit.

What about "aspie"? I assume that refers to someone with asperger's?

An informal term, often used by those with Asperger's; some individuals react strongly against it, but it is relatively few who have a problem with it.

Please keep sending me questions and terminology that you are uncertain about; I am working developing a compilation of terms based on your request to see how it would flesh out. Thank you in advance for your assistance.


M.

Other terminology that would be useful to have in the glossary (but which I already know the definition of): ADHD, PDD-NOS, DSM-IV, OCD

If I see others, I'll let you know.

I ventured into WrongPlanet.net Discussion specifically to request a glossary. Maku, would you please send me a PM (if you have the time) when you make significant progress or are finished with your list?

Just about everything that sjamaan posted were terms I was curious about. I had trouble with NLD today, but discovered that it stands for "nonverbal learning disability." Please add NLD to your list, Maku.

Damn, you beat me to it!

(wanted to post NLD here too)

Recently the abbreviation 'MR' came up. I guess that should be added to the glossary too!

I remember when I invited someone here, they were initially offended by the term Aspie.