A Glossary of terms/abbreviations you may come across:
ASD / ASC – Autistic Spectrum Disorders / Conditions:
Autism and Aspergers syndrome are both part of a range of related developmental
disorders known as autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They begin in childhood and
last through adulthood. ASD can cause a wide range of symptoms, which are
grouped into three categories:
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problems and difficulties with social interaction – including lack of
understanding and awareness of other people's emotions and feelings
impaired language and communication skills – including delayed language
development and an inability to start conversations or take part in them
properly
unusual patterns of thought and physical behaviour – including making
repetitive physical movements, such as hand tapping or twisting (the child
develops set routines of behaviour and can get upset if the routines are
broken)
There is currently no cure for ASD. However, a wide range of treatments, including
specialist education and behavioural programmes, can help improve symptoms.
CDC – Child Development Centre:
The child development centre team offers services for the assessment,
investigation and treatment of neuro-developmental problems of pre-school aged
children from Poole, Bournemouth and East Dorset and their families. The multi
disciplinary and medical assessments carried out in the centre are key to the early
identification and management of developmental problems in vulnerable infants.
Educational Psychologist:
An educational psychologist is concerned with helping children or young people
who are experiencing problems within an educational setting with the aim of
enhancing their learning. Challenges may include social or emotional problems or
learning difficulties
Homestart:
Home-start are a charity. It helps families with young children deal with whatever
life throws at them. We support parents as they learn to cope, improve their
confidence and build better lives for their children.
Occupational Therapists (OT):
Occupational therapy is the assessment and treatment of physical and psychiatric
conditions using specific activity to prevent disability and promote independent
function in all aspects of daily life. Occupational therapists work with people of
all ages to help them overcome the effects of disability caused by physical or
psychological illness.
Opthalmologist:
Is a medically trained doctor who commonly acts as both physician and surgeon.
They examines, diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in and around the eye.
Paediatrician:
This describes a doctor who deals with the growth, development and the health of
children, from birth to adolescence. In other words, it is a doctor who specialises
in children’s illnesses. Some paediatricians become much more specialised in
particular areas, others are more focused on general health and development.
PECS – Picture Exchange Communication System:
PECS was developed in 1985 as a unique augmentative/alternative communication
intervention package. PECS has received worldwide recognition for focusing on
the initiation component of communication. PECS does not require complex or
expensive materials. It was created with families, educators, and resident care
providers in mind, so is readily used in a range of settings. PECS begins by teaching
an individual to give a picture of a desired item to a “communicative partner?,
who immediately honours the exchange as a request. The system goes on to teach
discrimination of pictures and how to put them together in sentences. In the more
advanced phases, individuals are taught to answer questions and to comment.
PEIC-D – Promoting early Interactive Conversation – Dorset:
PEIC-D is a programme to help children develop their non-verbal communication
skills. Over 70% of our communication is done through tone of voice, expression
and body language. Therefore using words for meaning only makes up a small
percentage of communication. We tend to focus on encouraging children to say
words. PEIC-D focuses on the aspects of communication that give meaning without
words. Without these skills in place, children can have significant social
communication difficulties in later life.
Physiotherapist:
Help and treat people with physical problems caused at birth, by illness or an
accident. They see human movement as central to the health and well-being of
individuals and identify and maximise movement through health promotion,
preventive healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation.
Portage:
Portage is a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with
additional support needs and their families.
Prosthetists and Orthotists:
Provide care for anyone requiring an artificial limb (prosthesis) or a device to
support or control part of the body (orthosis). They also advise on rehabilitation.
Orthotists - provide a range of splints, braces and special footwear to aid
movement, correct deformity and relieve discomfort. Prosthetists - provide the
best possible artificial replacement for patients who have lost or were born
without a limb. A prosthetic limb should feel and look like a natural limb.
SALT – (Speech and Language Therapist) A professional who can support your child
in their speech, language and communication development. A therapist can be
either from the NHS or private sector.
SEN – (Special Educational Need)
SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) A SENCO is responsible for the dayto-day operation of the childcarers SEN policy. All educational settings must
appoint a person to be their SENCO. The SENCO will co-ordinate additional
support for children with SEN and liaise with their parents, teachers and other
professionals who are involved with them.
Smalltalk - Small Talk at Malmesbury Park Primary School is based alongside a
mainstream nursery classroom. We opened in January 2000. We aim to provide an
environment in which we can promote the children’s speech and language
development in every aspect of the nursery curriculum. A topic approach provides
a focus for language work that is delivered through intensive teaching and therapy
and inclusive access to the mainstream nursery. We strive to foster the children’s
confidence in their own communication skills.