I am so excited to be on this journey with you! The first step is to learn the formal definitions of certain autism terms. A lot about autism can be very confusing. Something your grandchild loves today they may hate tomorrow. But knowing what each word means can help make autism a little less confusing while you navigate the certain behaviors and quirks of your amazing grandchild.
As you navigate through the FAQ’s click on the learn more button under each area to receive in-depth information about each topic.
au·tism
/ˈôˌtizəm/
noun: autism
1. a developmental disorder of variable severity that is characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior.
stimming
/ˈstimiNG/
noun
1. behavior consisting of repetitive actions or movements of a type that may be displayed by people with developmental disorders, most typically autistic spectrum disorders; self-stimulation.
2. "stimming was part of her coping mechanism"
Autistic masking refers to the phenomenon in which individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) attempt to hide or suppress their autistic traits in order to fit in with their neurotypical peers or to avoid negative social consequences.
tantrum
/ˈtantrəm/
noun
1. happens when a child is trying to get something he wants or needs.
meltdown
/melt-doun/
noun
1. occurs when a child feels overwhelmed by his feelings or surroundings
sensory diet
/ˈˈsensərē dīət/
1. A sensory diet is a tailored plan of physical activities and accommodations designed to meet a child’s sensory needs. This type of treatment has nothing to do with food. The goal is to get kids in a “just right” state.
By following a gluten-free, casein-free, dye-free diet, individuals with autism may experience improvements in their overall health and well-being, including better digestion, more stable mood, and reduced behaviors related to sensory processing issues.
Autistic children can and do enjoy playing with toys, and their play may differ from neurotypical children's play in a variety of ways.