When you find yourself in this special world, as a Special Needs parent, you will notice that there are a million and one abbreviations/acronyms!
At the beginning of our journey, I remember being too embarrassed to ask ‘umm excuse me, what does X, Y, Z mean?’ – I didn’t want to appear stupid!
On reflection, I wasn’t stupid at all and we as parents/carers should NEVER be made to feel embarrassed or stupid for asking anything.
So I have complied a list of some of the ones you may come across. It is not an exhaustive list, however I hope it helps a little.
Diagnoses and conditions
ADD – Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ARFID – Avoid Resistance Food Intake Disorder
ASD/ASC – Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Condition
GAD – Generalised Anxiety Disorder
GDD – Global Developmental Delay
GLD – Global Learning Delay
HFA – High Functioning Autism
HFASD – High Functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorder
HI – Hearing Impaired
LD – Learning Disability
LDD – Learning Difficulties and Disabilities
MAD – Multiple Anxiety Disorder
OCD – Obsessional, Compulsive Disorder
ODD – Oppositional Defiance Disorder
PDA – Pathological Demand Avoidance
PDD-NOS – Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
PTSS/PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome/Disorder
SAD – Separation Anxiety Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder
SEND VCB – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Violent and Challenging Behaviour
SM – Selective Mutism
SPD – Sensory Processing Disorder
VI – Visually Impaired
Services
ASC – Adult Social Care
CAMHS – Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service
CSC – Children’s Social Care
EH – Early Help – Children’s Social Care
EIS – Early Intervention Service – CAMHS
EP – Educational Psychologist
ESBAS – Emotional, Social, Behavioural and Attendance Service
FST – Family Support Team – Children’s Social Care
OT – Occupational Therapist
SALT – Speech & Language Therapist
SS – Social Services
Miscellaneous
BESD – Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties
CAF – Common Assessment Framework
CiN – Child in Need
CoN – Continuum of Need
CP – Child Protection
CYP – Children and Young People
DX – Diagnosed
EYFS – Early Years Foundation Stage
EHCP – Education, Health and Care Plan
IEP – Individual Education Plan
LAC – Looked after Children
NT – Neurotypical
RA – Risk Assessment
SBP – School Based Plan
SEMH – Social, Emotional and Mental Health
SEND – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
TAF – Team Around the Family
VCB – Violent and Challenging Behaviour
