Jargon Buster

Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

Asperger’s syndrome

A form of autism, people with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language

ASD	Autism is sometimes referred to as “Autisic Spectrum Disorder” (ASD). The word 'spectrum' is used because, while all people with autism share three main areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in very different ways.

SPD	A person with a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing everyday tasks.

ADHD	Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder characterised by symptoms of inattention and/or impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is an inherited condition that makes it extremely difficult to read, write, and spell in your native language—despite at least average intelligence.

Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is an alternative name for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Dyspraxia mainly causes issues with coordination resulting in clumsy type behaviour. Dyspraxic people also have problems with motor skills

PDD	Stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) and refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Other types of PDD include Asperger's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome.

HFA	Not an official diagnosis, but can be used to refer to High-Functioning individuals who clearly show Autistic tendencies.

PMLD

People with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities, meaning they have more than one disability and are categorised mentally as having an IQ of less than 20. People with PMLD will have:

A profound learning disability
Difficulty in communicating
To receive high levels of support
Behaviours that challenge us

SLD	Stands for Severe Learning Disabilities and are categorised mentally as having an IQ between 20 and 50.

MLD	Stands for Mild or Moderate Learning Disabilities and are categorised mentally as having an IQ between IQ 50 and 70.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition in which impairment to the immature brain affects movement, posture and co-ordination. Cerebral palsy is a wide-ranging condition and can affect people in many different ways. There are three types of cerebral palsy:

Spastic - Causes the muscles to stiffen and decreases the range of movement in the joints
Dyskinetic - Difficulty with movement, make involuntary movements, speech can be hard to understand
Ataxic - Difficulty to balance and have poor spatial awareness

It can be difficult to state what type of cerebral palsy a person has as it is common to have a combination of two or more types.

Snoezelen /

Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE)

The word SNOEZELEN originates from the Dutch words for Snuffllen (to seek out) & Doezelen (to relax)
Originated in Holland in the early 80’s as a concept of recreation/relaxation for disabled adults
Use extended to seniors and children, people with mental illness, chronic pain, autism, ABI and the mainstream population
Now used in therapy, education, distraction, treatment
Developed as a distinct environment but also available in portable systems- Cart, SUV, Snoezelen mobile
Sensory concepts extended into all aspects of life
Pure’ Snoezelen has no purpose other than enjoyment
But today, Snoezelen is used increasingly for education, therapy, stimulation, calming, interaction, treatment
Sessions are best if client led in a safe, comfortable atmosphere with an air of enjoyment, motivation
Freedom from pressure to achieve
Client makes choices
Improved client/caregiver relationship
An approach designed to enhanced quality of life

Sensory Integration (SI)

The process by which your brain interprets the things you see, feel, smell, hears, taste; and then instructs your body to behave. Sensory Integration treatment is rich in vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile inputs.

Climbing- is a great way to become aware of your body and its position in space. A child’s weight combined with gravity offers proprioceptive feedback.
Scooters- Flying down the ramp gives kids vestibular stimulation and pulling their body weight up the ramp gives them proprioceptive feedback.
Swings- provide vestibular stimulation in multiple planes, some even spin or bounce. Swings can provide stimulation to help relax or even stimulate the individual depending on the level of input.
Weighted Blankets and Vests- Provide constant, deep pressure input, which helps with calming and organizing

Hypersensitivity/Sensory Overload

Inability to process or manage the amount or intensity of sensory stimuli, frequently observed with autism spectrum disorders, dementia and other mental health challenges such as;

Irritability, anxiety, restlessness
Anger, aggression, violence
Fatigue, sleeplessness
Reduced abilities
Hallucinations, illusions, disorientation
Tension, stress, anxiety, frustration
Coping behaviours

Hyposensitivity/Sensory Deprivation

Inability to process or manage the amount or intensity of sensory stimuli, frequently observed with autism spectrum disorders, dementia and other mental health challenges such as;

Irritability, anxiety, restlessness
Anger, aggression, violence
Fatigue, sleeplessness
Reduced abilities
Hallucinations, illusions, disorientation
Tension, stress, anxiety, frustration
Coping behaviours

Occupational Therapist (OT)

The role of an occupational therapist is to work with a client to help them achieve a fulfilled and satisfied state in life through the use of "purposeful activity or interventions designed to achieve functional outcomes which promote health, prevent injury or disability and which develop, improve, sustain or restore the highest possible level of independence.

Speech & Language Therapist (SLT)

Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) work with parents/carers and others to assess if a child has speech and/or language difficulties, communication or eating and drinking difficulties.

What are the key elements of a Snoezelen Room?

Visual

Bubble Tubes
Fibre Optics
Solar Projectors
Light Chase
Wall Panels
Black Light
Refraction Panels

Tactile

Ball Pools
Cushions/Pillows
Tactile Blankets
Tactile Panels
Carpets
Fan Cushion

Sound

VibroSound
Calming Music
Musical Instruments
Musical Tactile Panel

Smell

Aromatherapy kits
Aroma Dough
Aroma Switch Box

Vestibular

Leaf Chairs
Swings
Rockers
Ball Pools

Proprioception

Puppets
Gloves
Balls
Threading