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Abbreviations and Definitions

I realized that it’s most likely that I will start using some abbreviations and words common in the autism community that may not be understood elsewhere, so here is a list of common abbreviations and definitions that may crop up in my posts from time to time:

ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorders (any of the disorders considered to be under the autism umbrella according to the DSM-IV, including autism, Asperger’s, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Integrative Disorder, and PDD-NOS)

GFCF: gluten-free, casein free - refers to a diet sometimes used with children with ASD that includes no wheat gluten and no casein (a milk product). Some anecdotal evidence may show changes in behavior while on this diet

NT: neurotypical - used to describe people who do not have ASD

PDD-NOS: Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (the catch-all diagnosis when someone meets some of the criteria for ASD but doesn’t seem to fit into a particular diagnosis)

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