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Acronyms - abbreviations for programs, laws, conditions, etc. used among professionals and families in the industries. Here is a printable list of acronyms that are commonly used.

Adaptive behavior – is a collection of conceptual, social and practical skills that have been learned by people in order to function in their everyday lives. Significant limitations in adaptive behavior impact a person’s daily life and affect the ability to respond to a particular situation or to the environment.

Adult Protective Services - A branch of the Texas Department of Human Services responsible for investigating reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of elder or disabled adults as enacted in Human Resource Code Chapter 48.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) - a comprehensive set of laws designed to protect and ensure equality regarding the rights of people with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Justice is in charge of enforcing this particular law. To obtain a copy of the ADA you can call the ADA Hotline at (800) 514-0301.

Angelman Syndrome- a neuro-genetic disorder that occurs in 1 in 15,000 live births. It is often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy or autism. Characteristics of Angelman Syndrome include; developmental delay, lack of speech, seizures, walking and balance disorders and jerky movements especially hand-flapping, frequent laughter or smiling, and usually a happy demeanor.

Aphasia - an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write. Aphasia is always due to injury to the brain, most commonly from a stroke, particularly in older individuals. Aphasia may also result from head trauma, brain tumors or infections.

ARD (Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee) - In Texas, the name for the group made of up of student's parents and school staff who meet at least annually to decide whether or not the student has an eligible disability and what special education and related services will be provided. It's major responsibility is the development of the individual education program (IEP) for students receiving special education. In Texas, the meetings of these committees are called "ARD meetings".

Asperger's Syndrome (AS) - a developmental disorder that affects a persons ability to understand other people and socially interact with them. People with AS, while having trouble making eye contact, are unable to read and respond to social cues and body language. Persons with AS tend to repeat certain phrases or words repeatedly. Symptoms of the syndrome can include: clumsiness or lack of coordination, extreme self-absorption, limited interests, unusual preoccupations, ritual or repetitive routines, speech and language peculiarities and non-verbal communication difficulties. AS is a Spectrum Disorder which means symptoms range greatly.

Assistive Technology- An assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment or product used to increase, maintain or improve the functioning of a student with a disability. Assistive technology devices for students with disabilities include those used for seating and positioning, mobility, augmentative communication, computer access and instruction, environmental control, adaptive toys and games, visual and listening aids and self-care.

Attention Deficit Disorder - a neurobehavioral disorder that affects 3 to 5 percent of all American children. It interferes with a person's ability to sustain attention or focus on a task and some patients may be unable to control impulsive behavior.

Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity Disorder - a neurobiological disorder. Symptoms include hyperactivity, distractibility, impulsiveness, developmentally-inappropriate behavior and appear in early childhood, typically before seven years of age and usually lasting at least six months.

Autism - Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Autism Society of America

Behavior Disorders/Emotional Disturbance - Many terms are used interchangeably to classify children who exhibit extreme or unacceptable chronic behavior problems. These children lag behind their peers in social development and are often isolated from others either because they withdraw from social contact or because they behave in an aggressive, hostile manner. Behavior disorders result from persistent negative social interactions between the child and the environment. Behavior disorders generally consist of four clusters of traits, including conduct disorders, anxiety-withdrawal, immaturity and socialized aggression.

Cerebral Palsy - a life-long condition caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, labor or shortly following birth. "Cerebral" refers to the brain, and "palsy" to muscle weakness or poor control of movement or posture. It is not a disease; and it is neither progressive nor communicable. There is no single cause of cerebral palsy. It is characterized by the inability to control motor functions and can result in involuntary movement, disturbance in gait and mobility and impairment of sight, hearing and speech.

Conduct Disorder - A persistent pattern of behavior that involved violation of the rights of others (disobedience, destructiveness, jealousy, boisterousness, inadequate feelings of guilt). The pattern is seen at home, school and in the community. Verbal and physical aggression are key features of conduct disorder. See also behavior disorders/emotional disturbance and oppositional-defiant disorder.

Conservatee - A minor being protected.

Conservator - A legally appointed protector; preserver of a minor.

Cri-du-chat syndrome- also known as 5p- syndrome, is a chromosomal condition that results when a piece of chromosome 5 is missing. The disorder is characterized by intellectual disability and delayed development, distinctive facial features, small head size, low birth weight, and weak muscle tone in infancy. Some children with cri-du-chat syndrome are also born with a heart defect.

Developmental Disabilities - manifest before the person reaches 22 years of age (or 18 in some states), which constitutes a substantial disability to the affected individual, and is attributable to mental retardation or related conditions which include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or other neurological conditions when such conditions result in: Impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of a person with mental retardation.

Developmental Delay - the slowed or impaired development of a child who is under 5 years old and who is at risk of having a developmental disability because of the presence of one or more of the following: Chromosomal conditions, Congenital syndromes, Metabolic disorders, Prenatal and prenatal infections and significant medical problems, low birth weight, postnatal-acquired problems. OR: A child less than 5 years old who is delayed in development by 1.5 standard deviations or more in one or more of the following areas: communication, self-help, social-emotional, motor skills, sensory development or cognition. OR: A child less than 3 years of age who lives with one or both parents who have a developmental disability.

Down Syndrome - a genetic condition caused by extra genetic material (genes) from the 21st chromosome. The extra genes cause certain characteristics that we know as Down syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome also have all the other genes given to them by their parents. As a result, they have a combination of features typical of Down syndrome on top of the individual features from their parents. This can include some degree of intellectual or cognitive disability and other developmental delays.

Dysphagia-  individuals with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and may also experience pain while swallowing. Some people may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. Often, dysphagia makes it difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body.

Dyspraxia-  individuals with dyspraxia have problems with movement and coordination. It is also known as "motor learning disability". Somebody with dyspraxia finds it hard to carry out smooth and coordinated movements. Dyspraxia often comes with language problems, and sometimes a degree of difficulty with perception and thought. Dyspraxia does not affect a person's intelligence, but it can cause learning difficulties, especially for children.

Epilepsy - a brain disorder involving repeated, spontaneous seizures of any type. Seizures are episodes of disturbed brain function that cause changes in attention or behavior. They are caused by abnormally excited electrical signals in the brain.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)- a series of mental and physical birth defects that can include intellectual disabilities, growth deficiencies, central nervous system dysfunction, cranio-facial abnormalities and behavioral maladjustments.

Fragile X Syndrome- after Down syndrome, the second most frequent genetic cause of mental retardation, growth deficiencies, central nervous dysfunction, cranio-facial abnormalities and behavioral maladjustments.

Guardian - A person who is appointed by the probate court to protect the property (and/or person) of one who does not have the capacity to protect his or her own interests.

Guardian of the Estate- A guardian who possesses any or all powers and rights with regard to the property of the individual.

Guardian of the Person - A person who is responsible for and who advocates for the health, well-being and personal needs of the ward.

Guardian of the Person and the Estate - A guardian who possesses any or all powers and rights with regard to the property of the individual and is responsible for and who advocates for the health, well-being and personal needs of the ward.

Home and Community Based Services (HCS)- HCS is a Medicaid waiver program designed to build support services based on an individual’s needs. Services may be provided in the family home or within an alternative living residence. An individual must be eligible for Medicaid and have a diagnosis of mental retardation. Habilitative and support services include:

• Respite care
• Supervised residential services
• Supported home living
• Nursing services
• Occupational, speech, and physical therapy
• Psychological services
• Foster and companion care services
• Case management

 Incapacitated Person - An adult who, because of physical or mental conditioning, is substantially unable to feed, clothe or shelter himself/herself, to care for his/her physical health or to manage his/her financial affairs.

In-Home and Family Support (IHFS)- is a consumer-driven program that provides up to $3,600 per fiscal year to eligible individuals and/or their families as a means of assisting with the purchase of goods or services related to a disability. To be considered eligible individuals must: have a diagnosis of mental retardation, autism or pervasive developmental disorder or developmental delay; reside within Dallas county; meet the income requirements; and exhibit a need for assistance. Access to this particular program is on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a substantial waiting list for services. To apply you may call Dallas MetroCare Services at (214) 689-3722.

Klinefelter syndrome - the presence of an extra X chromosome in a male.

Learning Disability - disorders which affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements or direct attention.

Letter of Guardianship - An official letter issued by the County Clerk’s office which is written evidence of the appointment of a guardian and the authority of the guardian to act for the ward.

Lowe Syndrome - a hereditary condition that affects only males. It is caused by a single defective gene on the X-chromosome. Because of this defective gene, an essential enzyme is not produced which consequently causes physical and mental disabilities, and medical problems.

Medicaid -  a jointly funded, Federal-State health insurance program for low-income and needy people. It covers children, the aged, blind, and/or disabled and other people who are eligible to receive federally assisted income maintenance payments.

Medicare -  the federal health insurance program that covers most people age 65 and older. Some younger people who are disabled or who have End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure) are also eligible for coverage.

Mental retardation - refers to substantial intellectual limitations in a person's present functioning. It is characterized by significantly sub-average intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following applicable adaptive skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure, work. Mental retardation occurs during the developmental years (usually before age 18 or 21). Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Retardation.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - a chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS), comprised of the brain and spinal cord. In the CNS, nerve fibers or axons are surrounded by a layer of insulation called myelin. Myelin allows nerve signals to travel properly. In MS, the myelin is destroyed on the brain and spinal cord. The scarring, located at multiple sites in the CNS, disrupts transmission of messages that communicate a desired action from the brain, through the spinal cord, to various parts of the body.

Oppositional-Defiant Disorder (ODD) - A disorder of early to middle childhood that may evolve into a conduct disorder, usually diagnosed before the age of twelve; children with ODD defy adult rules, are angry and often lose their tempers.

 Payee - A person who receives and disburses the ward’s social security income or SSI outside of the jurisdiction of the court. These funds are monitored by the Social Security Administration. A person may also serve as payee for Veteran’s and Railroad Retirement benefits.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)- refers to a group of developmental conditions that affect children and involve delays or impairments in communication and social skills. Autism is the most well-known of the pervasive developmental disorders, so PDDs also are known as autism spectrum disorders. 

 Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) - a genetic birth defect that occurs at the time or near the time a baby is conceived. PWS cannot be cured, outgrown or prevented. Both males and females of all races can be born with PWS. Common symptoms of the syndrome include: low muscle tone, shortness of stature, behavioral problems, cognitive disabilities, incomplete sexual maturity and a relentless appetite. Most people with PWS are mild-mannered and easy going, however when they do become upset it is hard for them to settle down. Individuals with PWS also are prone to obsessive/compulsive behavior that is not just related to food. Such obsessive/compulsive behaviors can include: the collecting and hoarding of possessions, the strong need for a routine, repetitive thoughts and verbalizations and picking at skin irritations.

Probate - Matter relating to or involving guardianship, the probate of a will, the estate of a decedent or a trust.

Probate Court - Court with statutory authority to hear probate matters.

Representative Payee - An arrangement by which a governmental agency may appoint a substitute person to receive federal funds of behalf of a recipient who, by reason of physical or mental disability, is unable to manage the funds.

Respite Care - refers to short term or temporary care of persons with disabilities in order for their family members or guardians to take a break from the day to day stress of care giving. Respite care differs from day care in that it can involve overnight care for an indefinite period of time. Respite care can mean temporary help for a couple hours or up to three months, or it can be used periodically or on a regular basis. Respite care can be provided in the family’s home or in the providers office or home. Respite care for families with disabled children is a necessity not a luxury. It allows families to continue functioning in a healthy manner. The Arc of Dallas offers Adventure Night. Additional information may be found in our Resource Directory.

Rett Syndrome - a disorder of the nervous system that leads to developmental reversals, especially in the areas of expressive language and hand use.

 Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SI)-the processing of all information received about the world through sensory systems. Taste, smell, sight, sound, touch, movement, force of gravity, and body position are all senses the brain receives. When the integration of these sensory systems breaks down, a host of problems and challenges occurs, such as: sensitivity to textures of clothes or foods, strong dislike of being hugged or touched, lethargy and unresponsiveness, constant rocking, or crashing into objects. Individuals may become impulsive, may be distractible, may react with frustration and aggression or may have difficulty adjusting to new situations.

Sotos Syndrome- also known as cerebral gigantism because of the distinctive head shape and size, is a genetic condition causing physical overgrowth during the first years of life. Ironically, this rapid physical development is often accompanied by delayed motor, cognitive and social development. Muscle tone is low, and speech is markedly impaired.

Special Education Students - students that have educational needs that cannot be met in a regular classroom without some modifications or special arrangements being made. When we think of special education students we typically think of students that have some form of mental or physical disability. It is important, however, to remember that special education students also include students who are gifted and talented. Some of the conditions which qualify a student for special education services include:

• Physical Disabilities such as: vision impairments, hearing impairments, speech disorders, and other physical impairments. About 20% of the students receiving special education services have speech or language disabilities while 1% have multiple, orthopedic or hearing impairments.
• Developmental Disabilities such as: developmental delays, mental retardation, and emotional disorders.
• Learning Disabilities such as: ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, perceptual disabilities, aphasia, dyscalcula (learning disability in Math), minimal brain dysfunction and other impairments.

To gain more information on special students and their educational rights you can check out the federal law Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Spina Bifida- a neural tube defect caused by the failure of the fetus' spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. In addition to physical and mobility difficulties, most individuals have some form of learning disability. Many children with Spina Bifida have hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain). . *Source: Luckasson, Coulter, et.al., Mental Retardation: Definition, Classification and Systems of Supports, p. 1 (Washington, DC: American Association on Mental Retardation, 1992)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income and to provide cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

Tourette Syndrome - a disorder of the nervous system that causes a person to make repeated and uncontrolled (involuntary) movements and sounds (vocalizations) called tics.

Ward - An incapacitated person who has been placed in the care, custody and supervision of a guardian.

 Williams Syndrome- present at birth and occurs in both males and females in all ethnic groups throughout the world. Persons who have Williams Syndrome are missing genetic material on chromosome #7 which contains the protein elastin which strengthens the heart and its blood vessels. Children with Williams Syndrome often share similar facial features such as: smaller sized heads, puffiness around the eyes, a small upturned nose, curly hair, full lips, small widely spaced teeth, a noticeable white starburst pattern in the iris and a small chin. These physical attributes can cause persons with the disorder to appear "elf-like". Other affects of the disorder include: low or poor muscle tone, premature puberty, hypersensitive hearing and a low birth weight. Mild to severe learning disabilities related to visual, perceptual and spatial concepts are common although people with Williams Syndrome have a high grasp of language skills and are excessively friendly. There is no known cause for Williams Syndrome and no cure.

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