Terminology

This page is an extension of the post, Alphabet Soup, which covers the terms and acronyms I’m going to use often. I’m listing the terms again here for reference.

Terms for Learning Differences

Learning Difference, learning disorder, LD all refer to the same concept; a human brain that works in a different way than the average human brain. Sometimes these differences are strengths, sometimes weaknesses, sometimes both.

Autism Spectrum is the large category that covers conditions such as autism, Asperger’s Syndrome (Aspie, AS), and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified). These conditions can range from very mild to severe, but they all include weaknesses in communication and social skills. On this blog, we focus on the milder end of the spectrum.

Nonverbal Learning Disorder, NLD may or may not be on the spectrum, but is closely related, as those with NLD have problems managing non-verbal communication.

Gifted, Gifted and Talented, GT – Intellectual giftedness is not usually considered an LD, though it is a different brain condition. Giftedness can be subdivided (these are general descriptions, with plenty of exceptions):

• Moderately Gifted – one is smarter than average, but fits in well with average people in school and in life
• Highly Gifted – some form of advanced work is needed in school, and adults are noticeably smarter than average.
• Exceptionally Gifted – advanced work is definitely needed, such as a grade skip or special full-time GT program. EG adults can definitely have trouble relating to those of average intelligence.
• Profoundly Gifted – the “scary smart”. These are the kids who enter college at age 10, and the adults are almost too smart to fit in anywhere.

Twice-Exceptional, 2E – 2E simply means a person is both Gifted and has some other issue, usually a learning difference such as AS, ADHD, or similar. This term is usually applied to students who need special services at school.

NT – neurotypical, the term used for people who are not on the spectrum.

Terms Used in Education

Special Education, SPED – When kids going to school need services and accommodations beyond the usual, this is handled by SPED staff. The student is evaluated first, and if eligible, an IEP, Individual Education Plan is prepared, outlining the specific services and learning goals for that student.

General Terms and Abbreviations

Ocelot, Climber, and the Mad Engineer are code names for my family. Ocelot is 14 (in 2010), female, somewhere in the EG-PG range, and has something on the spectrum, currently labelled PDD-NOS. She has an IEP and is in public high school. Climber is 9 (2010), male, is probably EG and NT. [See, those terms are useful!] The Mad Engineer is my husband, and he is a Mad Engineer — not scientist.

DH, DS, DD, etc. are standard internet terms for our loved ones: dear husband, dear son (or sister), dear daughter, … If I use one of these and the meaning isn’t clear, call me on it!