Glossary

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Childhood apraxia of speech(also: CAS, Developmental verbal dyspraxia, DVD)

A motor speech disorder in which the brain has difficulty planning and coordinating the precise movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, and palate needed for intelligible speech. Unlike other speech disorders caused by muscle weakness, CAS involves impaired motor programming — the…

Developmental Disability(also: DD, Developmental Disabilities)

A group of conditions arising from impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavioral areas that begin during the developmental period, typically before age 22, and are expected to be lifelong. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disability, autism spectrum…

Developmental disability(also: Developmental disorder)

A group of conditions resulting from impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavioural areas that begin during the developmental period, are usually lifelong, and affect day-to-day functioning. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disability, autism spectrum…

Early intervention(also: Early childhood intervention, EI)

A system of services and supports provided to infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities, typically from birth to age three, and their families. Early intervention can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral…

Intellectual and Developmental Disability(also: IDD, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disability)

A group of conditions characterised by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem-solving) and adaptive behaviour (everyday social and practical skills), with onset during the developmental period. IDD encompasses a wide range of…

Joint attention(also: Shared attention)

The shared focus of two or more individuals on the same object or event, typically established through gaze, pointing, or other communicative cues. Joint attention is a foundational social-cognitive skill that develops in early childhood and is often impaired in individuals with…

Leukodystrophy(also: Leukodystrophies)

Leukodystrophy is a group of rare, progressive, metabolic, genetic diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves by damaging the white matter (myelin sheath) that insulates nerve fibers. Symptoms can include difficulty with movement and coordination, speech…

Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities(also: PMLD, Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities, PIMD)

Profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) refers to a combination of profound intellectual disability with additional physical, sensory, or health impairments that together create extremely complex support needs. Individuals with PMLD typically require high levels of…

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