Diagnosis Abbreviations for Neurodivergent Parents
When reading articles, posts on our support group or attending appointments for ourselves and our children, we often hear or read abbreviations, signs and symptoms. At times, we don't know what they mean.
I have made this list for you of abbreviations, diagnosis to help you understand terms and diagnosis easier because at first, it can all be a little confusing.
Using diagnosis abbreviations is so important because these disorders often co-occur, making it challenging to differentiate between them. Many children with Autism also have SPD, and some children with ADHD may also exhibit sensory processing difficulties. Therefore, the use of abbreviations such as SPD, ASD, and ADHD helps healthcare professionals identify when a child has multiple conditions and develop a treatment plan.
These abbreviations are vital in facilitating communication among different healthcare providers as well as with schools and other support services. They allow for more efficient and accurate transfer of medical records and enable healthcare professionals to collaborate effectively in providing care to a child with these disorders.
Diagnosis abbreviations such as SPD, ASD, ADHD, and DX play an important role in the identification and management of sensory processing disorder, autism, and ADHD in children.
Diagnosis abbreviations such as SPD, ASD, ADHD, and DX play an important role in the identification and management of sensory processing disorder, autism, and ADHD in children.
It is very important that parents familiarize themselves with these abbreviations so that they can better understand their child's diagnosis and advocate for their needs.
ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
AS - Asperger's Syndrome
ASA - Autism Society of America
ARFID – Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorders
AT - Assistive Technology
APD – Auditory Processing Disorder
CD - Communication Disorder
CIL - Center for Independent Living
CP - Cerebral Palsy
DD - Development Disability Developmentally Delayed
DS - Down Syndrome
EI – Early Intervention
EBD - Emotional /Behavioral Disorder /Disability
FAS – Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
HFA - High Functioning Autism
HH - Hard of Hearing
HI - Hearing Impaired
ID - Intellectual Disability (formerly MR)
IEP - Individualized Education Plan
IWD - Individual with Disability
LD - Learning Disability
LFA - Low Functioning Autism
MH - Mental Health
MI - Mental Illness
MMH - Mild-Moderate Mentally Impaired
NLD - Nonverbal Learning Disability
ODD – Oppositional Defiant Disorder
OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OT - Occupational Therapy/Therapist
PDA – Pathological Demand Avoidance
PECS – Picture Exchange Communication System
PDD - Pervasive Developmental Disorder
PDD/NOS - Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified
PANDAS – Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep
PDA – Pathological Demand Avoidance
PT - Physical Therapy/Therapist
PWD - Person/People With Disabilities
SPD - Sensory Processing Disorder
SM – Selective Mutism
SLT - Speech/Language Therapy/Therapist
ST - Speech Therapy
SWD - Students With Disabilities
VI - Visually Impaired
DISCLAIMER: I am not an Occupational Therapist. I am an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists gives you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for suggestions and informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different needs. Please always consult with a professional.
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