| Autism | A psychiatric disorder of childhood characterized by marked deficits in communication and social interaction, preoccupation with fantasy, language impairment, and abnormal behavior, such as repetitive acts and excessive attachment to certain objects. It is usually associated with intellectual impairment. |
| Chain Interruption |
In chain interruption, a caregiver interrupts the child engaged in a sequence, and makes a request requiring the child to insert another behavior into the sequence, thus enriching it (Hunt and Goetz 1988).
References:
Hunt, P., & Goetz, L. (1988b). Using an interrupted behavior chain strategy to teach generalized communication responses. Unpublished handbook. (Available by writing P. Hunt, San Francisco State University, 14 Tapia Street, San Francisco, CA 94132.)
Hunt, P., Goetz, L., Alwell, M., & Sailor, W. (1986). Using an interrupted behavior chain strategy to teach generalized communication responses. Journal of The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, 11, 196-204.
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| Developmental Delay | Behind schedule in reaching milestones of early childhood development. |
| Developmental Disabilities | Disorders in which there is a delay in development based on that expected for a given age level or stage of development. These impairments or disabilities originate before age 18, may be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitute a substantial impairment. Biological and nonbiological factors are involved in these disorders. |
| Mental Retardation | Subnormal intellectual functioning which originates during the developmental period and is associated with impairment of one or more of the following: (1) maturation, (2) learning, (3) social adjustment. |
| Pervasive Development Disorder | A class of mental disorders of infancy, childhood, or adolescence characterised by distortions in the development of the multiple basic psychological functions involved in the development of social skills and language. |
| Play Therapy | A treatment technique utilizing play as a medium for expression and communication between patient and therapist. |
