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Glossary
Asperger's Syndrome
A person with Asperger's demonstrates an unusual quality of social behaviour and conversation skills. Individual's with Asperger's are often baffled by codes of social conduct, carry on one-sided conversations, and may have accompanying learning and attention difficulties along side average to above average intellectual abilities. Also, it is common for people with this syndrome to have key special interests that play a critical role in their lives and conversations. For more information on this syndrome, more information can be found at www.tonyattwood.com
Attention Deficit Disorders
Formally referred to as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, this diagnosis identifies individuals whose attention regulation system operates in what appears to be a polarized way. They find themselves easily distracted, either internally by their own thoughts or externally by sights and sounds, when they are engaged in low interest tasks. On the other hand, they also find themselves capable of intense focusing abilities (often referred to as "hyperfocusing") when involved in self-selected activities that are of high interest to them. Some individuals with AD/HD also struggle more notably with self-control than their peers. This often results in more signs of impulse decision making and physical restlessness.
Autism
Autism is a developmental disability with a neurological basis. Autism results in significant challenges in communication and social interactions. Autism is the most severe form of a spectrum of disorders called Pervasive Developmental Disorders in which a person's higher order intellectual functions are significantly impacted. Excellent programs have been developed to help individuals with Autism reach their potential. See the Geneva Centres website for further information.
Developmental Disabilities
Developmental Disabilities refer to syndromes that significantly impact an individual's level of intellectual functioning. Persons with developmental disabilities can learn, but will do so at a slower rate and to a different capacity level than a peer with average intelligence. Excellent programs and options for inclusive education exist for these individuals. See the PREP program website as an example of a progressive resource centre for children and families with one type of developmental disability - Down syndrome.
Higher order cognitive functions
Higher order cognitive functions are measured on intelligence tests and identify a person's reasoning, problem-solving, and abstract thinking abilities. These functions are considered the "heart" of one's potential to think logically and collect new knowledge.
Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities vary in type and range from mild to severe. The essence of this diagnosis is that the individual possesses many average to above average intellectual abilities but struggles to academically achieve to their intellectual potential in one or more academic area. Excellent options exist for assisting students with learning disabilities to address their challenges and utilize their strengths, including many of our own learning programs and tutoring services that you can review on this website.
Lower order cognitive functions
Lower order cognitive functions are measured on intelligence tests and include a person's speed, immediate memory, and efficiency during learning activities. These functions are considered the mental tools we need in order to properly utilize our higher order intelligences.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory Integration Therapy is a treatment within Occupational Therapy that provides the child with graded sensory experiences to encourage an appropriate response. It is carried out by an Occupational Therapist with training and expertise in sensory integration. You can find more information at: www.sinetwork.org
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Occurs when difficulty coordinating movements results in a child being unable to perform daily tasks. It is believed to affect 5 - 6% of children between 5 and 11 years of age. More information is available at: www-fhs.mcmaster.ca
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