Definitions

ASD (autism spectrum disorder): Developmental disability causing social, behavioral, and/or communication challenges. *Of note, many Autistic Adults prefer to be identified as “Autistic” vs “ASD” or “person with autism”

ASL (American Sign Language): a visual, signed language with unique grammar and syntax that is used primarily in the United States of America

Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Non-verbal methods of communication including speech generating devices, ASL, or picture exchange in order to facilitate communication either temporarily or permanently for those with impairments in expressive or receptive communication

Articulation: Difficulty with or atypical production of speech sounds that may interfere with intelligibility

Communication: Sending, receiving, and comprehending written, spoken, or non-verbal messages

Communication Disorder: Difficulty or impairment in the sending, receiving, or comprehension of information 

Dysphagia: Impairment of swallowing at any phase of the process (i.e. oral, pharyngeal, esophageal)

Expressive Language: Impaired use of spoken, written, or other symbolic systems

Fluency: Interruption in the flow of speech characterized by repetitions, atypical rate, or atypical rhythm 

Intelligibility: How well others understand and receive the message that you are sending, most often associated with articulation errors

Receptive Language: Impaired understanding of spoken, written, or other symbolic systems

SGD (speech generating device): An electronic device that uses artificial speech in order to allow the user to speak

SLP (speech language pathologist): A protected term under the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for those who have completed the necessary school and fellowship process to become certified experts in speech and language disorders 

Speech: Impairment in articulation, fluency, or voice

Speech therapy: Often the generalized term for therapy working on any aspect of communication including language, articulation, fluency, or voice disorders

Voice Disorder: Characterized by abnormal pitch, resonance, vocal quality, or loudness

Sources:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1993). Definitions of communication disorders and variations [Relevant Paper]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Sign Language - NAD. (n.d.). National Association of the Deaf - NAD. Retrieved January 4, 2022, from https://www.nad.org/resources/american-sign-language/

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2019). Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC. Retrieved January 4, 2022, from https://www.asha.org/njc/aac/

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? (n.d.). CDC. Retrieved January 4, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html