Glossary

Here you can find definitions for some of the speech, language, and communication terms that are commonly discussed in our blog posts. We are always adding to it!

ASHA - the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, a professional organization of speech-language pathologists and audiologists

Speech and Language

Articulation - formation of sounds for speech

Phonology - the speech sound system of a language

Receptive language - the language we understand

Expressive language - the language we produce

Pragmatic language - social communication; the language we use with others

Apraxia - a motor speech disorder affecting the neurological pathways involved in planning the sequence of movements involved in producing speech (NIDCD)

Aphasia - a communication disorder that affects one’s ability to understand and/or express speech and language

Dysarthria - a motor speech disorder due to the weakness of articulatory muscles (tongue, lips, cheeks, etc.)

Executive functions - the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully (Harvard University)

Joint attention - when two individuals are focusing on one object

Social story - introduced by Carol Gray in the early 90s; designed to illustrate specific situations and provide strategies with how to cope with them

Literacy

Phonological awareness - awareness of the sound structure of language (ASHA)

AAC [General]

Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) - alternative means of communication without talking; some examples may include gesturing, using American Sign Language, using a high-tech communication device (e.g., iPad with speech generating application) (ASHA)

Assistive Technology (AT) - any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities (IDEA 2004)

Aided language stimulation - sometimes known as aided language input, refers to using ongoing natural speech while pointing to and labeling key graphic symbols on an AAC device (Dada, Alant, 2009)

Core words / core vocabulary - small percentage of words that make up to 80% of what we say (e.g., "go", "more", "on")

Fringe words / fringe vocabulary - large percentage of (non-core) words that make up very little of what we say; these words are usually nouns and specific to a certain context (e.g., "vanilla", "dustpan", "humor")

AAC [Types]

No Tech AAC - a form of communication that requires no materials other than one’s body (also referred to as unaided systems)

Low Tech AAC - any sort of communication method that is not "electronic," but requires some sort of equipment outside of one’s body

Mid Tech AAC - an electronic device (usually) with auditory output that is battery-operated and has simpler functions (as compared to high tech AAC)

High Tech AAC - an electronic device with auditory output that contains more advanced processors (as compared to mid tech AAC); also commonly known as Speech Generating Device (SGDs)

Aided system - one uses a tool outside of their body for AAC, e.g., SGD

Unaided system - one’s body is the only component necessary for AAC, e.g., gestures; commonly refered as no tech AAC/systems

School/Special Populations

IEP - Individualized Education Program

PLOP - Present Level of Performance

RTI - Response to Intervention

SpED - Special Education

SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist

OT - Occupational Therapist

PT - Physical Therapist

BCBA - Board Certified Behavioral Analyst