Glossary
Plain-language definitions of autism terms — written by Soira, calm and neurodiversity-affirming.
Early intervention
Therapies and supports started in the early years (typically before age three) — speech, occupational, play-based work. The evidence is that supportive, neurodiversity-affirming early intervention can make a meaningful difference; the right form depends on the child.
Occupational therapy
Therapy focused on the everyday "occupations" of being a child — playing, dressing, eating, regulating. For autistic children, occupational therapy often centres on sensory regulation, fine-motor skills, and life skills.
Speech-language therapy
Therapy with a qualified speech-language pathologist focused on communication — spoken, gestural, AAC, social. For autistic children, the goal is usually expanding ways of communicating, not just producing speech.
ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis)
A behavioural-science approach used by some autism providers. ABA is genuinely debated: clinicians point to outcome studies for early communication and skills; many autistic adults describe distress from compliance-focused or older ABA. Modern, neurodiversity-affirming ABA exists but varies provider to provider. Soira does not endorse or reject ABA — ask providers about their approach and listen to autistic adults.
ESDM (Early Start Denver Model)
A play-based, naturalistic developmental intervention for autistic toddlers, delivered by therapists and parents in everyday activities. ESDM has a growing research base for supporting communication and social development in young children, particularly under three.
Floortime (DIR/Floortime)
A play-based approach developed by Stanley Greenspan that meets a child at their developmental level, follows the child's lead, and gradually builds back-and-forth interaction. Floortime emphasises relationships and emotion over compliance.
NDBI (Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Interventions)
A family of approaches — including ESDM, JASPER, and Pivotal Response Treatment — that blend developmental and behavioural principles in everyday play settings. NDBIs typically involve parents directly and are designed to build communication, attention, and social skills in young autistic children.
Visual schedule
A picture- or icon-based representation of what is happening next — first this, then this, then this. Visual schedules help many autistic children manage transitions, reduce uncertainty, and feel more in control of their day. They are simple to make and often used at home and at school.
Respite care
Planned short breaks where someone else cares for your child so you can rest. Respite can be a few hours at home, an afternoon at a respite centre, or an overnight stay with trained carers. It is not a failure to use respite — it is part of sustainable caregiving.