Autism Jargon: Terms and Definitions You'll Need to Know

Aspie: An affectionate term used by individuals with Asperger syndrome to refer to themselves.

Classic Autism: This is not a real medical term, but it is often used to refer to an individual on the lowest end of the spectrum.

Delay: We initially thought this was a nice way to say disabled. In fact, for a majority of children on the autism spectrum, it really does mean delay. Our son, for example, is about three years behind in his emotional and behavioral development -- but he keeps improving!

Echolalia or echolalic: Many autistic children do use language, but tend to repeat what they've heard rather than create novel phrases on their own. When a child is echolalic, he is "echoing" what he's heard.

Extraordinary: This sounds like a positive term, but it really means "not ordinary" -- and generally implies atypical development.

On the Spectrum: Anyone with any diagnosis that falls anywhere within the autism spectrum.

Pervasive: Most autistic people have delays in more than one area. Many are delayed in their social, behavioral, linguistic and physical skills. "Pervasive" refers to the fact that the delays are not in just one area.