Autism Glossary

B

Babbling: the sound a baby makes when he or she combines a vowel and consonant and repeats them over and over again (e.g., "ba-ba-ba," "ga-ga-ga").

Barium: A chemical used in tests of the digestive tract; typically the patient swallows a barium liquid or a piece of food coated in barium and X- rays are used to track the progress of the barium, which shows up as white on X-ray.

Baseline: The congenital level of function by a child before instruction is introduced.

Behavior: An individual's personal set of actions and responses to the environment.  These external movements are influenced by internal factors such as understanding, feelings, and emotions.

Behavior Management Plan: A plan designed to modify or reshape the behavior of an individual with disabilities that addresses existing behavior, interventions, support, and goals.

Behavior Modification: A term that is sometimes used to describe ABA.

Behaviorist (or Behavioral Therapist): Certified individual who analyzes behaviors and designs and implements behavioral treatment programs to teach new skills.

Best Practice: Strategies that reliably lead to a desired result or outcome, as confirmed through experience, research, and evaluation.  The set of strategies that utilizes the best practices, knowledge, and technology to ensure success.

Biofeedback: A method used in teaching relaxation through which the individual learns to control heart rate or some other observable measure of anxiety.

Birth to Three Program: A program that provides early intervention.

Boardmaker: A device that resembles a notebook or board game created to help nonverbal people communicate.

Bruxism: Grinding the teeth