Autism Glossary

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G

General Education: A curriculum of the arts and sciences courses that provides students with a broad educational experience.  A general education school can include inclusion programs for children with ASDs, where children with ASDs are integrated in classes with typically developing children.

Generalization: Transferring a skill taught in one place or with one person to other places and people.

Genes: The microscopic sequences of protein and DNA found on the chromosomes which determine which traits an individual inherits from his parents.

Genetic: Inherited; relating to the genes.

Geneticist: A professional who evaluates people for genetic disorders and may provide counseling and information about these disorders.

GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease: a condition in which stomach acid and other stomach contents flow up into the esophagus and sometimes the mouth, damaging tissue and causing pain, vomiting, or other symptoms.

Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS): A rating scale to help identify and diagnose ASD in children and young adults.  Standards are based on definitions of autism adopted by the Autism Society of America and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

Gluten: A protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. 

Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet (GFCF): A diet used by many parents of children on the autsim spectrum.  The diet excludes all gluten and casein products.

Graduated Guidance: Systematically and gradually reducing the amount of physical guidance provided.

Grand Mal Seizure: See Tonic-Clonic Seizure.

Gross Motor (Skills): Related to the use of the large muscles of the body, such as those of the back, legs, and arms.

Body movements which utilize larger muscle group of the body, such as sitting, walking, and jumping.

Guardian: A person appointed by law to manage the legal, medical, and/or financial affairs of someone else.