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N

Naturopathic: Referring to "natural" treatment with sunshine, water, exercise, or other naturally occurring agents; without drugs.

Negative Reinforcement: Any situation or stimulus whose removal or avoidance increases a specific response. For example, typically developing children display good behaviors in the classroom so as to avoid the teacher's disapproval.

Neuro-immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS): The likely connection between neuro-immune and/or autoimmune dysfunction and conditions such as autism, ADD, Alzheimer's, ALS, CFS/CFIDS< MS, and other immune-mediated diseases.

Neuroleptic: A group of medicines (sometimes referred to as major tranquilizers) that act on various chemical systems in the brain-particularly those involving the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Neurologist: A physician specializing in medical problems associated with the brain and nervous system.

Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance in the brain that allows the transmission of impulses from one nerve cell to another. Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters may result in difficulties with mood, attention, impulse control, etc. See Dopamine; Norepinephrine; Serotonin.

Neurotypical (NT): A term used for children without autism who are "normal" by definition of society. 

No child left behind (NCLB): An education reform act designed to improve student achievement.  All states, school districts, and schools that accept Title 1 federal grants are subject to NCLB policy.

An act signed in 2002 to reform schools by encouraging stronger accountability for results, more freedom for states and communities, proven education methods, and more choices for parents, Under No Child Left Behind, states are working to close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve academic proficiency.  Annual state and school district report cards inform parents and communities about state and school progress.  Schools that do not make progress must provide supplemental services, such as free tutoring or after-school assistance; take corrective actions; and, if still not making adequate yearly progress after five years, make dramatic changes to the way the school is run.

Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD): A pattern of strengths and weaknesses that includes relatively better verbal abilities than nonverbal abilities (which can be quite impaired), as well as difficulties with social skills and motor skills. NVLD appears to be common in individuals with Asperger's disorder, but is not synonymous with Asperger's disorder.

Norepinephrine: A neurotransmitter that plays a role in maintaining blood pressure and also in regulating various behaviors. Also known as noradrenaline.

Norm Reference Tests: Measurement of a child's performance as compared to others the same age.

Not otherwise defined (NOD): Often appears with a diagnosis by a psychologist.  This is a term that is used when a disorder is present but it does not fall into a specific definition within the diagnostic manuals. 

Not otherwise specified (NOS): Used as a footnote on a diagnosis when the disorder is vague in many ways (usually seen as PDD-NOS).  It is considered a "catch-all" diagnosis and is often not accepted as a valid diagnosis by insurance companies.