Want to know what all of those fancy terms you’re hearing and reading about mean? Look no further! Here, in the ‘Glossary and Common Terms’ section, we have you covered :D.
Here you will find the complete library of highlighted terms you will find throughout the website. As we are doing a series of soft launches of each section that are coming, this glossary will be continuously updated, so keep checking back for more. Once all sections are completed, there will be a printable version of the glossary made available.
In the meantime, we hope you find this section useful and we’re happy to see you here.
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Animal therapy pairs an individual with an animal and is specifically designed to improve social, cognitive, physical and/or emotional functioning.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – taking behaviour analysis science and applying to the teaching of social, motor, verbal, and reasoning skills. This approach reinforces positive behaviours and observes challenging behaviour to replace it with a positive behaviour.
Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder which affects the normal function of several human biological systems. It affects brain development and ranges in terms of symptoms, characteristics, and level of severity. Treatments are specific to the individual. There is no standard “type” or “typical person with ASD.
Children’s disAbility Services (CDS) is a program provided through the Manitoba Families Department of the provincial government, which supports families who are raising a child (or children) with developmental and/or physical disabilities.
Case Manager is responsible for evaluating a family’s needs and coordinating services. They will work with families to find out what their goals are and guide/educate them on the multiple resources available through CDS and other helpful supports. A Case Manager will remain a constant in your family’s life, up until your child reaches the age of 18 or no longer needs service.
DIR – Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship Based – A therapy approach which focuses on the emotional and social development and learning of children with autism. Floortime is an intensive and fun session in which parents used play-based learning to interact with their children and help them develop their skills based on the DIR model.
Music therapy is used for children on the autism spectrum to help them with their communication skills and social skills by way of active music-making and interaction in either a group or one-on-one therapy setting.
Occupational Therapy (OT) – Where a trained professional assists an individual in becoming more active and independent in activities (occupations) of everyday living.
Physiotherapy (PT) – Therapy to help develop and/or improve their motor skills.
RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) – A program centered on parent-child relationships. It essentially enables the parent to become their child’s therapist by developing a “guided participation” relationship through the direction of an RDI consultant.
Respite Care – A social break for parents, guardians, or caregivers of a child(ren) with special needs.
St.Amant is the largest service provider for children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism in Manitoba; a non-profit organization.
St.Amant, Autism Consultant – The Autism Consultant is responsible for assessing your child’s skills and designing your child’s individualized intervention in order to help target skills in the areas of communication, social skills, play, life skills, and academics. They are also responsible for guiding the training of Autism Tutors and parents, and evaluating and modifying, as needed, the programming goals that are in place for your child in collaboration with the parents and other team members.
St.Amant, Autism Senior Tutor – The Autism Senior Tutor will be providing training to the Autism Tutors on programs, procedures and recommendations that are designed by the Autism Consultant. The Autism Senior Tutor also takes a lead role in supporting and training parents on their child’s programs and procedures. They also support the Autism Consultant in carrying out the programming goals and will enter the data that are collected by the Autism Tutors and parents.
St.Amant, Autism Tutor – The Autism Tutors will work one on one with your child on a daily basis. They will help to teach your child various skills in the areas of social skills, communication, play, life skills and academics. The programs and recommendations are designed, in collaboration with you, by your Autism Consultant who will lead your child’s team.
St.Amant, Monthly Clinic Meeting – The clinic meeting usually happens at your home and is an opportunity for the team from St.Amant, who supports your child and family, to get together with you to review programs, progress and any challenges that may be occurring with your child’s programs.
Speech & Language Pathology Therapy – To improve all aspects of speech, language, communication and swallowing skills of an individual. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) will determine what difficulties an individual has and the best way to go about treating them.
Westman Child Development Clinic (WCDC) – A newly constructed centre located in Brandon, MB, which offers a variety of programs for children ages 2 to 8 years old, such as a licensed nursery school and private Floortime sessions for children with Autism, among others.