ASERT Does Not Offer Crisis Services
If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
Common Abbreviations in Autism Services and Special Education
Overview
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides a guide to common abbreviations you may come across when receiving autism services and supports.
AAC: Augmentative/Alternative Communication
AAW: Adult Autism Waiver
ABA: Applied Behavior Analysis
ACAP: Adult Community Autism Program
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
ADOS: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
ASA: Autism Society of America
ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASL: American Sign Language
BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst
BCaBA: Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
BHRS: Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services
BSC: Behavioral Specialist Consultant
BSE: Bureau of Special Education
BT: Behavioral Technician
CAP: Client Assistance Program
CASSP: Child & Adolescent Service SystemProgram
CBWA: Community Based Work Assessment
DD: Developmental Disabilities
DHS: Department of Human Services
DSM-5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition
EI: Early Intervention
ER: Evaluation Report
ESY: Extended School Year
FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education
FBA: Functional Behavioral Assessment
FBS: Family Based Services
ID: Intellectual Disability
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP: Individualized Education Program
IFSP: Individualized Family Service Plan
ISP: Individual Support Plan
IU: Intermediate Unit
LEA: Local Educational Agency
LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LRE: Least Restrictive Environment
LSW: Licensed Social Worker
MA: Medical Assistance
MT: Mobile Therapist
NOREP: Notice of Recommended Educational Placement
ODP: Office of Developmental Programs
ODR: Office for Dispute Resolution
OLTL: Office of Long Term Living
OMHSAS: Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
OSEP: Office of Special Education Programs
OSERS: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
OT: Occupational Therapy
OVR: Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
PaTTAN: Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network
PANDAS: Pediatric Autoimmune Neurological Disorder Associated with Strep
PBIS: Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports
PBSP: Positive Behavior Support Plan
PCA: Personal Care Assistant
PDD-NOS: Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
PDE: Pennsylvania Department of Education
PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System
P/FDS: Person/Family Directed Supports Waiver
PUNS: Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services
RBT: Registered Behavior Technician
SC: Supports Coordinator
SDI: Specially Designed Instruction
SLP: Speech/Language Pathologist
SMI: Significant Mental Illness
SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI: Supplemental Security Income
STAP: Summer Therapeutic Activities Program
TEACCH: Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children
TSS: Therapeutic Staff Support
VB: Verbal Behavior
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.