Autism Acronyms
The ABCs of Autism: Understanding Common Acronyms
For individuals and families affected by autism, navigating the many acronyms used in services, education, and healthcare can feel overwhelming. This guide provides clear definitions of common acronyms to help you better understand the terminology and navigate the autism community with confidence.
| ABA | Applied Behavior Analysis |
| A&D | Aged and Disabled Waiver |
| ASD | Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| BCBA | Board Certified Behavior Analyst |
| BDS | Bureau of Disabilities Services |
| BIP | Behavioral Intervention Plan |
| BLV | Blind/Low Vision |
| BMAN | Behavior Management |
| BQIS | Bureau of Quality Improvement Services |
| CCC | Case Conference Committee |
| CD | Cognitive Disability |
| CIH | Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver |
| CMS | Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services |
| DB | Deaf-Blind |
| DD | Developmental Delay |
| DHH | Deaf/Hard of Hearing |
| DDRS | Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services |
| ED | Emotional Disability |
| ESY | Extended School Year |
| FAPE | Free Appropriate Public Education |
| FBA | Functional Behavioral Assessment |
| FERPA | Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act |
| FSSA | Family and Social Services Administration |
| FSW | Family Supports Waiver |
| HCBS | Home and Community-Based Services |
| H&W | Health and Wellness Waiver |
| ID | Intellectual Disability |
| IDEA | Individuals with Disabilities Education Act |
| IDOE | Indiana Dept. of Education |
| IEE | Independent Educational Evaluation |
| IEP | Individualized Educational Plan |
| IHO | Independent Hearing Offices |
| IID | Individual with Intellectual Disabilities |
| ISP | Individualized Service Plan |
| IST | Individual Support Team |
| LRE | Least Restrictive Environment |
| LRI | Legally Responsible Individuals |
| LSI | Language/Speech Impairment |
| M-TEAM | Multidisciplinary Team |
| MD | Multiple Disabilities |
| MUTH | Music Therapy |
| NOA | Notice of Authorization |
| NOPS | Notice of Procedural Safeguards |
| OHI | Other Health Impairment |
| OI | Orthopedic Impairment |
| OMPP | The Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning |
| OT | Occupational Therapy |
| PAC | Participant Assistive Care |
| PAR | Public Agency Representative |
| PCA | Personal Care Attendants |
| PCISP | Person Centered Individualized Support Plan |
| PLOP | Present Level of Performance |
| Pre-ETS | Pre-Employment Transition Services |
| PT | Physical Therapy |
| RETH | Recreational Therapy |
| RBT | Registered Behavior Technician |
| RTI | Response to Intervention |
| SLD | Specific Learning Disability |
| SLP | Speech Language Pathologist |
| SSI | Social Security Income |
| SSDI | Social Security Disability Insurance |
| ST | Speech Therapy |
| TBI | Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver |
| TOR | Teacher of Record |
| TOS | Teacher of Service |
| VR | Vocational Rehabilitation Services |