Glossary of terms: C

Carers

Thesaurus of psychological index terms

Family members, professionals or paraprofessionals who provide constant care.

Casein

PDD: finding a diagnosis and getting help, M Waltz

Protein found in milk and milk products.

Casomorphin      

Autism research review international, 1999, 13(2)

A peptide produced by digestion of the milk protein casein.

Catatonia

DSMIV

Marked motor abnormalities including catalepsy (waxy flexibility - rigid maintenance of a body position over an extended period of time); stupor; apparently purposeless agitation not influenced by external stimuli; apparent motiveless resistance to instructions or attempts to be moved; mutism; stereotyped movements; echolalia and echopraxia.

Central coherence

Autism: medical and educational aspects, Peeters and Gillberg; 2nd ed

The drive, in normal development, to try to piece things together, to look at them as details in a whole.

Cerebellum

NAAR Glossary

The "little brain" which sits just above the brain stem. It was previously thought to control movement and coordination but is now known to be involved in "higher functions" as well, particularly shifting and orienting attention and predicting and preparing biologically for upcoming movements (eg, by altering cerebral blood flow levels).

Challenging behaviour

CB Foundation

Behaviour of such intensity, frequency or duration that the physical safety of the person or others is likely to be placed in serious jeopardy, or behaviour which is likely to seriously limit or deny access to or use of ordinary community facilities, or impair a child's personal growth, development and family life.

Childhood disintegrative disorder

Screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, PA Filipek et al
Journal of autism and developmental disorders 1999, 29(6)

This refers to a rare occurrence of normal early development until at least age 24 months, followed by a rapid neurodevelopmental regression that results most often in autistic symptomatology. CDD usually occurs between 36 and 48 months of age but may occur up to 10 years of age.

Coeliac disease

CaF directory of specific conditions and rare syndromes

Disease affecting the small intestine due to sensitivity to gluten.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Black's medical dictionary, G Macpherson ed; 38th ed

A technique for the treatment of mental disorder that is based on the concept that how people perceive the world and themselves influences their behaviour and emotions.
 

Communication disorders

Thesaurus of psychological index terms

Impaired ability to communicate usually due to speech, language or hearing disorders.
 

Compulsions

ICD10

Stereotyped behaviours that are repeated again and again. They are not inherently enjoyable, nor do they result in the completion of inherently useful tasks.

Crohn's disease

CaF directory of specific conditions and rare syndromes

Inflammatory condition affecting the digestive tract which can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus, but it usually occurs in the small or large intestine and inflammation extends throughout the whole thickness
of the intestinal wall.

Related resources

• Education jargon (England and Wales)
  
• Education jargon (Scotland)
  

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