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Daily life therapy
NAS
An educational methodology, framed within normal development, based upon group dynamics, physical education, art, music and academic activity, and vocational training.
DAMP syndrome
Handbook of autism and pervasive developmental disorders
A combination of severe dyspraxia and attention deficit disorder characterised by deficits of attention, motor control and perception.
Developmental delay
Encyclopedia of special education; 2nd ed
An abnormal, slower rate of development in which a child demonstrates a functioning level below that observed in normal children of the same age.
Developmental disabilities
Encyclopedia of special education; 2nd ed
Generic terms relating to all children and adults with a substantial continuing disability originating in childhood.
Diagnosis
Black's medical dictionary, G Macpherson ed; 38th ed
The skill of distinguishing one disease from another. The opinion arrived at as to the nature of a disease.
Differential diagnosis
DSMIV
How to differentiate one disorder from others that have some similar presenting characteristics.
Domiciliary care
Dictionary of mental handicap, M Lindsey
Care provided in the home.
Dopamine
Black's medical dictionary, G Macpherson ed; 38th ed
A catecholamine and a precursor to noradrenaline. Its highest concentration is in the basal ganglia part of the brain, where its function is to convey inhibitory influences to the extrapyramidal system of the brain.
Dyskinesia
Black's medical dictionary, G Macpherson ed; 38th ed
Abnormal movements of the muscles resulting from a disorder of the brain. Movements are uncoordinated and involuntary and occur in facial as well as limb muscles.
Dyslexia
Children with autism, Trevarthen et al
A significant difficulty with or impairment in reading ability, when reading is compared with other aspects of psychological functioning. Dyslexia can be of various types and have a variety of causes.
Dysphasia
Black's medical dictionary, G Macpherson ed; 38th ed
Difficulty in understanding language and in self-expression.
Dyspraxia
CaF directory of specific conditions and rare syndromes
Impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement with associated problems of language, perception and thought.
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