ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, sometimes known as ADD, affects adults as well as children. The condition is symptomized by those who display behaviour characterised by excessive fidgeting and physical movement, lack of concentration, impatience, unable to keep calm and quiet, acting impulsively without thinking, excessive talking and constant interruption.

CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a technique based around discussion (talking therapy) of problems and trying to focus your thoughts and behaviour away from negative influences towards positive thoughts which change your behaviour for the better. The focus is on how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you feel and so bring about a positive state of mind. Commonly used in cases of anxiety and depression. It is more about dealing with current problems, rather than those in your past.

DCD

Developmental Co-ordination Disorder is also known as Dyspraxia and affects movement and co-ordination. It is not a reflection on intelligence (which is unaffected), simply those tasks that require dexterity and co-ordination, such as balance, or playing sports.

EBD

Emotional Behaviour Disorder does now fall into one specific category, but can be characterised by multiple characteristics. Those classified with EBD may have learning difficulties that generally cannot be characterised by normal measures, such as intellectual, sensory or health reasons, or those that have problems forming relationships at school, or are harmful to self and others and those that exhibit signs of depression.

EHCP

An Educational and Health Care Plan. A statement on what your child’s requirements is to help them learn and be healthy (both physically and mentally) in the learning environment. It is a plan detailing what needs to be done to help your child.

Makaton (see also SLCN)

Makaton is a language programme using signs, symbols and speech to help and teach those with learning and communications difficulties. It helps improve both communications skills and literacy in those that struggle to communicate effectively.

ODD

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is where a child has long term behavioural problems, usually for in excess of six months. All children can show initial signs of this as part of normal development, so classifying a child as having ODD is subjective, unless the situation persists. Symptoms include long term anger and irritability, frequent temper loss, refusing to obey rules, defiant to adults in authority, being vindictive and deliberately annoying behaviour.

PDA

Pathological Demand Avoidance characterises someone who tries, or goes out of their way, to avoid the everyday demands of life. This includes having to join in with activities, family involvement and even getting up in the morning. This syndrome is often associated with those classified as autistic.

PMDD

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is an endocrine disorder very similar to pre-menstrual stress, but much more serious. PMDD causes physical symptoms but also mental health symptoms, such as depression and suicidal feelings.

SLCN

Speech, Language and Communication Needs – simply a term that covers a variety of needs from those with communication problems, stammering and stuttering, problems understanding and making sense of language, or problems using language.

SEN

Special Educational Needs. A child classified as requiring SEN doesn’t mean the child is slow or unintelligent. SEN children are often very intelligent and creative, but are hampered by not being sufficiently engaged with the learning process. SEN simply means that your child may have to have a more structured and tailored approach to learning to re-engage them in the process. Your ECHP will detail what that approach should be