SEND Acronyms List

This list is by no means exhaustive and language is constantly evolving. If you would like to see an acronym added or think an acronym is now out of date, please contact us on info@lightyearfoundation.org

AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

AD (or ABD): Attachment Disorder

ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ALN: Additional Learning Needs

APD: Auditory Processing Disorder

ARE: Age related expectations

AS: Asperger’s Syndrome

ASC: Autistic Spectrum Condition

ASD: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (NB: ASC is the preferred term)

AT: Assistive Technology

BESD: Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties

Camhs: Children and adult mental health service

CD: Communication Disorder

CP: Cerebral Palsy

CF: Cystic Fibrosis

CFS: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (see also ME)

CSHCN: Children with Special Health Care Needs

DD: Developmental Delay

DDA: Disability Discrimination Act

DS: Down Syndrome

EDS: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

EHCP: Education, Health and Care Plan

EP (or Ed Pysch): Educational Psychologist

GDD: Global Developmental Delay

GLD: Global Learning Delay

HH: Hard of Hearing

HI: Hearing Impairment

HSP: Highly Sensitive Person

IEP: Individual Education Plan

LAN: Learning and Additional Needs

LD: Learning Difficulties

ME: Myalgic encephalomyelitis (see also CFS)

MD: Muscular Dystrophy

MLD: Moderate Learning Difficulties

MS: Multiple Sclerosis

ND: Neurodivergent

NT: Neurotypical

NVLD: Non-Verbal Learning Disability

OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

ODD: Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Pecs (or PECS): Picture Exchange Communication System

PDA: Pathological Demand Avoidance

PDD: Pervasive Developmental Disorder

P scales: description for achievement against the 1st level of the National Curriculum

PMLD: Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties

PRU: Pupil Referral Unit

RAD: Reactive Attachment Disorder

SALT: Speech and Language Therapy

SEN: Special Educational Needs

SEND: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

SEMH: Social, Emotional and Mental Health

SI: Sensory Impaired

SLD: Severe Learning Difficulty

SpLD: Specific Learning Difficulty

SPD: Sensory Processing Disorder (SPS is the preferred term)

SPS: Sensory Processing Sensitivity

SWAN: Syndrome without a name

TBI: Traumatic Brian Injury

VI: Visual Impairment