Resources · Glossary
The vocabulary,
in plain language.
Clinical and program terms decoded. So you don't have to translate everything when reading reports, talking to insurers, or comparing services.
← Back to all resources- ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
- An evidence-based approach that uses learning principles to build skills (communication, daily living, social) and reduce behaviors that interfere with daily life. Each plan is individualized.
- BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
- A clinician with graduate-level training in behavior analysis who designs and oversees ABA programs. Look for board certification through the BACB.
- CIS (Community Inclusion Services)
- Saturday programming for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, focused on community participation, recreation, and skill-building outside the home.
- Day Habilitation
- Daytime programming for adults with I/DD that builds independence, social skills, and pre-vocational abilities through structured group and individual activities.
- DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities, NJ)
- New Jersey state agency that funds and authorizes services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- I/DD (Intellectual or Developmental Disability)
- An umbrella term covering conditions that begin in childhood and affect cognitive, social, or daily-living functioning. Includes autism, Down syndrome, and others.
- IEP (Individualized Education Program)
- A legally-binding plan in public schools that outlines a student's special education services, accommodations, and goals.
- Individual Counseling
- One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a licensed clinician, for emotional, behavioral, family, or trauma-related concerns.
- Intake
- The first session(s) where the clinician learns about you, your goals, your history, and what kind of support would help. Sets the foundation for the work that follows.
- Job Readiness
- Programming that builds the skills people need to find, keep, and grow in employment, interviewing, workplace etiquette, schedule management, self-advocacy.
- Medication Management
- Care provided by a prescribing clinician (psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner) who evaluates, prescribes, and monitors medication as part of a treatment plan.
- NJ FamilyCare
- New Jersey's publicly-funded health insurance program for eligible children, parents, and adults, the state's Medicaid and CHIP program.
- ODP (Office of Developmental Programs, PA)
- Pennsylvania state office that oversees services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism.
- Parent Training
- Sessions where the BCBA or therapist works directly with caregivers to teach strategies you can use at home, so progress doesn't stop when the session ends.
- Person-Centered
- A planning approach that starts with what the person wants, values, and is good at, not with a diagnosis or a deficit. Every ASun Star program is built this way.
- Prior Authorization
- Approval from an insurance plan before a specific service can be provided. We handle this for you when possible.
- Strength-Based
- A clinical approach that builds from what people can do, rather than focusing on what they can't. Pairs with person-centered planning.
- Telehealth
- Therapy delivered over secure video. Available for many of our counseling services for clients who can't come in person.
See a term we should add?
We update this glossary based on what families and partners ask us. If something's missing or unclear, tell us.
