Paraprofessionals, teacher aides, and even some teachers will usually come across an acronym they are not familiar with at one time or another in their careers. In particular, a huge number of special education acronyms are commonly used in schools. Below is a useful special needs abbreviation list along with expanded terminology explaining what each acronym stands for.
Special Education Acronyms and Meanings
Here is a list of common special education acronyms that paraprofessionals and teachers may come across in their profession:
- ADD/ADHD – Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- AODA – Alcohol and other drug abuse
- AS – Asperger syndrome
- ASD – Autism spectrum disorder
- AT – Assistive technology
- AYP – Adequate yearly progress
- BIP – Behavior intervention plan
- CBI – Community based instruction
- CD – Cognitive disability
- CEIS – Coordinated early intervening services
- CREATE – Culturally responsive education for all: Training and enhancement
- DS – Down syndrome
- EBD – Emotional behavioral disturbance
- ED – Emotional disturbance
- ESY – Extended school year
- FAPE – Free appropriate public education
- FBA – Functional behavioral assessment
- FERPA – Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
- HI – Hearing impaired
- IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- IEP – Individualized education program
- LD – Learning disability (disabled)
- LRE – Least restrictive environment
- NCLB – No Child Left Behind
- NVLD – Nonverbal learning disability
- OCD – Obsessive compulsive disorder
- OHI – Other health impairment
- OI – Orthopedic impairment
- OT – Occupational therapy (therapist)
- PBS – Positive behavioral support
- PDD-NOS – Pervasive development disorder, not otherwise specified
- PT – Physical therapy (therapist)
- REACh – Responsive Education for All Children Initiative
- SDD – Significant developmental delay
- SL – Speech and language
- SLD – Specific learning disability
- SLP – Speech-language pathologist
- SPD – Sensory processing disorder
- TBI – Traumatic brain injury
- VI – Visual impairment
Using Special Education Abbreviations in Notes and Reports
Teachers will find it very convenient to use abbreviations for special needs terms when they are writing reports to colleagues. However, always use sensitivity and maintain the understanding that many other teachers, assistants, or administrators may not know what a particular acronym means. When using an acronym in a report or note, it is usually wise to include the expanded term at least once unless communications are done on a regular basis.
Another point to keep in mind is that any special education acronyms and terminology pertaining to school policies should not be used when communicating with parents verbally or in writing until they are more familiar with the system.
Acronyms and Labeling
Since acronyms are so easy to say and write, they tend to be overused, especially when describing a child with special needs. This can really become a problem, and therefore acronyms should be used sparingly when referring to anyone with disabilities. Telling a co-worker about an “ADD child” in the classroom may be construed as extremely insensitive and demeaning to the student.
Teachers and paraprofessionals will undoubtedly hear many special needs acronyms in school. The list of abbreviations used in the field of special education keeps growing, and it may take a long time to learn it all. The terminology above should be helpful start in understanding some of the special education acronyms that are frequently used.
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