Plain-English terms families may see in letters, reports and meetings.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AAC | Augmentative and Alternative Communication, such as communication books, symbols, devices and apps. |
| Audiology | Service that checks hearing and helps with hearing support. |
| Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 who meet care/mobility criteria. | |
| Down's syndrome / Down syndrome | Genetic condition linked to extra chromosome 21 material. UK sources use both spellings. |
| DSMIG | Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group UK, a key source for medical surveillance guidance. |
| Education, Health and Care Plan; legal document setting out needs and provision in England. | |
| needs assessment | Assessment that may lead to an . |
| Expressive language | Ability to use words/signs/symbols to communicate thoughts and needs. |
| Hypotonia | Low muscle tone, common in Down's syndrome. |
| Makaton | A language programme using signs and symbols alongside speech. |
| Mosaic Down syndrome | A type where only some cells have extra chromosome 21 material. |
| Personal Independence Payment for people aged 16+ with qualifying daily living/mobility needs. | |
| Portage | Home-based early education support for young children with . |
| / | Speech and Language Therapy/Therapist. |
| Support | School support for special educational needs without an . |
| Special Educational Needs Coordinator in school/nursery. | |
| TAM/TL-DS | Transient Abnormal Myelopoiesis/Transient Leukaemia of Down Syndrome, a newborn blood condition needing medical follow-up. |
| Total communication | Using speech, signs, symbols, gestures, objects, visuals and AAC together. |
| Translocation | A type of Down syndrome where extra chromosome 21 material is attached to another chromosome. |
| Visual timetable | A visual sequence showing what is happening and what comes next. |