Glossary

This section currently focusses on commonly used abbreviations.

C

  • CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
    Sometimes referred to as CYPMHS (Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services).
    NHS services that assess and support children and young people with mental health and neurodevelopmental needs.

D

  • DSM – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
    A classification system published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). It’s mainly used in the United States to define and diagnose mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.

E

  • EHCP – Education, Health and Care Plan
    A legal document in England that outlines a child or young person’s support needs in education, health and care.

I

  • ICD – International Classification of Diseases
    A global classification system published by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is used in the UK and many other countries to guide diagnosis, healthcare planning and reporting.

L

  • LA – Local Authority

N

  • NHS – National Health Service
    The publicly funded healthcare system in the UK.
  • NEET – Nor in Education, Employment or Training
    A term used in policy and services to describe young people who are not currently in education, work or training.
  • NICE – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
    An organisation that provides national guidance on health and care in the UK.

P

  • PDA – Pathological Demand Avoidance / Persistent Drive for Autonomy
    A profile used to describe individuals (often autistic) who experience a strong need to resist or avoid everyday demands. The term ‘Persistent Drive for Autonomy’ is an informal alternative reflecting a more strengths-based perspective. PDA is not currently recognised as a separate diagnosis.

R

  • RSD – Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
    A non-clinical term describing intense emotional responses to perceived or actual rejection, criticism or failure. It is commonly discussed in relation to ADHD.

S

  • SEMH – Social, Emotional and Mental Health
    A category used in education to describe needs relating to emotional wellbeing, relationships and behaviour.
  • SEN / SEND – Special Educational Needs / Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
    Terms used in education to describe additional support needs.