Special education and therapy come with a language all their own. Between IEPs, OT, LRE, and dozens of other letters, it can feel confusing fast. This cheat sheet is here to help you decode the most common terms you’ll hear in schools, clinics, and early intervention programs. It’s meant to help you feel confident, ask informed questions, and better advocate for your child.
We have made every effort to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication. However, occasional errors or omissions may occur. We encourages you to verify information independently and use your own discretion when accessing listed resources.
core education + legal terms
IDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The federal law that guarantees free appropriate public education (FAPE) and sets eligibility, evaluation, and planning rules for special education across the U.S., including Missouri.
FAPE
Free Appropriate Public Education
The right for every eligible child to receive special education and related services at public expense, tailored to their needs.
IEP
Individualized Education Program
A written, legally binding educational plan created for eligible students with disabilities that describes goals, services, and supports.
IFSP
Individualized Family Service Plan
Similar to an IEP but used for early intervention (typically birth through age 3) services under First Steps in Missouri.
504 Plan
Section 504 Accommodation Plan
A plan under federal disability civil rights law that gives eligible students accommodations (like extra time, seating changes, etc.), but isn’t the same as an IEP.
DESE
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Missouri’s state education agency that oversees public schools, special education compliance, and Early Childhood programs.
DMH
Department of Mental Health
Missouri’s state agency that provides services and support for people with mental health needs, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders, including funding, programs, and care coordination.
service + educational setting terms
ECSE
Early Childhood Special Education
Services designed for young children with developmental delays or disabilities before they enter kindergarten.
LRE
Least Restrictive Environment
A principle that students should be educated with their non-disabled peers as much as appropriate with supports, rather than segregated settings.
LEA
Local Education Agency
Your local school district — the entity responsible for providing or arranging special education services.
support + therapy acronyms
ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis
A therapy approach that focuses on teaching skills and reducing challenging behaviors through structured support and positive reinforcement.
OT
Occupational Therapy
Supports fine motor, sensory, and daily living skills in school and functional environments.
PT
Physical Therapy
Focuses on strength, mobility, balance, and gross motor skill support.
SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist / Therapy
Works on speech production, language, communication, and sometimes feeding/swallowing needs.
assessment + support
FBA
Functional Behavior Assessment
A process used to understand why behaviors occur in order to plan supportive strategies.
BIP
Behavior Intervention Plan
A support plan created (often after an FBA) to teach alternative behaviors and supports.
ESY
Extended School Year
Special education services provided beyond the regular school calendar for students who need it according to their IEP.
AAC Device
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device
A tool—like a tablet, speech-generating device, or picture board—that helps someone communicate if they have trouble speaking.
other common terms
APE
Adapted Physical Education
Physical education modified to meet a student’s needs.
ARFID
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
An eating disorder involving limited or avoided eating due to sensory issues, fear, or low interest—not body image.
ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
A range of neurodevelopmental differences affecting social communication and behavior.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
A neurodevelopmental condition often impacting attention, impulsivity, or activity level.
AuDHD
Autism + ADHD
A term used when someone is both autistic and has ADHD, with overlapping traits from both.
G‑Tube
Gastrostomy Tube
A tube that is surgically placed through the abdomen into the stomach to provide nutrition, fluids, or medications directly when a child has difficulty eating by mouth.
ID
Intellectual Disability
A disability characterized by below-average cognitive ability and adaptive functioning.
SPED
Special Education
Short for special education services or programs; used informally in many districts.
GLP
Gestalt Language Processing
A way some autistic or neurodivergent people naturally process and learn language by remembering whole phrases or “chunks” of language instead of individual words.