What do all of these abbreviations mean? The world of adoption and special needs can be very confusing when you don’t know the code. You can also unintentionally offend someone in the adoption triad by misusing the codes. Helping your special needs child can be challenging even when you know what all those abbreviations mean.

AA – African American
AA/CC - African American & Caucasian
ADD – Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
AIDS – Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
ARND – Alcohol Related Neurodevelopment Disorder
FASD – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
AS – Angelman Syndrome
AS – Asperger Syndrome
ASD – Autism spectrum disorder
ASL – American Sign Language
BF – Birth Father
BM – Bowel Movement- should NOT be used to abbreviate Birth Mother
BMOM- Preferred for Birth/first mother
BP – Birth Parents
BR – Biracial
BSD – Broad Spectrum Disorder
CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate Association
CC – Caucasian
CS – Cystic Fibrosis
CP – Cerebral Palsy
DHS – Department of Human Services
DS – Down Syndrome
FAE – Fetal Alcohol Effect
FAS – Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
FASD – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
FC - Foster Care
GAL – Guardian ad litem
GD – Global Disorder
GDD – Global Developmental Delays
GERD – Gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux disease
GP – Grandparent
G-Tube – Gastrostomy tube
HEP +/- – Whether the child or Birth Mother has the Hepatitis Virus or not
HIV – Human immunodeficiency virus
HS – Home Study
IBP – Individual Behavior Plan
ICAMA – Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance
ICPC – Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
ICWA – Indian Child Welfare Act
IEP – Individualized Educational Plan
IEP – Interethnic Placement provisions
INS – Acronym for U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
LD – Learning disabilities
LDS – Latter Day Saints
LTP – Long Term Partner
MD – Muscular Dystrophy
MEPA – Acronym for Multi-Ethnic Placement Act of 1994
MGP – Maternal grandparent
MR – Mentally Retarded
NB – New Born
OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
ODD – Oppositional defiant disorder
OI – Osteogenesis Imperfecta
OSAHS - Obstructive Sleep Apnea/hypopnea Syndrome
OT – Occupational Therapy
PAD – Passive Aggressive Disorder
PAP – Potential or prospective Adoptive Parents
PDD – Pervasive Development Disorder
PECS – Picture Exchange Communication System
PGP – Paternal grandparent
PT – Physical Therapy
PTSD – Post traumatic stress Disorder
RAD – Reactive Attachment Disorder
SCID – Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease
SN – Special Needs
SSI – Supplemental Security Income
ST – Speech Therapy
TB – Tuberculosis
TPR – Termination of Parental Rights
504c – Individual School Plan based on Medical Diagnosis

Did I forget something that you’d like me to add or misuse something. Please contact me.

Texas website about disabilities
California Website about disabilities
Read more on Common Terms used in the Adoption Community
What is FAS or FAE
Adoption 101: Terminology
Hoping to adopt?
Read more about foster care adoptions.
Read more on older child adoption
Read more about Transracial/Transcultural Adoption Blog
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