Muscle tone – the state of contraction of a muscle.
Spasticity – a ‘catch’ or ‘jerk’ in a muscle, when a joint is moved quickly.
Hypertonia – high muscle tone, or muscles in an increased state of contraction, these muscles feel ‘stiff’, particularly during nappy changes or personal care.
Hypotonia – low muscle tone, or floppy joints and muscles. Children with hypotonia may have difficulty sitting up straight or holding their head up.
SMART goals – goals which are Specific, Measureable, Accurate, Realistic and Targeted.
Central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral nervous system – the nerves that leave the spinal cord and travel to the muscles and the rest of the body.
Neuromuscular – conditions and symptoms affecting the peripheral nervous system.
Neurological – conditions and symptoms affecting the central nervous system.
Makaton – a type of communication involving hand gestures, commonly used with children who have difficulty speaking, or before they learn to speak.
Eye Gaze – a communication device involving a tablet, where the user looks at a word, phrase or symbol with their eyes to communicate.