Special Care Counselor

20 Scpecial Care Counseling terms

My name is Natalia, I am currently studying at the Cegep de Sherbrooke in Special Care Counseling. I am at my fourth semester in this programme. This glossary will be for me and everyone hwo is interested in understanding better and learning more about this program.

adaptation
verb
Adaptation is the therapeutic process of supporting individuals in modifying their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns to effectively cope with new environments, health conditions, or life transitions. It involves fostering resilience and practical, actionable changes to maintain quality of life while navigating, for example, a new culture or disability.
Example: Using the adaptation in the interventions allows the care couselors to meet the specific needs of the person being supported in order to promote their autonomy and well-being.
en: adaptation
adhd
noun
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent, chronic patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms typically begin in childhood, though they often persist into adulthood, affecting work, school, and relationships. It is managed with treatment, not cured.
Example: As mentioned previously premature infants can demonstrate behavioural difficulties such as ADHD, however Magill-Evans et al (2002) state that non-verbal learning disabilities are not identified until higher grades, suggesting that 10;0 may even be too young for a parent to recognise that their child suffers from them (:52). 2.12 Limitations of the literature.
en: tdah (trouble déficit de l'attention avec ou sans hyperactivité)
alzheimer
noun
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, irreversible neurodegenerative brain disorder that destroys memory, thinking skills, and eventually the ability to perform simple tasks.
Example: Consequently, almost all people with Down's syndrome over age forty develop ALZHEIMER's disease (Cutler N & Sramek 1996).
en: alzheimer
autism
noun
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting brain development, characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. As a "spectrum," it features a wide range of strengths and support needs, with symptoms appearing in early childhood.
Example: One possible reason causing a child to be unpopular may be due to them having an autistic spectrum disorder (Hobson, 1995). Unfortunately many of the characteristics displayed by unpopular children are also displayed by children suffering from an autistic spectrum disorder such as AUTISM or Asberger's Syndrome.
en: autisme
behavior
noun
The observable response or reaction of an organism, an individual, or a system to a situation.
Example: In order to recognize and remember characteristics of various people, the robot must be able to identify people and link relative information, for instance, people's past BEHAVIOR, beliefs, habits, etc.
en: comportement
classroom management
noun
Classroom management is the wide range of skills, techniques, and strategies teachers use to ensure a well-organized, productive, and respectful learning environment. It involves establishing clear rules, routines, and expectations to minimize disruption, maximize instructional time, and support student engagement, fostering a safe and positive atmosphere.
en: gestion de classe
cognitive stimulation
noun phrase
Cognitive stimulation is a form of non-pharmacological "mental exercise" designed to improve or maintain brain function, particularly memory, attention, language, and problem-solving skills, primarily in individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia or Alzheimer's.
en: stimulation cognitive
deescalation
noun
Reduction of the intensity of a conflict or potentially violent situation.
en: dé-escalation
extrinsic motivation
noun
Extrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity, behavior, or task to earn a tangible reward or avoid punishment, rather than for personal enjoyment or internal satisfaction. It is triggered by external factors like money, grades, praise, fame, or pressure. Common examples include working a job for a paycheck, studying to get an 'A', or following rules to avoid a penalty.
Example: Trust is unlikely to increase as a result of employing EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION techniques, and so therefore from a social point of view EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION is unlikely to address the root of the issues.
en: motivation extrinsèque
intellectual disability
noun
Intellectual disability (ID) is a developmental condition characterized by significant limitations in cognitive functioning (learning, reasoning, problem-solving) and adaptive behavior (conceptual, social, and practical daily life skills).
en: déficience intellectuel
intervention plan
noun phrase
An intervention plan is a structured, written action plan designed by professionals (e.g., educators, social workers) in collaboration with clients or parents to address specific academic, behavioral, or health-related needs. It identifies goals, outlines targeted strategies, and establishes methods to monitor progress to foster improvement or change.
Example: Also the initial assessment and goal setting process can be long, as time must be spent helping the client to understand their problems and working together to devise an INTERVENTION PLAN owned by them.
en: plan d'intervention
intrinsic motivation
noun
Intrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake—because it is personally rewarding, interesting, or enjoyable—rather than for external rewards, praise, or pressure. It stems from internal satisfaction, curiosity, or a sense of purpose, leading to higher engagement, better performance, and enhanced well-being.
Example: McClelland's theory is interesting as it advocates INTRINSIC MOTIVATION and job design techniques, however is more interactionist than the other content theories as it suggests that needs may be acquired over time, through things such as education and experience.
en: motivation intrinsèque
pictogram
noun
A pictogram (also pictogram, pictograph, or simply picto) is a graphic symbol that conveys meaning through its visual resemblance to a physical object. Pictograms are used in systems of writing and visual communication.
en: pictogramme
pictogram shows that something is good
positive approach
noun phrase
A positive approach is a proactive mindset focused on solutions, optimism, and identifying the good in situations, rather than dwelling on problems or limitations. It involves fostering resilience, managing emotions constructively, and maintaining a hopeful, action-oriented perspective to improve mental health, reduce stress, and overcome challenges.
Example: After his initial Montgomery reluctance, King knew that he was in this movement for the long run and took on a more POSITIVE APPROACH.
en: approche positive
positive reinforcement
noun phrase
Positive reinforcement is a behavioral psychology technique used to increase the frequency of a desired behavior by adding a pleasant stimulus, reward, or positive consequence immediately following that action. It is based on the principle that behaviors followed by rewards are more likely to be repeated.
Example: Operant conditioning states that all behaviour is a result of learning, of POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT, negative reinforcement and punishment.
en: renforcement positif
preventive intervention
noun phrase
A preventive intervention is a proactive action, program, or policy designed to reduce the incidence of diseases, injuries, or social problems before they occur. These evidence-based measures target individuals or populations to decrease risk factors and enhance protective factors, aiming to promote health and well-being.
en: intervention de prévention
self-determination
noun
We have choice in determining how our lives are governed and our development paths. We participate in decisions that affect our lives. This includes a right to formal recognition of our group identities.
Example: Communitarians advocate communal SELF-DETERMINATION, arguing that the community is prior to the individual because it does not have ephemeral nature and it embodies the wisdom of centuries.
en: autodétermination
self-regulation
noun
The process by which individuals monitor and control their attention, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to achieve goals and adapt to changing circumstances.
Example: The weight of criticism of the legal profession is rooted in the concept of 'SELF-REGULATION.
en: autorégulation
social skills
noun
Social skills are the tools—including verbal, nonverbal, and emotional abilities—used to communicate, interact, and build relationships with others effectively and harmoniously. These learned behaviors enable individuals to read social cues, empathize, manage conflicts, and navigate social situations in both personal and professional settings.
Example: This reduces the child's opportunities for interaction and the development of SOCIAL SKILLS.
en: habiletés sociales
structured routine
noun phrase
A structured routine is a, systematic, consistent, and organized framework of daily activities designed to increase efficiency, reduce decision fatigue, and promote stability. By defining specific times or sequences for tasks—such as work, sleep, and self-care—it creates a predictable, manageable daily schedule that fosters productivity and reduces stress.
en: routine structurée