Glossary A

Autonomy refers to the ability to function independently without control by others. "Function" includes actions, decisions and behaviour.

Autonomy support refer to parental attempts to foster individuality and self -determination by encouraging children to express their viewpoints, participate in family decisions that affect them, and to have some say in how they will comply with parental demands and directives.
Autonomy versus shame and doubt refers to the stage when infants develop autonomy or shame depending on the way parents react to their expression of will and their wish to do things for themselves.

Autoplastic adaptation refers to that form of adjustment which results from changes within an individual.

Autopoietic system refers to autonomous, self -producing systems with self-defined boundaries.

Autoreceptor refers to presynaptic receptor that is stimulated by the neurotransmitter released by the presynaptic cell itself, feeding back to decrease further release of the transmitter

Autoregulation refers to mechanism by which an organ regulates blood flow to match the metabolic rate.