autistic spectrum conditions Essay

1) explain why it is important to recognise that each individual on the autistic spectrum has their own individual abilities, needs, strengths, preferences and interests

Autism has a range of diagnostic criteria. This was described by Wing and Gould (1979) as the Triad of Impairments. The triad consists of:

Autism spectrum disorder is a general term for the complex neurological diseases that affect brain development. The common characteristics of the disease are difficulties in social interactions, speech communication and repetitive sounds and movements. In May of 2013, the DSM-5 diagnostic manual placed all autism disorders under one umbrella known as ASD or autism spectrum disorders. This merged all of the sub-types like Asperger syndrome, autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (autism speaks, 2014). Common characteristics of autism are intellectual disability, challenges in motor coordination, attention span

Understand how autistic spectrum conditions can impact on the lives of individuals and those around them.

These four key characteristics can also tie into other symptoms like failure to hold conversations, and even involved in unusual play patterns. Autism in its rarest form is known as a “spectrum disorder” because the range of symptoms can be from autism in its mildest form with few symptoms to autism in its worst form with several different symptoms in different areas of the child’s motor skills. Looking at the early signs of autism some key characteristics in young children is they tend to stray away and a great example in the Dallas news is a 5 year old autistic child was found unconscious in a hot car. The story was a young child strayed away from his family and locked himself in his mother’s car which later ended up with the child passing away. One key sign of autism is the inability to acknowledge that they are doing wrong and/or warning people of their actions which in this story sadly ended badly. Another sign of early detection is when a child becomes limp or stiff when being held or needing help which is the popular sign in many children with early stages of Autism. The reason why early detection is so hard is become in infancy; most symptoms go unnoticed with parents and doctors until the age of two or three where it is very clear, something

Behavioural characteristics associated with autistic spectrum conditions are inappropriate eye contact, repetitive movement, stiffened motor control and literal interpretation. Individuals may exhibit such behaviours because they feel ‘safe’ when carrying out the repetitive movement and have a lack of social awareness so make inappropriate eye contact and may be very stiff in themselves because they lack a means of expressing themselves comfortably. They may also become highly stressed if routine is disrupted or sense are overloaded. If

1.2 Analyse the main diagnostic features of autistic spectrum conditions commonly known as ‘triad of impairments’...

The effects of autism on communication are extremely varied. Most individuals do not have any trouble with pronunciation. The problems lie in using language effectively. Common problems are lack of eye contact, poor attention, being able to point objects to others, and difficulty with the 'give and take' in normal conversation. Some individuals sometimes use language in unusual ways, retaining features of earlier

Waltz (2002) stated, “Autistic spectrum disorders are a medical puzzle. Although the symptoms can be seen, they are hard to define medically or treat. (p.1)

1. Understand the areas in which individuals with an autistic spectrum condition characteristically have difficulties

There is a range of conditions to be found within the spectrum which can also be seen as a continuum. The labels which are attached to certain parts of the spectrum are a guide, but do not indicate clear cut boundaries between one condition and another. One form of autism seems to blend into another, and sometimes it can be unclear where an individual stands. Nor does it greatly matter, provided enough is understood to ensure that the person receives all the necessary and appropriate support. Some of the key conditions on the autistic spectrum are:

Autism is the main form of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism is a developmental disorder that is manifested in problems with communication, impairment of social functioning, and repetitive behaviours. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), ASD diagnoses must meet four different areas of criteria. There are three symptoms of "deficits in social communication and interaction across contexts," four symptoms of "restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities," "symptoms must be present in early childhood," and the symptoms must "together limit and impair everyday functioning" (Carpenter, 2013). There are many theoretical positions on the causes of autism spectrum disorders. Some of which have been discounted by empirical studies that have been researched and performed.

Outline the condition of autism according to the triad of impairments and sensory issues, and briefly

Children with autism usually play alone. Often they engage in repetitious activities, such as arranging objects in meaningless patterns, flipping a light switch on and off, or staring at rotating objects. Some engage in repetitious body movements, such as spinning, flapping their arms, swaying, rocking, snapping their fingers, and clapping or flapping their hands. In some cases these movements may be harmful, involving repeated biting of their wrists or banging their head. Children with autism frequently become upset at minor changes in their surroundings and daily routines.

The National Centre for Learning Disabilities says that dyslexia is a neurological and often genetic condition, and not the result of poor teaching, instruction or upbringing. Dyslexia is a specific reading disability due to a defect in the brain's processing of graphic symbols according to the MNT Knowledge Centre. It is a learning disability that alters the way the brain processes written material. It is typically characterized by difficulties in word recognition, spelling and decoding. People with dyslexia have problems with reading comprehension.