ASD - Description

Question 1

What is ASD?

Answer 1

A lifelong, developmental (symptoms are not noticeable at birth) learning difficulty which is often diagnosed in childhood

Question 2

How is ASD diagnosed?

Answer 2

By identifying deficits - obstacles to normal behavioural, cognitive and emotional functioning

Question 3

What DSM-5?
Categories?

Answer 3

The diagnosis system for autism
2 categories of symptoms:
1. Communication issues
2. Repetitive behaviours

Question 4

What are communication issues?

Answer 4

Social emotional reciprocity - people with ASD often struggle with the normal flow of a conversation. They often won’t initiate conversation and are less likely to respons to others attempts
Non-verbal communication - limited use of eye contact and ‘social smiling’. Can also have issues with proximity and may stand much too close to others
Developing and maintaining social relationships - often unable to empathise with others and struggle to understand social cues such as facial expressions so don’t modify their behaviour.

Question 5

What are repetitive behaviours?

Answer 5

Echolalia - repeating what others say
“Little professor syndrome” - language may be overly formal, precise and complex
Desire for routine - anxiety when changed occur to expected routine

Question 6

What does DSM-5 distinguish?

Answer 6

ASD diagnoses by severity along a spectrum:
Level 1 - requires support to help with social functioning
Level 2 - requires substantial support
Level 3 - required very substantial support
Doesn’t include aspergers syndrome