Autism Flashcards
What is autistic spectrum disorder?
Autistic Spectrum Disorder refers to a range of condition that are developmental disorders, including Asperger syndrome and autistic disorder
What is a way of defining autism?
A lifelong, developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them
What is mild autism?
Asperger syndrome
Does autism affect boys or girls more?
Boys
What is the ratio of boys to girls with Asperger syndrome worldwide?
10 boys to 1 girl
What is the ratio of boys to girls with autism worldwide?
4 boys to 1 girl
In every 1000 people, how many people have ASD?
6
What % of the population have severe autism?
0.2%
What does it mean when autistic people have a lack of empathy?
They find it hard to understand other people’s emotions
What does it mean when autistic people find it hard to show love or emotions?
They find it difficult to regulate and express emotions, including keeping control.
What does it mean when autistic people have difficulties in understanding people?
They find it difficult to interpret what others are thinking and difficulty in understanding that other people have thoughts different from them
Why do autistic people have problems building social relationships?
- They don’t respond to their name by nearly 2 years old and are late to babble
- They prefer to play alone as it is hard to interact with others due to lack of empathy and understanding
What communication issues to autistic people have?
- Lower than normal language ability
- They find it hard to recognise their own name, are late to babble and don’t use or understand body language
- Some have problems with reading, talking or both
What do autistic people find hard about communicating with other people?
- They often repeat phrases or use the same words a lot
- Echolalia - they may repeat exactly what they hear
- Their facial expressions may not match what they say
What repetitive behaviours to autistic people sometimes display?
- Low levels of imaginative thinking e.g lining up toys
- A preference for order and organisation e.g arranging objects, repeating sounds, rocking
- Obsessional behaviour - great knowledge in one particular area
What other characteristics may autistic people posses?
- Low IQ
- High ability in one special area - usually connected with systems
How is it difficult for autistic people to make friends?
They tend to live in their own worlds as they don’t understand the world’s of others. They focus their attention on objects rather than people.
What happens when autistic people do make friends?
They tend to revolve around a special interest, it helps reduce bullying
What differences in communication to autistic people show?
Some are fluent language users and some are mute
What is a key issue with communication for autistic people?
They see it as a means of broadcasting information rather than having a two way conversation
Why is non verbal communication unusual in autism?
They tend not to use eye contact and might not look at you at all or stare inappropriately. They have trouble using gestures.
