characteristics of autism

Question 1

how is ASD diagnosed?

Answer 1

DSM-5 to broad categories to make a diagnoses of ASD

Question 2

what do communication issues prevent?

Answer 2

prevent the person with ASD from interacting effectively.

Question 3

lack social emotional reciprocity?

Answer 3

back and forth of everyday communication – often missing in ASD. ASD do not begin convos. Attempt? socially inappropriate.
Issues with Non-Verbal Communication – Crucial in maintaining social interactions. Rarely use eye contact and social smiling. Facial expressions, gestures limited/inappropriately exaggerated, issues with body posture, different tone of voice.

Question 4

problems developing and maintaining relationships?

Answer 4

ASD lack theory of mind. It is difficult to understand that other people have their own minds – trouble seeing the world from the perspective of others. It is difficult to change their behaviour in social situations as they are unaware of the social rules. May express emotions inappropriately. Fail to pick up on social cues when a social rule has been broken. Do not initiate friendships of play cooperatively.

Question 5

repetitive behaviour patterns?

Answer 5

ASD use language in unusual ways like repeating what they just heard echolalia). Overly formal, complex and very precise ‘little professor syndrome’ by Asperger. Repetitive movements, use objectives in repetitive ways.

Question 6

desire for routines/rituals?

Answer 6

stick to routines like playing with toys in step by step. Verbal rituals – speak using particular words. Overreact to changes become distressed – distressed if call interprets bed time routine.

Question 7

restricted/fixated interests?

Answer 7

obsessive interest with a particular object. May show savant behaviour – demonstrate knowledge far beyond neurotypical individuals.

Question 8

unusual reactions to sensory input?

Answer 8

respond negatively to physical touch, smell objects, not used to a noise – distressed.