L3.2 ASD

Question 1

what are the two main criteria needed to meet to be diagnosed with ASD?

Answer 1

• qualitative impairment in social communication and social interaction (deficits in non-verbal communication, language deficits, social emotional reciprocity)
• restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests and activities (stereotyped/repetitive, inflexibility/routine, restricted interest, sensory hyper/hypo responsiveness)

Question 2

what are the levels that relate to how much support the individual needs?

Answer 2

• level 1: requiring support (difficulty initiating social interactions), organisation and planning problems can hamper independence
• level 2: requiring substantial support (social interactions limited to narrow special interests, frequent restricted/repetitive behaviours)
• level 3: requiring very substantial support (severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills, great distress/difficulty changing actions or focus)

Question 3

what explains deficits in ASD?

Answer 3

• neurodiversity: normal expression of range of function

- cognitive function: theory of mind, executive function deficits, weak central coherence, predictive coding

Question 4

what is the impact of ASD on family routine?

Answer 4

• high structure, unpredictable, lack spontaneity, difficulty with community social participation
• demands of pacifying or occupying child
• attitudinal barriers
• self-care demands: poor sleep routines, mealtime difficulties

Question 5

what are the key components of effective early intervention programmes?

Answer 5

• autistic specific curriculum focusing on attention, compliance, imitation, language and social skills
• address need for highly supportive teaching environment, predictability and routine, specific strategy to promote generalisation of new skills
• adopt functional communication approach in addressing challenging behaviours
• support transitions
• ensure family members supported and engaged in collaborative partnership

Question 6

what are key techniques and strategies relating to ASD?

Answer 6

visual support, structured teaching and social narratives (see notes)