Core issues in Autism
Copyright © 2009
Contact
Tel : +2712 9934628
Fax : +2712 9934675
Email : afautism@iafrica.com
Made with Xara
•
Abnormal behaviour in social
situations – this may include
tantrums, inappropriate,
unpredictable or odd behaviour, display of
repetitive behaviours (e.g., handflapping,
spinning etc).
Deficits in social imagination
The ability to cognitively relate to others in the
social world is impaired.
This includes:
•
The ability to see the world from the
perspectives of others (Theory of Mind),
•
The understanding of the emotional and
social inner states of self and others, and
•
The ability to infer and understand changes
in the environment (based on abstract
indicators within that environment).
Commonly observed characteristics:
•
Limited range of interests and activities
•
Insistence on sameness, resistance to
changes
•
Rote, repetitive behaviours
•
Stereotyped and repetitive patterns of
movement and play.
CORE ISSUES IN AUTISM:
Deficits in language and communication
The development of speech and language (verbal and
non-verbal) is impaired, abnormal or even absent.
Profound deficits and differences are apparent in the
social use of language (e.g. in conversation).
Commonly observed characteristics:
•
No speech development
•
Echolalia – continual repetition of the same
speech fragments
•
Atypical tone of voice, atypical rhythm of speech
•
Little or no non-verbal communication – facial
expression, bodily gestures intended to convey
meaning,
•
May appear deaf or be unresponsive to verbal
and non-verbal input
Deficits in social interaction
“Autism indicates a primary disturbance in the
individual’s ability to relate to others”. Impairment in
social interaction and development is commonly
shown through atypical or abnormal behaviour.
Commonly observed characteristics:
•
Withdrawal from social situations, a preference
for solitude
Design by : Nobody Grahpic Design Studio
association for autism
Copyright © 2009
Contact
Tel : +2712 9934628
Fax : +2712 9934675
Email : afautism@iafrica.com
Made with Xara
CORE ISSUES IN AUTISM:
Deficits in language and communication
The development of speech and language (verbal and
non-verbal) is impaired, abnormal or even absent.
Profound deficits and differences are apparent in the
social use of language (e.g. in conversation).
Commonly observed characteristics:
•
No speech development
•
Echolalia – continual repetition of the same
speech fragments
•
Atypical tone of voice, atypical rhythm of speech
•
Little or no non-verbal communication – facial
expression, bodily gestures intended to convey
meaning,
•
May appear deaf or be unresponsive to verbal
and non-verbal input
Deficits in social interaction
“Autism indicates a primary disturbance in the
individual’s ability to relate to others”. Impairment in
social interaction and development is commonly
shown through atypical or abnormal behaviour.
Commonly observed characteristics:
•
Withdrawal from social situations, a preference
for solitude
