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Questions
And Answers
1.
What is autism ?
Autism is a life-long
developmental disability that affects the individuals understanding
of what he/she sees, hears and senses; this results in problems of social
relationships, communication, and behaviour. It is generally accepted that autism is an organic
brain disorder.
2. What causes
autism ?
The cause or causes
of autism are, as yet, unknown. No factors in the childs psychological
or family environment causes autism.
3. What are the
characteristics of autism ?
The degree of severity
of characteristics differs from person to person, but usually includes disturbances in the following:
COMMUNICATION
- delay or absence in
language development
- difficulties understanding
speech
- difficulties using
language
- difficulties understanding
and using gestures
SOCIAL INTERACTION
Difficulties with the
following:
- understanding relationships
- relating to others,
may appear to "tune out"
- maintaining eye contact
- forming friendships
- understanding other
peoples thoughts and feelings
- co-operative play
INCONSISTENT
SENSORY RESPONSES
- may appear to be deaf
- may appear to have
selective hearing
- may use peripheral
vision
- may show extreme
fear reaction
- apparent insensitivity
to pain
- may show lack of
responsiveness to cold or heat
- may over react to
any of these
INTELLECTUAL
FUNCTIONING
- uneven pattern of
skills
- some things may be
done quite well in relation to overall functioning
e.g. memorising dates, numbers, advertising jingles
- the majority of people
with autism have varying degrees of intellectual
disability
ACTIVITIES AND
INTERESTS
- restricted range of
activities and interests
- unusual repetitive
body movements e.g hand flicking, spinning or rocking, walking
on tip toe, rigidity in routines, smelling food before eating,
resistance to and difficulty with food textures
- obsessive and ritualistic
behaviour e.g. peeling paint/wallpaper adapting to change
PLAY
- lack
of imaginative play e.g. make believe games
- play inappropriate
to function of the toy e.g. spinning wheels, lining up textas
- may have difficulty
learning through imitation
4. How can people
with Autism be helped ?
Behavioural methods
are helpful enhancing development
in social language, self-help, co-operation and other basic skills.
Special education approaches with firmly controlled, consistent,
predictable and organised routines can help most children make gains
in learning.
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Design: ICBM Digital Media
http://www.icbm.com.au
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