Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder - A Guide for Staff

What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Overview

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are lifelong developmental disabilities. The word “spectrum” is an umbrella term used as the range and severity of the difficulties people with ASD experience vary widely. Some people are able to live relatively 'normal everyday' lives whilst others will require a lifetime of specialist support.

Asperger Syndrome is one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders. Asperger Syndrome is distinguished from the other Autism Spectrum Disorders in having no general delay in language or cognitive development

Picture of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Including Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett's Disorder.

Adapted from: http://www.lilmackids.org/autism-spectrum-disorders.htm

VIDEO - Understanding Autism

Causes

The exact cause of Autism is unknown.It is suggested to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors that causes an abnormality of the brain development and function.

Characteristics

The characteristics of ASD are distinguished by impairments in communication, social interaction, and the development of restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours.

Communication

literal interpretations e.g. if you say ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ a person with ASD may go outside to see if it is literally raining cats and dogs
wordiness
abrupt transitions from one topic to another
quirky speech
oddities in loudness, pitch, tone and rhythm

Social interaction

difficulty developing friendships or enjoying unstructured conversations with others
impaired non-verbal behaviours such as poor or sustained eye contact
odd facial expression

Interests and behaviours

narrow areas of interest
collect relatively large amounts of information on a narrow topic
stereotyped and repetitive behaviours e.g. hand movements such as flapping and complex whole body movements