Autism Spectrum Disorder Adapted from Hallahan, D.P., J. M., & Pullen, P. C. (2012). Exceptional learners: An introduction to special education (12th ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Definition Based on American Psychiatric Association: DSM-V Development, in order to be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the individual must meet the following criteria:
1. Significant long-term deficits in social communication and interactions, as of following: a. Noticeable deficits in nonverbal and verbal communication used for social interaction; b. Deficiency in social mutuality (give-and-take); c. Failure to build and maintain peer relationships fitting to developmental level 2. Limited and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities of at least TWO of the following: a. Fixed motor or verbal behaviours or unusual sensory behaviour b. Extreme commitment to routines and ritualized patterns of a behaviour c. Limited and engrossed behaviour 3. Symptoms must be present in early childhood (but may not become fully manifested, until social demands exceed restricted capabilities).
Autism Spectrum Disorder Adapted from Hallahan, D.P., J. M., & Pullen, P. C. (2012). Exceptional learners: An introduction to special education (12th ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Prevalence Based on conservative global prevalence rate 1:167, it is estimated that there are 31, 036 persons with Autism in Singapore today (Department of Statistics Yearbook, 2011).
Causes There are no definitive answers to what causes Autism Spectrum Disorder even though there are many theories behind it.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Adapted from Hallahan, D.P., J. M., & Pullen, P. C. (2012). Exceptional learners: An introduction to special education (12th ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Psychological and Behavioral Characteristics: Impaired Social Interaction •
Do not respond normally to being picked up or cuddled.
•
May not show any differential response to parents, siblings or any other stranger.
•
May not smile in social situations.
•
Eye gaze often differs significantly from others and may avoid eye contact at times.
Impaired Communication •
Lacks the desire to communicate.
•
May show difference in communication
•
Unaware of listener’s reactions
Impaired Cognition •
Displays cognitive deficits similar to individuals with intellectual disabilities
•
May face difficulty in coding and categorisation of information
Autism Spectrum Disorder Adapted from Hallahan, D.P., J. M., & Pullen, P. C. (2012). Exceptional learners: An introduction to special education (12th ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Psychological and Behavioral Characteristics: Repetitive and Stereotyped Patterns of Behavior •
May exhibit movements repetitively such as twirling and flapping of hands
•
Shows excessive interests in objects or certain objects
•
May get upset by changes in the environment
Abnormal Sensory Perceptions •
Some may be overly sensitive to auditory, visual or tactile stimuli or unresponsive to it.
•
Some may experience neurological mixing of senses which results to a stimulation of another sensory.