Autism

ASD

Autism Autism Spectrum Spectrum Disorder Disorder

Reviewed by “Nahory H. Mancilla” International Organisation of Psychology and Education

Autism Spectrum Disorder

The essential features of ASD are persistent impairment in reciprocal social communication and social interaction.

Restrictive, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. However it is important to mention that not all people diagnosed with ASD have always exhibited only the latter symptoms, hence making the disorder harder to identify by the main carer, parents or at school.

It is highly recommendable to obtain a diagnosis based on multiple sources of information such as a clinician’s observations, caregiver history, close relatives, teachers or people who work with the child.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Symptoms are present from early childhood. Nevertheless, some people may not notice the symptoms during the first two years of life; as children grow and develop differently, the symptoms become more noticeable. Furthermore, the previously mentioned symptoms limit or impair everyday functioning.

The stage at which functional impairment becomes obvious will vary according to characteristics of the individual and his or her environment.

Note: Individuals with a well-established DSMIV diagnosis of autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) should be given the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Individuals who have marked deficits on social communication, but whose symptoms do not otherwise meet criteria of autism spectrum disorder, should be evaluated for social (pragmatic) communication disorder (DSM-V).

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Manifestations of the disorder also vary greatly depending on the severity of the autistic condition, developments, level, and chronological age; hence the term spectrum.

The level could vary, the DSM-V has a very useful table which will help you to understand if very substantial support/ substantial support/support is required; and in which area(s).

Intellectual and language impairment should also be recorded and specified.

Bear in mind that ASD could come with other challenging difficulties such as Sensory Processing Disorder, catatonia, social communication disorder, amongst others, that .

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

If you wish to inform yourself more, please let us know, we can send you videos, links and plenty of literature where you can find very useful information.

Alternatively if you wish to help your school/company to raise “Autism Awareness” we can arrange a plan which will meet every requirement you specify.

The plan could include, but it’s not limited to: Visual examplesconference with demonstrations (cases with videos and/or literature); training, supervisions, a visit to your facilities to rearrange a special space, room, or den for children/teenagers/ adults with autism, case review (observations required).

Contact us to let us know about your requirements, we are here to help you and your family.

Illustrations: Vanessa Martínez

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

For more information call us: INOPSYE- INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION OF PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION Ltd. Company Number: 9722079 West Sussex Office: Suite 9, Unit F2 Sussex Manor Business Park Gatwick Road Crawley West Sussex RH10 9NH Tel: 01342 529 383 Psychology Department Nahory Gadd nahory@inopsye.co.uk General enquiries: info@inopsye.co.uk References: DPSYE Nahory Gadd DSM-V, Fifth Edition, ISBN 978-0-89042-555 8

Illustrations: Vanessa Martínez