The Autistic Spectrum

1
The Autistic Spectrum An Introduction
Anja Rutten Senior Lecturer Psychology and
Counselling Staffordshire University
2
Autism
Some of the terms used to describe people on the
autistic spectrum Autism Autistic Spectrum
Disorders Autistic Spectrum Conditions Autism
Spectrum Disorders Autism Spectrum
Conditions Asperger syndrome Aspergers
Disorder High Functioning Autism Kanners
Autism Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not
Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
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The Autistic Spectrum
ASPERGER SYNDROME
Autism
Mild learning disability
Average I.Q.
Moderate learning disability
Above average I.Q
Severe learning disability
Extreme ability in some areas
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Prevalence

• Approximately 1110 on the autistic spectrum
• Increase? Improved diagnosis?
• More common than Downs syndrome or cerebral
  palsy
• Approx 80 high functioning some very high
  functioning
• 4 times as many men as women
• Cause unknown but is likely to contain genetic
  component
• Lifelong (but not an illness)

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The Triad of Impairment
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Impairment of communication

• Range of impairments
• Absence of any desire to communicate with others
• Communication confined to the expression of needs
  only
• Use language confidently but lack comprehension
• Dont forget non-verbal communication
• Eye contact
• Gesture
• Body language
• Facial expression
• Ability to communicate is linked to anxiety

7
Impairment of social interaction

• Impairments in forming and maintaining
  relationships
• Withdrawal
• Attempting to interact
• May be socially inappropriate
• Can come across as
• Aloof
• Passive
• Active but odd
• Over formal

8
Flexibility and imagination

• Difficulties with language
• Difficulties with making sense of the world
• Abnormal development of play
• Taking things literally
• Not being able to deal with change
• Unusual and obsessive interests

9
Sensory issues

• Many people also have sensory issues
• These may affect one, some or all senses
• Vision
• Hearing
• Touch
• Smell
• Taste
• They may manifest as
• Over-sensitivity
• Under-sensitivity
• Differences in perception

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Psychological theories

• Autism is a problem with reading other peoples
  minds
• The Theory of Mind explanation tries to account
  for social and communication difficulties
• People with Autism have difficulties in the part
  of the brain that acts like the Chief Executive
• The Executive Function deficits account tries to
  explain restricted interests and difficulties
  planning
• People with Autism have a different style of
  processing what happens around them that
• Weak Central Coherence theory tries to explain
  over-focus on detail

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Psychological theories
Autism is a form of extreme male brain - This
theory tries to explain why more men than women
are diagnosed with autism Autism is
caused by high levels of testosterone in the
womb - This theory looks at how hormones
influence brain structure No theory of autism
explains ALL elements
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How does autism affect people?

• It depends!
• Disability or difference
• Where on the spectrum
• Co-morbidities
• Quality and quantity of help available

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How does autism affect people?

• Uneven profile often present
• Intellectual vs social
• Verbal vs non-verbal
• Common issues
• Understanding (e.g. taking things literally)
• Motivational problems
• Behavioural problems
• Emotional problems
• Being overwhelmed by sensory experiences

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How to help someone with Autism

• Try to understand from the persons point of view
  its usually not personal
• Issues in autism relate back to Triad of
  Impairment
• Expressions are functional i.e. the behaviour
  is trying to achieve something
• Keep arousal levels low (for both of you!)
• Early intervention
• Consistency is vital say what you mean, mean
  what you say

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Further reading

• The internet is a source of good and some
  not-so-good information. The websites below have
  good quality information.
• www.autism.org.uk
• www.researchautism.net
• Some suggestions for further reading.
• Attwood, T. (2006). The Complete Guide to
  Asperger's Syndrome. London Jessica Kingsley.
• Baron-Cohen, S and Bolton, P (2002) Autism The
  Facts. Oxford Oxford University Press
• Beardon, L., Edmonds, G. (2007). ASPECT
  Consultancy Report A National Report on the
  Needs of Adults with Asperger Syndrome.
• Deudney, C., Shah, A. (2001). Mental Health and
  Asperger Syndrome - Information Sheet. London.
• Frith, U (2003) Autism Explaining the Enigma.
  Oxford Blackwell Publishing
• Ghaziuddin, M (2005) Mental Health Aspects of
  Autism and Asperger Syndrome. London Jessica
  Kingsley
• Stoddart, K. P. (Ed.). (2005). Children, Youth
  and Adults with Asperger Syndrome Integrating
  Multiple Perspectives. London Jessica Kingsley.