Lecture on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) refer to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

The developmental profile used to diagnose ASD includes observing a child's social interaction skills (like making friends and understanding social cues), communication skills (understanding and expressing language), and repetitive behaviors (stimming or following routines).

The term "spectrum" highlights the wide variety of presentations of ASD. Individuals with ASD can have different strengths and challenges across the spectrum. Some may have milder challenges, while others may face more significant difficulties. This makes understanding individual needs crucial.

Speech, language, and communication difficulties are common in people with ASD. These difficulties range from subtle challenges in understanding social cues and complex language to more significant impairments in verbal communication.

There are ongoing discussions about various developmental disorders related to ASD, and the concept of neurodiversity is gaining traction. This acknowledges that differences in brain structure and function are natural and can be strengths. It promotes acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity.

A difficulty with understanding and responding to social cues and behaviours, like facial expressions or body language.

People with ASD might have difficulty initiating conversations, forming friendships, or engaging in shared social activities.

A person with ASD might have unusual gaze patterns, body postures, or use gestures in a non-typical way.

People with ASD may not easily understand or respond to emotional cues from others, which can lead to difficulties building relationships.

Individuals with ASD may avoid social situations or feel isolated from others due to their challenges with social communication.

A lack of imagination and flexibility in thinking and behaviour, often seen in play.

People with ASD may not use language as a primary way to communicate or may use it differently.

Individuals with ASD may find it difficult to adjust to sensory experiences and may have heightened sensitivities.

The increase in autism diagnoses is not due to a rise in the number of autistic people, but rather a greater understanding and identification of autism across the population.

Autism is a spectrum, meaning there's a wide range of severity and characteristics. No two autistic individuals are exactly alike.

The concept of 'functioning' in autism is not fixed and can change based on factors like time, environment, and individual efforts.

Each autistic individual has a unique set of strengths and challenges. Understanding this profile helps tailor support and intervention.

This outdated model focused on social, communication, and imaginative impairments to diagnose autism. It's still useful for understanding the core challenges faced by many autistic individuals.

One of the three parts of the outdated 'Triad of Impairment' in ASD, this refers to difficulties with social interaction and development.

One of the three parts of the outdated 'Triad of Impairment' in ASD, this refers to difficulties with communication, including verbal and nonverbal communication.

The Triad of Impairment in ASD originally included this category, focusing on difficulties with imagination, play, and symbolic thinking. It's important to note that these are not universally present in autism.

A condition that was previously recognized as distinct from autism but is now considered part of the autism spectrum.

A term used to describe autistic individuals with strong communication skills and normal or above-average intelligence.

A term used to describe autistic individuals who have some of the characteristics of autism, but do not meet the criteria for a full diagnosis.

A type of speech pattern in which language is used in a formal, literal, and sometimes unusual manner.

A condition characterized by difficulty with social interaction, limited interests, and repetitive behaviors.

The idea that autism is a spectrum of disorders, meaning that the severity and presentation of symptoms can vary widely.

A condition that is officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).

A condition that is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and is no longer formally diagnosed.

Repeating words or phrases spoken by others, even if they don't make sense. It's often seen in young children with autism, but can also appear in people with other conditions.

Carrying on with a behavior or activity even when it's no longer appropriate. It's like getting stuck on a certain thought or action.

Using language in unusual ways, such as making up words or using words in a very specific and unique way. It's not just using incorrect grammar, it's a different system of language altogether.

Invented words or unusual expressions that only the individual understands. It's often seen in people with autism who have difficulty with language development

When someone uses the wrong pronouns, like saying 'I' when they mean 'you'. It's often seen in people with autism, but can also appear in people with other conditions.

This refers to the ability to understand language in a deeper way including implied meaning, sarcasm, and symbolic language. Problems in this area are common in autism.

When someone has a strong, unwavering interest in a particular topic that may seem unusual to others. This interest is often accompanied by a deep knowledge of the topic and detailed information.

ASD is a spectrum, meaning it affects people differently. There are many possible combinations of symptoms and challenges, and the severity can vary greatly between people. Some may have severe challenges in communication, while others may have milder challenges and be more able to communicate.

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. May also include sensory sensitivities.

A neurodevelopmental disorder involving persistent inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, impacting daily functioning.

A range of conditions affecting cognitive abilities, including reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. May impact academic performance and daily living.

A neurodevelopmental disorder primarily affecting language development, impacting understanding and expression.

A medical term used to describe a range of conditions impacting brain development, often resulting in challenges with learning, behavior, and social skills. It is believed to be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

A social model of disability that emphasizes the strengths and unique ways of thinking of people with neurodevelopmental conditions, rather than focusing on deficits.

The practice of providing support and accommodations to individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions to help them thrive in their environments, considering their unique needs and strengths.