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4. Characteristics of Autism
7. COMMUNICATION May have difficulties:
* Understanding what they hear
* Comprehending simple language * Using appropriate language
Grammar/pronoun confusion
Using “made up expressions”
Idiosyncratic language
Verbal rituals
* Modulating voice- loudness/softness
8. Communication, (cont.) May have difficulties with:
* Direct gaze
* Reciprocal gaze
* Abstract, vague concepts
* Teasing
* Tend to be very literal
40-45% of students with autism are nonverbal
9. SOCIAL May have difficulties:
Understanding social gestures
Making/maintaining eye contact
Showing and directing
Social smile (reciprocal)
Ability to judge social situations
Making friends
Reading nonverbal cues
10. BEHAVIOR May display:
Unusual preoccupations
Repetitive use of objects
Compulsions/rituals
Hand/finger mannerisms
Body movements
Unusual sensory interests/input
Self-stimulatory behavior
Self-injurious behavior
Special skills
11. Miscellaneous Characteristics 1/4 to 1/3 have epilepsy
4 out of 5 will be boys
Girls usually have more severe characteristics
Same incident rate in all countries, races, socio-economic status
May have poor motor skills
12. Characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome
13. Common difficulties include: Perseveration on specific topics of interest
Insistence on sameness/difficulty with changes in routine
Inability to make friends
Difficulty with reciprocal conversations
Pedantic speech
Socially naďve and literal thinkers
Poor coping strategies
Restricted range of interest
14. Difficulties, (cont.) Tend to be reclusive
Difficulty being in large groups
Difficulties with abstract concepts
Problem-solving abilities tend to be poor
Vocabulary will sound great; but overall comprehension is poor
Low frustration tolerance
Emotional vulnerability