Autism

Autism

Definition and Symptoms

• Autism is a developmental condition characterised by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours.
• Symptoms are usually noticeable within the first two years of life. This period is often referred to as the “critical period” in autism research.
• Individuals with autism may also have varied sensitivity to sensory input, like sound or touch.

Theories and Models

• The Theory of Mind postulates that autistic individuals have difficulty understanding others’ mental states.
• The Executive Dysfunction model suggests that autism is linked to problems with high-level tasks like planning, flexibility, and inhibition.
• The Central Coherence Theory argues that individuals with autism focus on minute details, rather than understanding the context or the whole.

Treatments and Interventions

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) teaches social and other skills through a system of rewards and supports.
• TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children) uses visually structured environments to support the learning and development of autistic children.

Socio-Cultural Factors

• Autism is not restricted to a particular culture or social group, but interpretation and treatment of it can be influenced by cultural norms and beliefs.
• Factors such as access to healthcare, awareness of autism, and cultural perceptions of disability can affect diagnosis and support rates across different cultures.