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Unit 378 – Understand how to support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions

Understand the main characteristics of autistic spectrum conditions

1
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In order to work with an individual on the
autistic spectrum in a truly person centred way, we need to get to know the individual well
enough to recognise what their personal abilities, needs, strengths, gifts and interests are
...
Great discomfort, anxiety and confusion can be
caused to an individual on the autistic spectrum if their personal abilities, needs, strengths,
gifts and interests are not recognised and worked alongside due to a need for structure and
routine
...
2 Analyse the main diagnostic features of autistic spectrum conditions, commonly known
as the ‘triad of impairments’
People with autistic spectrum conditions are all as unique and individual as everyone else;
however, some of the difficulties which they face can be generalised into the following
categories:
- Social interaction
- Communication
- Activities and interests
This is commonly known as the triad of impairment
...
Symptoms of autistic spectrum conditions
surrounding communication include unusual or repetitive language, delayed language
development, lack of imaginative play and ability to 'pretend' and the inability to initiate or
sustain verbal communication
...
Some people on the autistic
spectrum may be extremely skilled in some non-social activities
...
3
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This is necessary in order for the individual to be fully
understood by those close to them and to have access to the appropriate support for them
...
There are many different symptoms which fall into the criteria for a diagnosis of a
condition on the autism spectrum, however each symptom affects each individual
differently
...
There are various sub-conditions included
in the autism spectrum which includes the main sub-group: Asperger Syndrome
...
There are no solid boundaries between 'typical autism' and other sub conditions such as
Asperger Syndrome which is why it is merged onto the autism spectrum in the new DSM
...
It often goes undiagnosed for a much longer period of time than classic autism
and is not normally noticeable until at least 3 years of age
...
Semantic-pragmatic disorder is sometimes seen purely as a language disorder as the
symptoms are failing or struggling to understand what is being said and using language
inappropriately in social situations, however semantic-pragmatic disorder is still on the
autism spectrum
...
Symptoms of pathological demand avoidance also include
socially inappropriate, sometimes aggressive behaviour and severe mood swings
...
4
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Many people with an autistic spectrum disorder are either
hypersensitive or hyposensitive in a minimum of one of their senses
...
An individual who is hyposensitive to touch might seek out firm
pressure from their surroundings which may display in the form of 'hitting out', it may cause
them to self harm in order to get a sensation from their body and they may have a very high
pain threshold
...
It is very
important that the people supporting the individual understand what sensory needs they
have, what situations to avoid and how best to support them if a situation which is likely to
cause the individual distress is unavoidable
...
5
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When an individual is diagnosed with an autistic
spectrum disorder and a co-existing condition, it is very important that those supporting the
individual are aware of the differences between the different conditions in order for the
individual to receive the appropriate support
...
Different studies give different definitions
of autism and learning disability, this makes it difficult to know what proportion of people
who have learning disability are also on the autism spectrum although after recent studies it
is estimated at around 20-33 percent
...
Abnormal electrical activity in the brain can cause a
temporary lack of consciousness, unusual movements or body convulsions which are known
as seizures
...
6
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Individuals with Asperger Syndrome
have average to above average IQ, this can be the case for an individual with classic autism
but not necessarily although if so they are likely to be described as having high functioning
autism
...
This may have contributed to the
common misconception that every individual with Asperger Syndrome is a 'genius'
...
Semantic
pragmatic disorder causes the individual to experience difficulties in understanding the
meaning of what is being said to them, it also causes them to be unable to use language
appropriately in social situations
...
Every person is different and despite their condition their ability to
understand language, use language in a social situation or have a below average, average or
above average IQ will be as individual as themselves
...
1
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Others are
diagnosed at a very early age due to being obviously different to other children and lots of
specialist support will be required for the individual and their family
...

An individual with an autistic spectrum condition is likely to find it hard to cope with certain

aspects of daily life in an everyday environment which will affect their quality of life and
those close to them
...


2
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Explain how autistic spectrum conditions can impact on individuals differently according
to factors such as their gender, ethnicity and social, cultural and religious environment
...
However due to recent
research it is beginning to seem likely that far more females than previously thought
actually have an autistic spectrum disorder
...
g
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There is growing evidence, both anecdotal and
research based, that autistic spectrum disorders present differently in females
...
It is likely that girls and women in the past
have been significantly under-diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders due to their
difficulties emerging in other ways, such as eating disorders, self harming and having a very
low self esteem
...
Individuals with autistic spectrum
disorders from black and minority ethnic communities face the threat of discrimination from
two fronts, their ethnicity and disability
...
The National Autistic Society recently
issued a report stating that this in 'unacceptable' and 'must be addressed with urgency'
...


2
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Explain how stereotyped views, discrimination and a lack of understanding of autistic
spectrum conditions can compound the difficulties already experienced by individuals and
their families
It is very important for individuals with autistic spectrum conditions and their families and
carers to understand the individual's condition as much as is possible
...
It is a lack of understanding of autism which leads to discrimination and

stereotyped views
...
The triad of impairments shows us that the three main
features of an autistic spectrum condition are issues around social interaction,
communication and activities and interests
...
It is likely that
they will find it even more difficult to understand other's reactions to them, be even less
likely to want to socialise, resent having to go to special classes or schools, feel self
conscious about their differences, feel resentful as to how others treat them, find it difficult
to compete for awards or qualifications, find it difficult to get into colleges of their choice,
find it difficult to find competitive employment, have fewer resources of support when they
reach adulthood and are sometimes unable to participate in religious, cultural, leisure
activities and recreational programs of their choosing
...
Caring for an individual with an autistic
spectrum condition can be stressful enough to deal with, with the added negative impact of
discrimination, stereotypical views and a lack of understanding of autism by others around
them it can become overwhelming for the family or carer, especially if the individual they
are caring for is also suffering with the effects of discrimination, stereotyping and lack of
understanding of autism
...
4
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When information about their
condition is provided to the individual it should be in very small amounts to begin with,
more information can be offered over time
...
If the individual has the mental capacity and has an interest in learning more
about their condition, books, videos and speaking to others with the same condition can
really help them to understand them self
...
Meeting other people with an autistic spectrum
condition has often been described as eye opening for someone coming to terms with their
own condition; information might be portrayed in a different way which they may find
easier to understand and seeing first hand that there are others very similar to themselves
can help the individual accept who they are
...
1
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The cause of autism is still unknown although many
researchers now say that it is likely there are many different causes as autism is such a
complex disorder
...
The genetics of autism are
extremely complex although many researchers now believe that more than one gene may
be implicated, different genes may be involved in different individuals and that the genes
may interact with each other or with environmental factors
...
Teratogens and pesticides have been seen to increase the risk of autism,
some believe folic acid could be another possible cause although this is yet to be
researched
...
A 2006 study found
that sustained exposure to ultrasound waves caused a small but statistically significant
number of neurons not to acquire their proper position
...
There was a
controversial study in 1998 involving 12 children who had autism and bowel symptoms, in
some cases reportedly with onset after MMR
...
This suggestion was not supported by the study or any scientific evidence
and has been heavily criticized, both on scientific grounds and for triggering a decline in
vaccination rates
...
The mirror neuron system (MNS) theory of autism hypothesizes
that distortion in the development of the mirror neuron system interferes with imitation
and leads to autism's core features of social impairment and communication difficulties
...
This may contribute to an individual's understanding of
other people by enabling the modelling of their behaviour by physically watching their
actions, intentions and emotions
...
A different theory shows the mirror neuron
system as an indirect route for long term planning and a direct route for mimicry and
hypothesizes that only the mirror route is impaired in autism
...
2
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3
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3
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3
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4
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Autism Rights Groups are
campaigning for a greater acceptance of autistic behaviours, therapies which teach autistic
individuals coping skills rather than therapies aimed at imitating the behaviours of
neurotypical people and a greater variety of social networks and events which allow autistic
people to socialise on their own terms; they also want the autistic community to be
recognised as a minority group
...
Some autistic activists
say that having an autistic spectrum disorder is like being born among people who speak a
different language and that autism can be compared to a culture
...
Aspies For Freedom state that many therapies for Autism are unethical as they
attempt to remove harmless autistic behaviours and see autism as a natural human
variation
...
5
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Most experts believe that there is no known cure for autism as stated
by the National Autistic Society, however many people still see autism as a disease and seek
a cure or treatment
...
)’ ‘Treatments’ such as hormone
injections, Electromagnetic Radiation and dietary changes such as removing gluten from the
diet are advertised on the internet as well as unproven and sometimes dangerous
treatments being sold
...
If it is not
possible to cure autism then surely the focus should be on improving support and
interventions for those with autism which could help them overcome some of their
problems related to autism
...

Despite all this, many people with an autistic spectrum condition feel that their condition is
just a part of who they are and that there is nothing wrong with that
...
Hitler had
those kinds of ideas about Jews and gay people
...
6
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This could lead to misunderstanding and significant problems in the
individual’s life, for example: an individual with autism has been bullied in main stream
school, his social worker has sorted out a place for him at a local college and has managed
to get him a grant to help him buy essential items for his flat
...
A support worker helps the individual decorate his flat and make it
comfortable for him, he also makes sure that the individual knows how to get to college and
is prepared for beginning classes there the following day
...
The support worker questions the individual about where
everything has gone and why he has not been to college, the individual says that he sold
everything he had bought with his social worker so that he could buy the computer and

games so that he can play all day if he wants
...
He also asks his support worker why he would need a bed or an oven
when he can just order takeaways and sleep on the floor
...
1
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2
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3
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The Act committed the government to create a strategy for adults with
autism which was published in March 2010
...
This guidance specifies certain things
which local authorities and the NHS have to do:
- provide autism awareness training for all health and social care staff and specialist training
for key staff such as GPs
- offer a community care assessment for all adults diagnosed with an autistic spectrum
condition
- develop a clear pathway to diagnosis and assessment for adults with autism

- take the views of people with autistic spectrum conditions and their carers into account
when developing services
- identify a lead professional to take responsibility for the development of services
No additional money for provided for the local councils and local NHS trusts to demonstrate
that they are taking measures to implement the statutory guidance although they were still
expected to do so
...
Unlike the English strategy it includes children with autistic
spectrum conditions and provides extra funding
...
Similar to the
Scottish Strategy it sets out a 10 year plan which includes people of all ages and provides
some additional funding
...


Understand how to achieve effective communication with individuals with an autistic
spectrum condition

5
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Give examples of how ‘challenging behaviour’ can be a way of expressing emotions
where there are communication differences
Everyone is different, including those with an autistic spectrum condition so it is misleading
to talk about ‘typical’ behaviours as really there is no such thing
...
Some behaviours listed as signs of autism are common among the general
population e
...
‘temper tantrums’, others tend to be more specific to those with an autistic
spectrum condition e
...
hand flapping
...
Everyone behaves in certain
ways for a reason, as do those with an autistic spectrum condition, the only difference is
that it may seem more difficult to understand why an individual with autism is behaving in a
certain way
...
Those with sensory issues may go into ‘meltdown’
or complete withdrawal when their senses are overloaded
...
g
...
g
...
g
...

‘Challenging behaviour’ can also be the result of confusion, e
...
if an individual with limited
understanding of verbal communication is given too much language to process and can only
understand key words
...
2
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g
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Visual
supports allow them to use their visual skills to process, remember and respond to
information
...
Anything can be used as a visual support
providing that it is meaningful for the individual e
...
objects of reference, photographs,
picture symbols/PECs, miniatures of real objects or written words
...
3
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Most people with autistic spectrum conditions have
difficulties with communication which can either be exacerbated or minimised by the way
other people communicate with them
...
If
possible study how someone who knows them well (e
...
a parent) communicates with
them
...
It
shows that you have an interest in the individual and the individual is likely to see this as a
less threatening form of communication than talking
...

- Demonstrate active listening skills
...

- Allow the individual time to process what you have said, do not repeat it or say something
different too quickly
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- Sit side-on to the individual if they are uncomfortable with eye contact
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- Be calm and still, do not use large gestures
...

- Be aware of aspects of your non verbal communication that the individual might find
difficult
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g
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- Choose the right time to communicate
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Understand how to support individuals with an autistic spectrum condition

6
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Explain why it is important to establish a person-centred plan catering to a individual’s
specific preferences and needs

People with an autistic spectrum condition have hugely varied and diverse needs and
require services completely customised to them in which their personal needs and
preferences are taken into account
...

For these reasons, tailoring the individual’s support is extremely important as is involving
the individual in their person-centred plan and support in ways that are meaningful to them
...


6
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Explain why consultation with families/parents/carers is important in person-centred
planning and support
Until the middle of the twentieth century, many children with an autistic spectrum
condition were sent to live in institutions due to autism being thought of as a variety of
mental deficiency
...
Other
people with autism live in a variety of supported living services or live independently and
may get married, live with a partner and have families of their own
...
However, most parents, families and informal carers can still play an
important role in person centred planning and support for the individual with an autistic
spectrum condition
...
Close family and carers will know the individual’s
history, what has worked well for them in the past and what hasn’t, how they will react in
certain situations and how best to support the individual to achieve realistic personal goals
...
3
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To choose the right technique, approach or intervention
for the individual with an autistic spectrum condition, their needs, age, abilities, preferences
and communication skills must be taken into account, as well as the training, skills and
experience of the person working with them
...

When planning or contributing to a programme of learning for someone with an autistic
spectrum condition, you should think about specific factors which might help the individual
to learn
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g
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4
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There are many ways in
which an individual’s environment can be altered to reduce sensory overload or increase
sensory stimulation
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It is important for a sensory assessment to carried out by a trained
person first
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6
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Explain ways of helping an individual with an autistic spectrum condition to protect
themselves from harm
People with autistic spectrum conditions may be very vulnerable to harm, as a victim of
crime, abuse and exploitation; or through violating the law without realising they were
doing something wrong
...
Therefore it is important to support the
individual to develop their understanding of social situations, the use of Social Stories may
be helpful in teaching the individual appropriate responses to specific social situations
...
It may

be necessary for a carer or family member to accompany the individual while out in the
community if there is believed to be a high risk of potential harm to the individual due to
their autistic spectrum condition
...
If the individual knows ways to reduce their own level
of anxiety and control their anger and frustration then it may reduce the likelihood of a
potentially harmful situation becoming out of control and causing harm to the individual
and possibly others
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6
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g
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The same goes for people with an autistic spectrum condition
and their families
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It is impossible to make generalisations apart from emphasising the fact that
everyone with an autistic spectrum condition will go through the same life stages as
everyone else
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6
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Describe the role that advocacy can play in the support of individuals with an autistic
spectrum condition
On the National Autistic Society’s website advocacy is defined as ‘a process of supporting
and enabling people to express their views, to access information and services, to find out
about options and make decisions, and to secure their rights’
...
Access to advocacy services and support is crucial for individuals
with autistic spectrum conditions due to their difficulties with social communication and
interaction
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It is very important that the advocate has an
awareness and understanding of autistic spectrum conditions and the willingness and
capacity to get to know the individual concerned

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