Reference no: EM133987588

Explain the neurological, behavioural, and developmental characteristics of individuals with ASD.

1. Describe and categorize the behaviours of this individual in terms of the two core deficits: Social interaction and communication, and repetitive and stereotypical patterns of behavior.

2. Describe the process which the family might go through to receive the diagnosis and what benefit there might be for individuals to receive this formal diagnosis.

Tip: Imagine you are a professional who is given this limited information about a child and has been approached to discuss and explain how these characteristics fit an Autism diagnosis, as well as how a family might go about pursuing a diagnosis. This will give you experience with situations in which you might be asked these types of questions as a professional in this field. Put together your assignment with the sensitivity of knowing this child's parents will read this document and may not understand every term and be sure to use wording that is positive

Case Examples

1. Ben Loves Trains:

Ben is 2 1/2 and he loves trains. He is content to play with them alone for hours. Yet he doesn't seem to really understand that they are trains. He doesn't pretend to make them go on the track or have crashes or imagine what the cars are carrying or talk, as he plays alone. He just lines them up in the same way every time. He gets very upset if anyone rearranges his trains. Sometimes he carries a train around with him and rubs it against his chin or waves it in front of his eyes. He never brings a train to show his father, never points to the trains to show his sister. In fact, he completely ignores his sister. He doesn't talk to her, doesn't look at her no matter how hard she tries to be a good big sister. Ben doesn't talk at all, rarely looks at other people and rarely smiles. His mother suspects something is wrong, but her doctor told her Ben is probably just slow talking and will outgrow the other odd behaviour. He will be starting nursery school soon and his mother hopes that will turn him around (Perry and Condilac, 2003).

1. Clearly describes, with the use of examples, and categorizes behaviours into the two core areas

2. Clearly outlines a path that the family takes to receive a diagnosis.

3. Formulates an opinion on the benefits of receiving a diagnosis. Research is used to supplement arguments to support opinion.