Autism Spectrum Disorder

This video takes you to a great site where you can learn more about ASD in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Watch: Autism-Takiwātanga Videos

The Autism-Takiwātanga site has a range of videos and animations, including children's voices about their experience of the autism spectrum.

Pre-watch question

What comes to your mind when you think about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? What questions do you have about it?

Access the videos here: Autism-Takiwātanga Videos.

Post-watch task

1. Choose at least four videos from the available selection.  
2. While watching the videos, make notes on the following aspects to better understand what it's like to have ASD:
   1. Symptoms: Write down the specific behaviours and signs that the individuals in the videos exhibit which are indicative of ASD.
   2. Characteristics: Note any distinctive traits or characteristics shown by individuals with ASD, such as communication styles, sensory sensitivities, or social interactions.
      1. (Note - 'symptoms' are the things we look for to identify ASD, while 'characteristics' are the special qualities and ways of doing things that people with ASD have.)
   3. Challenges: Identify the challenges faced by individuals with ASD as portrayed in the videos, whether in daily life, relationships, or school.
   4. Strengths: Find any strengths or unique qualities displayed by individuals with ASD that stand out in the videos.
   5. Experiences: Document personal anecdotes or stories shared by those with ASD that give insights into their experiences and perspectives.
3. Summarise your notes and be prepared to discuss what you've learned with the group.
   Note – If you want to read some articles to assist you with the previous task, the following links might be useful.

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), like other neurodiverse conditions, lacks a direct medical test, relying instead on an assessment of the individual's developmental history and behavioural characteristics by professionals.

DSM-V Guidelines

DSM-V consolidated various autism-related conditions into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), emphasising challenges in: 

• Social communication.
• Nonverbal communication.
• Relationship development.

Diagnosis requires specific difficulties in these three areas, along with at least two of these:

• Repeating speech, like saying the same words over and over.
• Sticking to strict routines and getting very upset if things change.
• Having really intense interests in specific things, sometimes unusual or different topics.
• Reacting differently to sensory things, like not feeling pain or strongly disliking certain sounds or textures.

DSM-V criteria now allow doctors to diagnose people who may have shown some signs early in life but didn't fully develop these symptoms until they were older.

Finally, DSM-V has introduced a severity rating system, categorising ASD into three levels based on the extent of support needed: 

• Requiring Support.
• Requiring Substantial Support.
• Requiring Very Substantial Support.

(CHOP, 2023)

Learning Activity - Obtaining an assessment for an autism diagnosis in Aotearoa New Zealand

Click on the AutismNZ link to read the diagnostic guide for children and adults then answering the following multichoice questions: Autism NZ.

Research has shown that making accommodations for ASD can lead to significant benefits. 
Having a well-organised and structured environment is important, not only for students but for everyone with ASD. Many individuals with autism may find it difficult to process their surroundings due to sensory sensitivities. Modifying environments to reduce sensory distractions can be helpful for better focus and engagement. Organised spaces can also benefit those with challenges in executive function, common in autism and ADHD, by offering clear rules and expectations.

ASD accommodations can be grouped into five categories:

1. Sensory: aim to create a comfortable environment for those with sensory sensitivities by adjusting seating, lighting, and minimising distractions.
2. Language: designed to facilitate communication and include eliminating sarcasm, checking for understanding, and allowing verbal responses.
3. Social/Behavioural: help individuals manage social situations and behaviours, such as using special signals with teachers and implementing de-escalation plans.
4. Executive Functioning: support organisation and planning by breaking assignments into smaller tasks, adhering to schedules, and providing visual aids.
5. Learning: focus on academic support, such as providing extra time, small group work, familiar test supervisors, and access to resource rooms for additional help.

Learning Activity - Neurodiversity Condition Matching Quiz

Try this quiz where each question describes a symptom, and the answers are different neurodiversity conditions. Select the correct answer for each multiple-choice question.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition.
• About 1 in 100 children is autistic.
• The Māori term for autism is Takiwātanga, emphasising an individual's unique pace and space.
• ASD manifests differently in each individual, creating a spectrum of abilities and support needs.
• ASD individuals may struggle with change, rule-following, and perspective-taking, but their abilities and support requirements vary widely. Some can live independently, while others need lifelong assistance.
• Diagnosing ASD involves evaluating developmental history and behaviours without a direct medical test.
• DSM-V guidelines emphasise challenges in social and nonverbal communication, relationship development, and require specific difficulties for diagnosis, categorised into severity levels.
• Accommodations for ASD offer significant benefits, enhancing focus and engagement.
• Accommodation Categories include Sensory, Language, Social/Behavioural, Executive Functioning, and Learning, each with specific examples tailored to address diverse needs.
• Autistic people might experience other conditions like epilepsy, depression, anxiety, or attention issues, and their intellectual abilities can range from learning difficulties to exceptional skills in specific areas.