CHCPRT001 Identify and respond to children and young people at risk –(QUESTION 6)

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

-is a lifelong development disability characterised by marked difficulties in social interaction,
impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interest and behaviours and sensory sensitivities.
Children with ASD have difficulty understanding and connecting to the world

COMMON FEATURES TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ASD

1. Impairment in social interaction

2. Impairment in communication
3. Restricted and repetitive behaviours, interests and activities, and maladaptive behaviours

Other characteristics of ASD may include:

4. Inability to filter sensory stimuli (sensory integration disorder)

5. Learning difficulties

According to Willis there are 5 key strategies used to work with children with ASD. A program to
support a child with ASD may include any combination of these strategies, which may vary overtime.

 Early intervention
 Structured behaviour intervention
 Sensory integration therapy
 Speech/ language therapy
 Special education

An Individual Behaviour Plan (IBP)can be put in place, which focuses on one particularly challenging
behaviour-usually determined by the educator in collaboration with parents and therapist.

A first step in the process is to undertake a functional behavioural assessment (FBA) to determine:

 The exact nature of the behaviour (what the child does)

 What triggers the behaviour
 The immediate consequences of the behaviour for the child (and others)
 The function of the behaviour – what the child is trying to communicate

Information gathered from an FBA can be used to devise a response of behaviour, with the aim of
reducing the severity of the behaviour or eliminating the behaviour.

SEEKING SUPPORT

Websites that can provide practical information include:

 Sue Larkey: http://www.suelarkey.com.au .This website contains a wide range of

information, tips and texts. The free tip sheets are a valuable resource. Sign up for the free
newsletter for ongoing information.
 Autism Spectrum Australia: http://www.autismspectrum.org.au. This website provides easy-
to-read information about ASD in the form of fact sheets, frequently asked questions and
indicators of ASD.
Reading corner
 Increases child’s vocabulary by learning books.
 Strengths the child’s eye muscles while they
read books and looks pictures and focus.
 Physical development of brain when children
read books.
 Reading and sharing stories helps children to
understand the concept, knows the sound skills,
develop the literacy skills.
 Asking question and interacting with children
using their imagination helps them to act in their
real life