Psychology autism

• A pervasive developmental disorder. 3-4 x more likely to occur in boys.

Diagnostic criteria for autism (post DSM-IV 2000)

Diagnosis requires 6+ items with at least 2 from category 1, and at least 1 each from categories 2 & 3.

Category 1

• Problems with non verbal comunication (e.g eye contact)
• Problems with peer relationships
• Lack of interest in other people
• Not responding to others

Category 2 

• Delayed language
• Problems in conversation
• Repetitive language
• Lack of make believe or pretend play.

Category 3

• Very restricted range of interests
• Extreme preferenc for routine
• Stereotyped movement
• Facination with parts of objects

Kannner (1943)

Autistic aloneness- Child is completely unable to relate to other people.

Desire for sameness- Child shows very litte variety in speech or actions.

Islets of ability- A very specific and sometimes incredible talent.

• More recent studies have recognised Kanners characteristics into 3 groups known as the triad of impairments (Frith)

Triad of impairments

1. Social interaction- Avoid games and joint activities with others, lack of empathy for others, impaired use of non-verbal behaviours e.g eye contact.

2. Communication- Absent/very restricted speech, reluctant to start/join conversations, repetitive and stereotypical language.

3.Stereotypical behaviours- repetitive behaviours are common, changes to routine cause violent temper outbursts, limited interests, attached to unusual objects.

Lack of joint attention - child attempts to socially interact with adult by engaging there attention onto a shared event/object. This is lacking in children with autism.

Impairments in social interaction (Frith 2003)

Aloof- Withdrawn, little use of speech or non-verbal communication, preference for inanimate objects over people.

Passive- follows instructions even when they should be ignored, is utterly honest even when this may be hurtful.

odd- unable to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behaviours, likely to overstep boundaries.