Definition of Exceptionality
Definition
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke define Autism (ASD) as a "range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour." The disorder exists on a spectrum that consists of the milder form known as Aspergers to the Autistic disorder or classical ASD, which is the most severe form. The range of characteristics and severity differs greatly among individuals.
Characteristics of ASD vary from :
• communication challenges
• difficulties with social interaction
• unusual/challenging behaviour
• learning challenges
• unusual patterns of attention
• unusual responses to sensory stimuli
• anxiety
Experts believe 1 out of 88 children age 8 will appear on ASD spectrum. Males are four times more likely to have ASD than females (NINDS). In the educational setting students with ASD range in the coding system from moderate to severe physical and medical disability.
Characteristics of ASD vary from :
• communication challenges
• difficulties with social interaction
• unusual/challenging behaviour
• learning challenges
• unusual patterns of attention
• unusual responses to sensory stimuli
• anxiety
Experts believe 1 out of 88 children age 8 will appear on ASD spectrum. Males are four times more likely to have ASD than females (NINDS). In the educational setting students with ASD range in the coding system from moderate to severe physical and medical disability.
Resources
For more information on Autism please visit these links:
References
"Autism Fact Sheet," NINDS. Publication date September 2009. NIH Publication No. 09-1877. Web. 22 Jan. 2013
"Chapter 2: Characteristics Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder." Education Alberta. Alberta Learning, 2003. Web. 28 Jan.
2013.
"Chapter 2: Characteristics Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder." Education Alberta. Alberta Learning, 2003. Web. 28 Jan.
2013.