Strengths and weaknesses in High Functioning Autism Ina van Berckelaer-Onnes University of Leiden Cardiff

Autism Research levels Behavioural level cognitive level Neurobiological level

Wing’s triad of ASD Social interactions Communication Imagination versus DSM IV stereotyped patterns cognitionbehaviour

Underlying triad deficit Limited intentionality Limited symbol formation

Limited intentionality Pointing Imitation Play

Limited symbol formation Language Imagination (play, etc.)

Consequences for: interaction a) Behaviour communication perception b) Cognitionattention memory

Cognition HFA Perception:information processing Attention:set-shifting (+ inhibition??) Memory: memory forfacts versus functional memory

Perception – Information processing: language Receptive language versus Expressive language

Levels of perception Sensation Presentation Representation Metarepresentation

Cognitive Deficits (Styles) Theory of Mind (ToM) Executive Function (EF) Central Coherence (CC)

Perception/language: ToM Pronoun reversal (perspective taking) Inappropriate questions

Perception/language: Executive Function. Stereotyped phrases Perseverations Inflexibility

Perception language: Weak CC. Poor context use Associative language use Literal language

Attention:WCC and EF Strong fixations / obsessions Weaklack of interest Set-shiftingversus inhibition

Memory: WCC Strongfacts, encyclopedial knowledge Weaksocial coherence

Diagnostic Protocol Classification and individual assessment Psychometric Evaluation

Cognition Intelligence IQ Profile Neuropsychological tests (ToM, EF,WCC)

Pitfalls Generalization Verbalizing versus Doing

Bridging Assessment to Treatment From Profile to Interventions: Support Strengths and Build up Weaknesses

Treatment strategies 1 st grade strategy: environmental coaching (augmentative communication) 2 nd grade strategy: individual treatment 3 rd grade strategy: individual colouring

Environment; 1 st grade strategy TEACCH principle structure:in space in time in activity in approach

Individual treatment; 2 nd grade strategy Focusing on the individual needs - speech therapy - social skill training - job coaching - psychotherapy (mostly cognitive behavioural therapy) - etc.

Individual colouring; 3 rd grade strategy Personal characteristic Associated features Comorbid Disorders

HFA: from the cradle to the grave Treatment across the ages!