Video: The Autistic Child – A Behavioural Approach  Autistic Disorder – Autism: massive impairment of the individual to relate emotionally and to communicate with other people.

Characteristics of the autistic person:  Extremely isolated  Rarely interacts with people  Lacks many social and self-help skills, such as toileting or dressing  Nonverbal behaviour

Nonverbal behaviour conveys a sense of emotional distancing: - avoidance of eye contact; - odd flacid expression, - posturing and using gestures as a way of controlling interactions.

Characteristics of the autistic person: (cont’d) Seeks simple sensory feedback by using –objects of various sorts –repetitive behaviour; eg. body-rocking –Extreme tantrums –Injure self –May have to be restrained to prevent self- injury

1. According to the video, at what age does autosm begins? Usually at birth or Within the 1 st 30 weeks of life

2. What was the problem with Valentine? Extremely inattentive Did not seek the approval of others IQ at intake was 37

Outlook for Valentine by mother: –Optimistic: will be able to learn his father’s trade –Concerns: poor language skills will be noticed by people

3. What % of autistic children are Mute? 50% Display echolalia? –(SIMPLY REPEATING WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID) Almost 50%

4. LIST SOME OF THE DEFICITS AND EXCESSES Deficits: –self-help skills –Language –Emotional attachment –Attention to the environment –Toy play –Peer play

Excesses: Self-Stimulation Tantrums Aggression –(95% will require custodial care for life)

5. What is the probable cause of autism? Probably mainly biological in origin –Specific causes still unknown –Responds best to behavioural treatment –

6. What is the bevioural approach to the treatment of autism called? Operant conditioning