1. Learning goal  To develop an understanding of autism and Asperger’s syndrome

2. Think, pair, share  With the person next to you, discuss and write down everything you know about:  Autism, and  Asperger’s syndrome  Prepare to share your answers with the class

3. Symptoms of Autism spectrum disorder  Fall into three main categories:  Social interaction  Communication  Behaviour

4. Symptoms explained  Social interactions:  Difficulty forming normal relationships  Often respond inappropriately in social situations  Communication:  Often have no language or limited language skills  Use language in an unusual way  Use formal, mechanical and monotone speech  Have trouble with the rules of conversation (listening and then talking)

5. Symptoms explained  Behaviours:  Limited range of behaviours, which they tend to repeat (comforting) – arranging things in a straight line, etc  Like routine, find change distressing

6. Autism and intelligence  MOST individuals with autism have a low level of intellectual functioning  SOME, however, have an exceptional ability in a very specific area  SOME autistic individuals have normal or above normal intelligence, but these individuals usually have a less severe kind of autism

7. Autism spectrum disorder  Contemporary psychologists use the term Autism Spectrum Disorder in relation to autism. The word ‘spectrum’ is used because of the wide range of individual differences in the experience of autism.  No two people with autism are alike in the specific symptoms they experience and the severity of their symptoms.  Asperger’s Syndrome is one kind of autistic disorder.

8. Asperger’s Syndrome  Generally, someone with Asperger’s Syndrome has many of the symptoms of autism, but they do not have the same difficulties with language.  Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome are also more likely to have normal or above normal intelligence.  However, anyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder is:  Delayed in their development  Has significant difficulties participating in everyday life, and  Requires sensitive understanding, specialist support and intervention

9. Your understanding  Complete the sheet with the title ‘My understanding of Asperger’s syndrome at the start of the unit’ – hold onto this sheet!  Watch the catalyst program ‘The World of Asperger’s’  Answer the questions in your notebook, including the research task