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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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