Explanations

[forumAdmin]

I know we have some very knowledgable people out there and that a considerable amount of people I have met, members of the public and staff in the industry, have difficulty with the basic information.

There seems to be a general assumption that a member of staff or a member of the public should understand what Autism is...

So could some of our members post some information and or explanations in this thread?

Could someone start us off with a concise undertanding of the Triad of Impairments.

Thank you in anticipation
forumAdmin

[robw]

Hope this helps - but I always think it helps to think of autism / Asperger syndrome as a signpost rather than a label.
Rob

In 1981 Lorna Wing at the Institute of Psychiatry in London published her paper “Asperger syndrome: A clinical account”, that this would begin. Through this, she was able to demonstrate that whilst similar in some respects there were significant differences between the stereotypically ‘silent and aloof’ autism of Kanner and the apparently more able people that Asperger had described. Since then, a greater understanding the condition has greatly influenced how it is has been viewed with regards to the needs of the individual and how they are best met.


Similarities and differences between Asperger syndrome and classic autism.By considering the core features of the autistic spectrum disorders or the so called “Triad of Impairments” as Wing described them, for both Asperger syndrome and classic autism means that we can assess both the similarities and the differences between them.

1. Social Interaction
Both groups demonstrate difficulties in relation to social interactions. Individuals with Asperger syndrome generally aware of the importance and a need for social interactions between themselves and others but will interact in a way that appears to be ‘strange’, when compared to the ‘social norms’, lacking in both empathy and reciprocation.

Whilst appearing to show little insight into the unwritten and complex rules of social interaction, individuals with Asperger as they are often aware that they appear different in social situations. This more than often results in individuals experiencing a great deal of anxiety as they try to fit in, make the selves understood, and understand the expectations of others.

2. Communication
This needs to be considered to from a verbal and non-verbal perspective. However communication from both individuals with Asperger syndrome and classic autism tends to be concentrated towards having needs met, or limited to the areas of their own special interests, rather than exchanges of information or shared interests.

However, in respect to individuals with Asperger syndrome, verbal communication tends to begin development at a "normal" age. The individual may demonstrate appropriate grammar and usage of words, however the speech pattern will appear ‘strange’, pedantic, with an unusual modulation. They often appear to be indiscreet in conversation, not picking up verbal or non-verbal clues that might save them from this.

3. Rigidity of Thought
Finally the rigidity of thought in those with an autistic spectrum disorder is displayed through stereotyped behaviour patterns and sometimes the displaying of a need to preserve sameness and routine.
In individuals with Asperger syndrome we tend to observe this more specifically with many individuals developing a single-minded engagement to a particular area of interest at the cost of everything else. The area of interest, generally involve predictable, or repetitive activities.


Throughout our development we learn the social and communication skills that allow us to negotiate a complex and varied range of relationships right the way through our lives. As we get older our relationships tend to become more complex. The demands made upon us socially as individuals are ever changing, depending on our social environment, social grouping and culture. Knowing what is expected from us, in any given social situation is a matter of judgment and relies on the making quick decisions based largely on intuition. Being "wide of the mark", with regards to what is appropriate, is at best, seen as being odd, but worst still seen as being rude or aggressive. This leads to either feelings of rejection from a particular group or being socially isolated, unable to join in with a particular group.
Social isolation means being unable to share the burden of the anxiety and uncertainty experienced in everyday life, finding it hard to cope with what are seemingly simple tasks. Through the provision of social opportunities, individuals or groups of individuals with Asperger syndrome are able to access the things that many of us take for granted. An active social life, appropriate to the needs of a specific individual is important as it helps by, addressing some of the feelings of isolation, providing a platform to acquire, practice and develop both social and practical skills.

[bethr]

Thanks Rob, that was really good! Very informative and useful!

[forumAdmin]

http://www.aspiesforfreedom.com/ - just to keep up to speed..