What is

Children with ASD do not learn in the same way that children typically  learn.  They seem to not understand simple verbal and nonverbal communication.  They may respond differently to sensory input such as sounds or textures and withdraw in varying degrees from people and the world around them. They show little interest in other children and tend not to learn by observing and imitating others.  They may become preoccupied with certain activities and objects that interfere with the  development of play.

Although children with ASD meet common diagnostic criteria, there are enormous individual differences.  Depending on the child, problems in each area range from mild to severe.  For example, some children may be non-verbal whereas others can talk but have very limited understanding of language, others seem to understand and use complex language but may speak in a monotone voice or have difficulty understanding jokes and sarcasm.

Also, there are differences socially: some children may reject all social contact, others may only be social around adults and have no interest in other children, or they may be interested in their peers but do not initiate or sustain interactions.

Similarly, there are differences in behaviours.  Some children may have excessive behavioural escalations or anxieties.  Some children may exhibit repetitive body movements while others line up objects, tap surfaces repetitively, or rewind a DVD to endlessly watch a particular scene.  Other children may not demonstrate any noticeable motor stereotypic behaviours but make up complex and obsessive rules such as driving to school the same route, or only drinking from a particular cup.

For more information about ASD and diagnostic criteria click here.

Despite the varying degrees of impairment and complexity of ASD, what is known about children with this diagnosis is that they have amazing potential to learn, with the right type of intervention.