Story
The individuals that I’ve met having the characteristics of autism, each develop with a unique and wide range of traits. Each profile of traits has been pervasive and probably lifelong but never similar to others who have been identified as autistic. Strategies for growth have been more effective when tailored to match each unique profile. Recognizing the features that contribute to a profile of autism have allowed for a more accurate assessment and diagnosis. Recognizing that each of these features has often been observed within a wide spectrum of ability and development has led to a more effective, individualized approach for learning and growth.
Profile
Sensory Aspects
Motor Movements
Perseveration
Echolalia
Speech Parameters
Language Parameters
Emotions
Joint Attention
Perspective
Social Interaction
Anxiety
Cognition
Reading
Profile
Profiles: A person with the features of autism can have a very unique profile. For this reason it is often difficult to describe what autism is and to recognize that a person has a significant cluster of these features. Please click on the image for extended discussion.
Profile 1: This graph shows the spectrum of features for one young adult male. Please click on the image for extended discussion.
Profile 2: This graph shows the spectrum of features for one young adult female. Please click on the image for extended discussion.
Profile 3: This graph shows the spectrum of features for another young adult male. Please click on the image for extended discussion.
Sensory Aspects
Sensory Examples 1: The sensory aspects of Autism can be obvious and severe or hidden and/or mild in nature. An individual can have a hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to light, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement, and/or body awareness. Stimuli may cause great agitation and emotional distress or milder avoidance, refusal, and attention difficulties. Please click on the image for extended discussion.
Motor Movements
Motor Examples: Some of the more obvious characteristics of Autism are Motor Repetitions. They are sometimes referred to as “stimming”. A person may rock, flap their hands or fingers, jump and/or pace. Please click on the image for additional examples and extended discussion.
Perseveration
Perseveration: One of the more obvious characteristics of Autism is perseveration. "Sameness" is a common choice for autistic people with respect to objects, activities, environments, routines, interests. Please click on the image for additional examples and extended discussion.
