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
Echolalia
Echolalia Examples: Echolalia can be seen in a variety of situations. A person may repeat a word or phrase immediately after it is heard without any communicative intent attached to the specific word meaning. A question may be repeated without any attempt to give a typical answer response. The last choice offered in a question may be given as an answer without the communicative intent attached to the specific word meaning. Also, a person may repeat a word or phrase at a later point in time than when it was heard, when there is no meaningful correspondence to the current context. More elaborate immediate and delayed echolalia are also possible. Please click on the image for extended discussion.
Speech Parameters
Speech Parameters: The nonverbal aspects of speech are often the more obvious indicators of autism. In the typical flow of connected speech we continually modulate prosody and voice parameters to convey meaning, express mood and emotions, match context, adjust to listener needs, and follow cultural rules. Differences are noticeable and immediately draw attention. Please click on the image for extended discussion.
Language Parameters
Language Parameters: Language development is often delayed for an autistic child. For an autistic person who is verbal there are many distinct differences that may occur in the syntax, semantics and pragmatics of their receptive and expressive language skills. Differences can be noticeable and have significant impact on learning and social interaction. Please click on the image for extended discussion.
Emotions
Emotions: Emotions may develop slowly for an autistic child. Identifying emotions in one self and by the facial expressions of others can be difficult. An autistic person may appear to lack empathy. Early struggles may lead to significant difficulties in social interaction in later development. Please click on the image for extended discussion.
Joint Attention
Joint Attention: Joint attention to objects and events is an important early skill that infants learn. An infant or young child will respond to an adult that points or looks at an object by looking at the object. An infant or toddler will also learn to initiate the bid for the adults attention by looking or pointing to an object. Individuals with autism may have difficulty displaying these skills as infants and young children and later in their development. Please click on the image for extended discussion.
