Inability to understand complicated sentences or remember strings of sounds that make up a sentence.
inability to follow verbal instructions
parroting words, questions or phrases
Language skills below the expected level for their age.
Gives unusual answers to questions.
Poor attention
Hearing issues including Auditory Processing as this will impede development
Inability to plan and sequence
problems distinguishing between similar speech sounds
poor vision so can’t pick up on visual cues
inability to understand language in a number of contexts The cause of receptive language disorder is thought to be a result of genetic susceptibility, exposure
to language, and general developmental and cognitive ability issues. Treatment options include speech–language therapy, one-on-one group therapy, providing information to facilitate language
growth and special education classes.
14. Explain how specialists categorise difficulties with expressive language 5 Marks
Expressive language disorder occur when an individual has difficulty conveying or expressing information in speech, writing, sign language or gesture. They have the same ability to understand
words but cannot put them into sentences. It is generally a childhood disorder and there are 2 types: Developmental – there is no known cause, and begins during the period of learning to talk and
Acquired - caused through brain damage and can occur at any age, symptoms are dependent on what part of the brain is damaged. Specialists categorise symptoms in the following ways
Content i.e. weakness in interpreting sense or meaning of phrases or sentences. They will
have a very limited vocabulary, have difficulty with abstract concepts and encounter persistent problems with word-finding including retelling a story or relaying information in an
organised or cohesive way, recalling the appropriate word to use a n d difficulty communicating thoughts, needs, or wants at the same level as their peers.
Use i.e. using language which is out of context or inappropriate to the situation also known
as semantic-pragmatic disorder. This can involve inability to identify and prompts and cues in a conversation, using language inappropriately in a variety of settings with different people
and unable to come to the point or talking in circles. It also involves the inability to start or hold a conversation and not observing general rules of communicating with others
Form i.e. the content of sentences leading to issues with phonology, word forms and
grammar. Issues include; putting sentences together incoherently; using incorrect grammar and using poor or incomplete sentence structure; using non-specific vocabulary such as ‘this’
or ‘thing’ and inappropriate expression of things.
There are two types of treatment: working one-on-one with a speech therapist and practicing speech and communication skills alongside parents and teachers working together to incorporate spoken
language into everyday activities and play. Most children then develop normal or nearly normal language skills by high school.
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15. Provide an example of the strengths and weaknesses of the speech, language and communication skills of a young person with ASD 6 Marks
Strengths
Those with ASD have positive contributions they can make to various fields. Let’s just take science for example. Below are traits that could actually benefit science, and actually advance scientific
knowledge. 3 famous scientists attributed to have ASD have contributed to significant scientific advancements. These were
Albert Einstein. Einstein had difficulty with social interactions, had tactile sensitivity, was very intelligent yet found his language difficult at times, and had difficulty learning in
school. Einstein was very different and it was his difference that made him develop ideas that made him famous.
Sir Isaac Newton Newton’s work on universal gravitation and the laws of motion dominated scientific thinking for the next 300 years. He was very quiet and not very good at ‘small talk’,
or typical day to day conversations. He was extraordinarily focused on his work and had a hard time breaking away.
Charles Darwin he was a solitary child and as an adult, avoided interaction with people as much as he could. Darwin collected many things and was very intrigued by chemistry and
gadgets.
Others include John Couch Adams, known as Englands greatest mathematical astronomer
with the exception of Newton. David Bellamy English botanist, Robert Boyle, chemist, physicist, alchemist, inventor, one of the founders of modern chemistry, known for his
formulation of Boyles Law, Marie Curie chemist and physicist, pioneer of research on radioactivity, Francis Galton related the statistical concept of correlation, and also coined the
term “nature versus nurture”, Irene Joliot-Curie co-discovered artificial radioactivity, daughter of Marie and Pierre Curie, Charles Richter created the Richter Magnitude Scale to
quantify earthquakes and John B. Watson founder of behaviourism
So it can be seen that Autism can be beneficial to scientific research and advancement, in that they are very focussed and attentive to detail that others may miss, different perception of situations and
sensory experiences and may perceive errors that are not apparent to others, giving considerable attention to detail. Their priority is problem solving rather than social interaction.
They have a focused desire to maintain order and accuracy with an avid perseverance in gathering and cataloguing information on a topic of interest persistence of thought. This attention to detail
means that they can see things that others miss and will continue with a theory past what those without ASD would purse. Their unique concrete thought enables logical processes to be mapped.
Their ability to recall information accurately means that errors are less likely to occur. Their determination to seek the truth can result in new ways of thinking often lead to discoveries that
consequently discard their outdated predecessors offering original, often unique perspective in problem solving. So young people with ASD could possibly be the next Einstein.
Weaknesses
issues arise in abstract thought, which then leads to issues in communication and understanding what the person actually means. And there are issues around contextualization and adapting
language to the specific context. They will talk about things that interest them for long periods of time which can bore others and may result in antagonisation from the listener, and they may in
future avoid the person. This tendency towards literalism, can cause a great many issues in communication, and can lead to anger and frustration form both the listener and the speaker. As a
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result of difficulties in communication the ASD person is more likely to simplify communication or withdraw from it at all, resulting in them becoming even more isolated.
Approaches to Autism 16. Describe the concept of a person centred approach 2 Marks
A person centred approach keeps the needs of the individual central, and tailors the health care, facilities, opportunities and any other needs to their individual circumstance. So does not adopt a
one size fits all approach. It is a social support model that has been advocated by the government white paper Valuing People Now 2009. As such, this approach is regarded as the best practice to
use for people with autism and learning difficulties. It centres around the notion that everyone has the same rights and choices, should be treated with
dignity and respect, and given the same chances as everyone else, including the right to take responsibility. This extends to their families too. It helps all parties involved, from the individual to
those providing the support whether professionally or family in a holistic approach.
17. Identify the reasons for using a person centred plan 5 Marks
