Page 12 - Part-A

Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

How characteristics of Autism Spectrum Condition may
cause difficulties with learning

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a lifelong developmental disability – it is not an
SpLD. ASC is a spectrum of difficulties that affect how a person communicates with,
and relates to, other people. It affects around 1% of the population. It includes:

• Autism

• Asperger’s syndrome

• High-functioning Autism (HFA).

Just as more than one SpLD can occur in the same person at the same time, some
people with ASC may also have symptoms of SpLDs. Most commonly this is in relation
to Asperger’s syndrome.

Q. What is a spectrum?

A. A spectrum is a group or category of behaviours with certain key features, but
with important differences within it that range from mild to severe. In the case
of autism, the term spectrum describes the range of people with symptoms
affecting their communication, social interaction and social imagination,
and recognises that these symptoms differ significantly in how individuals
experience them.

People with ASC have problems of inflexibility and restrictiveness when engaging in
activities and interests. These problems can affect:

• Social and interactive skills

• Personal relationships

• The range of activities that they engage with

• The environments that they can cope with

• Their emotions.

ASC, or simply autism, is widely understood to be a social disorder or disability. Its
features include limited social, emotional and communication skills, and a tendency
to engage in obsessive and repetitive behaviour. Other features may include cognitive
delays, rigid behaviour and Sensory Processing Disorder.

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