Page 37 - Part-A

Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

ASC

Autism Spectrum Condition (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. As a spectrum
disorder, the person may present a wide and varied range of symptoms that are
similar for both children and adults.

In more severe cases of autism in children, there are significant delays in
communication or overwhelming sensory difficulties and anxiety. Other features may
include restrictive and/or repetitive behaviours, cognitive delays, rigid behaviour,
sensory differences and being oversensitive to stimuli, such as being distressed
when exposed to loud noises.

An adult may report difficulties in the following areas:

• Speech and communication

• Expressing feelings and thoughts

• Understanding or relating to other people

• Using imagination in social situations

• Difficulties in being flexible in their behaviours

• Feeling that somehow they do not quite fit in.

In milder cases involving high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome, symptoms
are often misinterpreted as the symptoms of another disorder or mental health issue,
or simply as part of the individual’s personality. This can lead to delays in diagnosing
the condition.

Many adults learn coping strategies that enable them to manage their lives, although
this can prove difficult for them.

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