Unit 05: Introductory awareness of autistic spectrum conditions

1. Understand the areas in which individuals with an autistic spectrum condition characteristically have difficulties

• 1.1. Describe the types of difficulty that individuals with an autistic spectrum condition may have with language and other ways of communicating with others
• 1.2. Identify problems that individuals with an autistic spectrum condition may have in social interaction and relationships
• 1.3. Outline the problems of inflexibility and restrictiveness in activities and interests and how these may affect individuals on the autistic spectrum

2. Understand the concept of autism as a spectrum, and the implications for variation in the capacities and needs of individuals

• 2.1. Explain why it is important to recognise that each individual on the autistic spectrum has their own individual abilities, needs, strengths, preferences and interests
• 2.2. Describe why autism can be considered as a spectrum, encompassing individuals differing in the expression and severity of their symptoms
• 2.3. Identify other conditions which may be associated with an autistic spectrum condition
• 2.4. Outline the sensory difficulties experienced by many individuals with an autistic spectrum condition

3. Understand the behaviours exhibited by some individuals

• 3.1. Describe behavioural characteristics associated with autistic spectrum conditions.
• 3.2. Identify reasons why individuals with an autistic spectrum condition may exhibit such behaviours
• 3.3. Describe what to do if an individual is highly anxious or stressed

4. Understand how to contribute to the person-centred support of an individual who has an autistic spectrum condition

• 4.1. Explain why it is important to have in place structures and routines which match the wishes and needs of the individual
• 4.2. Identify formal and informal support networks for an individual with an autistic spectrum condition
• 4.3. Explain why it is important to involve families/parents/carers in a person-centred approach to the support of individuals with an autistic spectrum condition
• 4.4. Describe ways of ensuring that support provided is consistent, both within own approach and with that of others
• 4.5. Describe how to contribute towards the learning of an individual with an autistic spectrum condition

5. Understand how to communicate effectively with individuals on the autistic spectrum

• 5.1. Explain why it is important to be aware of the impact of own verbal and non-verbal communication on an individual with an autistic spectrum condition
• 5.2. Identify aspects of the environment that affect communication with an individual
• 5.3. Describe how to reduce barriers to communication with an individual
• 5.4. Outline the use of visual communication systems for individuals who have an autistic spectrum condition
• 5.5. Identify who could provide advice about effective communication with an individual