NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
Unit 01 Introduction to autism
Understand what is meant by ‘autism’
- 1.1. Describe the following social and communication disorders: autistic spectrum condition, Asperger syndrome, high-functioning autism (HFA)
- 1.2. Explain how autism can be considered as a spectrum condition
- 1.3. Explain why it is important to recognise that autism is a lifelong condition
Know theories that relate to autism
- 2.1. Outline the following theoretical models in relation to identifying autism: Kanner, Asperger, Wing and Gould
- 2.2. Explain how the terms ‘neurodiverse’ and ‘neurotypical’ are used in relation to autism
Know how autism is diagnosed
- 3.1. Outline the current guidelines for the diagnosis of autism in the UK
- 3.2. Describe the difficulties surrounding the diagnosis of autism in relation to: formal diagnosis, the range of different diagnoses on the spectrum
- 3.3. Give reasons why people may be reluctant to seek a diagnosis
- 3.4. Explain why it is important for individuals to have a formal diagnosis
- 3.5. State the prevalence of autism in the UK
Understand the characteristics that may be present in individuals with autism
- 4.1. Describe the main characteristics found in individuals with autism
- 4.2. Describe how these characteristics can vary from individual to individual
- 4.3. Outline what is meant by the ‘triad of impairments’
- 4.4. Identify positive and negative points of the triad of impairments
Know about conditions that commonly co-occur with autism
- 5.1. Explain the following conditions that may cooccur with autism: mental ill-health, learning disability
- 5.2. Describe other conditions that may co-occur with autism
5.3. Describe the concerns that can arise from these co-occurring conditions
Understand common misconceptions surrounding autism
- 6.1. Describe how attitudes and lack of understanding can compound the difficulties of individuals with autism
- 6.2. Give examples of how autism can be misrepresented in the media
- 6.3. Describe how discrimination against individuals with autism can occur inadvertently in society