Ball State University

SPEC 680

1)Please discuss factors that may affect the determination of an “age of onset” of autism. Describe the 3 different patterns discussed. Make sure you include in your discussion the difference(s) between idiopathic, regressive and acquired autism.

2. What is your understand of what Theory of Mind (ToM)? How does it specifically relate to individual with Autism and out understanding of them?

3. Please identify and describe three detailed example of restricted, repetitive behaviors that may be displayed by individual with ASD. These examples may be from your own experiences, your readings, or popular media. Do you think such behaviors are portrayed accurately in movies, shows, etc? how might these interfere with an individual’s functioning in the world? Are there any positives to such behaviors?

4. What is “comorbidity”? what are some comorbidities that tend to occur with ASD? Why do you think it might be important to be aware of these when working with someone with ASD?

5. The subheading for chapter 4 was “sources of diversity”. What were some of the sources of diversity and how they are expressed in those with ASD that surprised or interested you? Make sure you demonstrate your knowledge or understanding of what they are, rather than just listing them.

6. Discuss some of the challenges regarding employment for an individual with ASD. What are their prospects from employment and how do they perform? What do you think can be done to help this situation?

7. What are some of the differences and similarities between functional play and symbolic play? How does the expression of these differ in those with ASD versus other children? Provide at least two examples for each type of play from the text or from your own experiences. What does this suggest about imagination and creativity in those with ASD?

8. Discuss the research related to intelligence and ASD. Specifically, discuss the intelligence profiles of individuals with ASD and “Crystallised” versus “fluid” intelligence. Do these distinctions fit your experience and understanding of those with ASD?