Topic 2 DQ 1

Topic 2 DQ 1

 In autism spectrum disorder, the behavioral variations in social functioning and social perceptions are different from changes in communication skills and repetitive behaviors. Typically, the neurological and behavioral challenges impact the way individuals with ASD receive and perceive the social environment. Hence, they encounter problems in independent living, employment, daily living skills, education, and social integration (Bishop-Fitzpatrick, Mazefsky, Eack, & Minshew, 2017). Also, the impairments in social functioning and perception result in abnormalities in recognition of emotions, expression difficulties, as well as reciprocal interactions (Barendse, Hendriks, Thoonen, Aldenkamp, & Kessels, 2018). On the other hand, the variations in communication skills affect areas such as writing, reading, talking and understanding. Likewise, repetitive behaviors encompass things like body movement, circumscribed interests, as well as action with objects.

The understanding of the differences in social functioning and social perceptions, as well as variations in communication skills and repetitive behaviors plays a critical role in guiding the choice of assessment tools. More so, the assessment tool can be specific to a disorder such as autism or general to an area. Hence, an understanding of the differences discussed above would help in concluding areas such as language, cognitive development or motor skills. Thus, distinguishing ASD from other disorders.

Topic 2 DQ 2

            According to Aspy and Grossman (2012), the significant areas that should be assessed before determining an intervention for individuals with ASD include biological or known medical factors, sensory differences, motor differences, emotional vulnerability, cognitive differences, communication, restricted patterns of behavior as well as social interests, and activities. The authors emphasize that ASD is associated with impairments in three areas, i.e. communication, social functioning, and repetitive. The other traits, such as emotional vulnerability, motor, cognitive, and sensory differences, are classified as associated features. Also, ASD occurrence is associated with other psychiatric and medical conditions. Hence, it is critical to understand the specific traits associated with the ASD, especially the genetic and neurological factors. Research indicates the importance of early identification and treatment of ASD (Elder, Kreider, Brasher, & Ansell, 2017). Most of the assessments are recommended to assist the community, schools, and parents in the early detection of ASD. More so, there is no specific diagnosis of ASD. For instance, a majority of individuals with ASD struggle with social communication, but this does not mean that all persons with social communication problems are autistic. Hence, an assessment should be prioritized before the intervention.