Introduction to Autism

The first unit of the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism introduces users to Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC), explaining what it is as well as how it is diagnosed and the theories that underpin it. It also explores some of the other conditions that frequently co-occur with autism and some of the general misconceptions society may have about autistic individuals.

It is split into six learning outcomes, each consisting of several assessment criteria.

• 1. Understand what is meant by ‘autism’.
  • 1.1. Describe the following social and communication disorders; autistic spectrum condition, Asperger syndrome, and 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.
• 2. 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.
• 3. 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.
• 4. 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.
• 5. 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.
• 6. 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.