Identification

All pupils with autism will have some impairment in three developmental areas (often referred to as the triad of impairments), although the degree of impairment in each area is individual to each child. 

There will be:

• impairment of social interaction
• impairment of social communication
• impairment of imagination

The following characteristics are associated with autism, although not all of these will necessarily be shown by every pupil with autism. 

They may:

• have difficulty understanding or using language.
• use limited, repetitious phrases.
• use pedantic speech.
• think and talk obsessively about one topic.
• echo the speech of others rather than respond appropriately.
• rely on the situation, rather than words, for meaning.
• use verbal fluency to disguise lack of comprehension.
• interpret speech in a literal way e.g. "it's raining cats and dogs".
• use an adult's hand as a "tool" to indicate what is wanted, rather than communicate needs verbally or by pointing.
• exhibit bizarre behaviour and mannerisms.
• make poor use of eye contact.
• fail to answer when spoken to.
• be unable to explain actions.
• make inappropriate social advances.
• have difficulty with social relationships, and avoid situations where social interaction is demanded.
• be unable to empathise with injured or upset children and display indifference to the needs of others.
• lack imagination when playing.
• lack awareness of common dangers e.g. deep water, fire.
• resist any change in routine, possibly with tantrums.
• play with objects in a ritualistic or obsessive way e.g. spinning or flapping.
• have an unusual response to sensory stimuli, i.e. sound, light, smell, shadows.
• prefer activities with mechanical procedures.
• become obsessive or "hooked" on unusual things.