Disability Module 2– Study Guide (Draft) Definition: Autism (DSM-5)

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as defined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), is characterised by:

1. Differences in communication and understanding

Difficulty expressing thoughts, needs, or feelings

Challenges in making themselves understood

May struggle to explain what they mean in ways others easily understand

2. Social interaction differences

Difficulty reading social cues

Challenges forming or maintaining friendships

May prefer limited or structured social contact

3. Behavioural and social difficulties

Repetitive behaviours or routines

Strong focus on specific interests

Sensory sensitivities (noise, light, textures, etc.)

Emotional impact
Many autistic people may appear quiet or withdrawn.
This is often not disinterest — it can be due to:

Fear of being misunderstood

Social anxiety

Processing overload

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Co-occurring Conditions

People with Autism and/or ADHD may also experience:

High levels of anxiety

Stress linked to sensory and social overload

Depression linked to isolation or misunderstanding

These emotional responses are often connected to:

Nervous system regulation

Environmental stressors

Lack of appropriate support

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Dyslexia – Definition

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects:

Information processing

Reading and spelling

Understanding written instructions

Working memory and sequencing

It does not reflect intelligence, but rather differences in how the brain processes language.

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Teaching & Support Strategies

Effective inclusive teaching approaches include:

1. Break Information into Steps

Use chunking

One instruction at a time

Avoid overload

2. Use Accessible Formats

Large print

Easy Read materials

Dyslexia-friendly fonts

3. Check Understanding

Administer probing questions

Ask learners to repeat instructions in their own words

4. Provide Regular Feedback

Positive reinforcement

Constructive guidance

Clear next steps

5. Use Visual Supports

Pictures

Diagrams

Graphics

Symbols

6. Promote Independence

Structured learning tasks

Guided practice

Self-paced activities

7. Intensive & Well-Designed Practice

Repetition with variation

Multi-sensory learning

Scaffolded skill-building