Autism spectrum disorder in people with multiple disabilities

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in communication and social behaviours and by repetitive and stereotyped behaviour. People with an intellectual disability combined with a visual impairment or deafblindness (multiple disabilities) show behaviour patterns similar to ASD. This makes it difficult to diagnose ASD in persons with multiple disabilities. This research was aimed at the development of a diagnostic instrument for ASD in persons with multiple disabilities. Observation of Autism in Sensory and Intellectual Disabilities (OASID) can help in the diagnostic process, by examining characteristics of ASD in a playful manner. Observation is used to score ASD behaviours. This study showed that persons with multiple disabilities without ASD show more social and communicative behaviour than individuals with ASD. Furthermore, it was found that many persons with multiple disabilities show insecure attachment styles. Finally it was found that stress within this population can influence stereotyped and repetitive behaviours, regardless of the presence of ASD.