Autism spectrum disorders are life-lasting developmental neurological disorders, which are characterized by deficits in social interaction and social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviours. For people with autism spectrum disorders are typical also particularities in their sensor experience of the world. The master’s thesis discusses features in communication of people with autism spectrum disorders. Problems in this area are present in varying degrees and forms. People with autism spectrum disorders for the expression of their needs and desires are often unable to develop conventional forms of communication behaviours, so they can develop unconventional (unusual) or inappropriate behaviour to communicate. In the empirical part of the master’s thesis we explored communication skills of people with autism spectrum disorders and mental disorder. It is not easy to diagnose autism spectrum disorders specially if severe learning disabilities are also presented. Diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders are based on evaluations of behaviours which are not specific for people with autism spectrum disorders. With the master’s thesis we tried to identify those criterions which distinguish between people with severe learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders and people with severe learning disabilities who do not have autism spectrum disorders. For the purposes of the research, we designed a casual sample of 94 people. All included people have severe learning disabilities in the mental development and are included in the CUDV Dolfke Boštjančič, Draga. 47 people have an autism spectrum disorder and 47 people don’t have these disorders. For the purposes of the research, we have compiled an evaluation sheet, through which we gathered data about communication, behaviour and processing sensory information. We have stated that the communication of people with autism spectrum disorders and severe learning disabilities is statistically significantly different from the communication of people with severe learning disabilities who do not have autism spectrum disorders. The two groups most significantly differ in adapting to changes, responses to sensory stimuli and in shared attention. The level of sophistication of communications is strongly influenced by mental age and degree of autism spectrum disorders, whilst gender does not have a significant impact on the level of communication development. An evaluation sheet we compiled is a reliable and valid measurement instrument that allows us differential diagnosis among people with severe learning disabilities. It distinguishes people with severe learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders from people with severe learning disabilities without autism spectrum disorders.
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