High-functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger syndrome (AS) are autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)
High-functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger syndrome (AS) are autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)
They are characterised by disturbances in social interaction, both verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive and/or restrictive behaviour.
The main difference between autism and AS is thought to be in language development, in that those with AS will not have had delayed language development when younger.
The main difference between autism and AS is thought to be in language development, in that those with AS will not have had delayed language development when younger.
In reality, it makes little difference as the triad of impairments is present in both.
The impairments relate to social interaction, communication and development of imagination.
Only a small percentage of those with ASD will enter Higher Education.
Only a small percentage of those with ASD will enter Higher Education.
Sharp rise in number of diagnoses of children in the 90s – so expect this to impact very soon on HE.
Huddersfield University has 61 ASD students, on a variety of UG and PG courses. Arts, Humanities, Science, Nursing etc. – but mostly in Digital Media and Gaming.
None in Law – YET!
ASD and Asperger’s children are often not thought of as having ‘special needs’.
ASD and Asperger’s children are often not thought of as having ‘special needs’.
Significant interpersonal deficits but often highly intelligent or gifted.
Won’t understand the ‘give and take’ of speech.
Could be hypo- or hyper-sensitive.
As HE providers we are under a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments.
As HE providers we are under a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments.
The Equality 2010 introduced a new head of disability – discrimination arising from disability
This will occur if the following three conditions are met:
This will occur if the following three conditions are met:
You treat a disabled student unfavourably, that is putting them at a substantial disadvantage, even if this was not your intention, and
This treatment is because of something connected with the disabled student’s disability…, and
As the final determiner of competence and grading, assessment is key in accommodating disability.
The “tradition” of a language orientated approach is no defence against the need to make “reasonable adjustments” in the modern market.
In a proactive institution, inclusiveness should not only be a consideration in developing a Personal Learning Support Plan after a student reports a disability.
In a proactive institution, inclusiveness should not only be a consideration in developing a Personal Learning Support Plan after a student reports a disability.
The overall assessment strategy must build in recognition of a range of skills from the very start.
This will encourage initial take-up of courses by people with disabilities and also help improve the representation of people from different backgrounds, opening up education for all.
These are necessary to Law degrees, but adjustments can reduce the barrier they represent to students with ASD.
Provision of special rooming and equipment and extra time are common accommodations. As a centralised process, the impact of such allowances on academics is kept to a minimum.
Provision of special rooming and equipment and extra time are common accommodations. As a centralised process, the impact of such allowances on academics is kept to a minimum.
When academic staff are involved, even more can be achieved e.g. practice sessions and additional support in exams targeted to the specific assessment beyond the “general” services available.
However, delivery can only achieve so much. The structure and format of the assessment itself needs consideration.
However, delivery can only achieve so much. The structure and format of the assessment itself needs consideration.
Questions must be:
Relevant
Unambiguous, and
Clear on required outcomes
Questions should be:
Questions should be:
Broken down into manageable parts with clear allocation of marks, focussing the student's attention. MCQs may be considered.
Clear and precise about any facts, so relevant considerations are apparent and in a logical sequence.
Essay question require particular care, the traditional “discuss” approach needs to first identify a practical issue within that area of law.
Again, the outcomes need to be clear.
Again, the outcomes need to be clear.
The tutor should be available to explain the requirements and any ambiguity within the question.
Self-directed study is a particular challenge for those with ASD, they need clear direction and time-management prompts.
Other possibilities, responding to the needs of a particular student rather than being inbuilt to all coursework, could include:
Other possibilities, responding to the needs of a particular student rather than being inbuilt to all coursework, could include:
A flexible word count.
Adaptation of the question to reflect a particular interest of the student.
These are increasingly popular as a way of demonstrably improving employability skills.
These are increasingly popular as a way of demonstrably improving employability skills.
However, they may be particularly stressful to a student with ASD.
Adaption should be the first option, but if the case is serious enough then removal should be possible.
There are other ways of demonstrating knowledge, and presentations are not an absolutely “essential” skill in a Law degree.
It is unfair to limit a student’s opportunity to show how they have progressed to one particular task.
It is unfair to limit a student’s opportunity to show how they have progressed to one particular task.
This is necessary to some degree for most students as a way of allowing us to assess on a large scale, but for disabled students adjustments can and should be made, and must be proactively offered.
