normality and typicality

maladaptive behaviour

Maladaptive behaviours are those that prevent or limit our ability to deal with the demands of everyday functioning.

normality

having thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are expected and are considered common/acceptable.

➔E.g., not having a loud conversation in a cinema.

abnormality

having thoughts, feelings and behaviours that deviate from the norm and are considered uncommon/strange

➔E.g., running away from home.

neurotypical

when individuals display expected/standard brain functioning

neurodiverse

when individuals display brain functioning that is different than expected.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way people communicate and interact with others and the world

characteristics of ASD

-No response to social interaction
-Do not share emotions
-limited eye contact
-prefer pretend play
-delayed speech development
-limited range of facial expressions
-can have difficulties seeing things from others point of view
-Restricted or repetitive behaviour, interests and activities
-fixation on activities and adherences to routines

biological factors of ASD

-physical or chemical changes in the developing of the brain before birth of early infancy
-interaction of several genes involved in brain development
-having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions (e.g. fragile X syndrome)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

characterised by persistent pattern of inattention, and/or hyperactive-impulsive behaviour that adversely affects development or everyday functioning. Like autism, ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Characteristics of ADHD

-Have significant difficulty maintaining their attention on tasks that do not provide a high level of stimulation 
-problems organising tasks and activities
-easily distracted
-hyperactivity
-impulsivity

Dyslexia

is a learning disability characterised by significant difficulties with accurate and fluent word reading, spelling and writing words. It is neurologically based and involves impaired ability to process sounds, to make connections between written letters and their sounds.

characteristics