Affiliation:
1. University of Cassino and Southern Lazio
Abstract
Definition, theories, characteristics, specifiers, learning and support methods for autism are the elements on which we have focused in this paper. The aim of the work is to compose a synthesis of the main theories on the subject, giving greater priority to the qualitative method. Thanks to the theoretical reference and the knowledge acquired through the studies selected and conducted so far, and in the certainty of positive answers, we intend to draw suggestions, guide and promote interventions and aids for learning in subjects with autism spectrum disorder. This type of disorder includes a "persistent deficit of social communication and social interaction in multiple contexts ..." (DSM-5, 2014, p.57)[1]. Among the theories reported, those of L. Kanner, H. Asperger, R.P. Hobson, U. Frith, G. Rizzolatti and S. Baron-Cohen. Specialists arrive at the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder thanks to specific characteristics that are indicated, through codes, as specifiers in the ICF. From these it is possible to deduce and identify the best approach methods for each individual helping person.
The interventions that are compared here are essentially related to music therapy, the ABA method (Applied Behavioral Analysis), the ToM method (Theory of Mind), the FTP method (Floor Time Play) and the enactive mind. Examples, these, more fitting with the purpose and the reference method.
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