Essential knowledge: The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role These include knowledge of: Historical context of autism spectrum disorders Current research on autism spectrum disorders, including: causes treatments, therapies and interventions coexistence with other disabilities prevalence, gender ratios and demographic data Awareness of assessment tools and their use, including: DSM-IV TR ICD-10 FOSPAC CARS Attwood scale of asperger's syndrome Standards and process of diagnostic assessment Basic understanding of diagnostic categories of autism spectrum disorder Impact of autism spectrum disorder on individual functioning, family and siblings Key issues associated with autism spectrum disorder for clients, carers, families and siblings Intervention strategies (as per the Range Statement) Values and philosophies (as per the Range Statement) Principles of best practice in the treatment and support of autism spectrum disorder Facts and myths associated with autism spectrum disorder Legislative framework and professional boundaries relevant to working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder Task analysis Prompting, principles of prompting and fading prompting Strategies to create independence Reinforcers Motivators to learn Common de-motivators and blocks Understanding of maintenance techniques and generalisation Understanding of incidental learning Instructional strategies, in particular discrete trial and hierarchy of prompts |