Social interaction style of children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder

Qualitative differences in social interaction style exist within the autism spectrum. In this study we examined whether these differences are associated with (1) the severity of autistic symptoms and comorbid disruptive behavior problems, (2) the child's psycho-social health, and (3) executive functioning and perspective taking skills. The social interaction style of 156 children and adolescents (6-19 years) with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) was determined with the Wing Subgroups Questionnaire. An active-but-odd social interaction style was positively associated with symptoms of autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity. Furthermore, an active-but-odd social interaction style was negatively associated with children's psycho-social health and positively with executive functioning problems. Social interaction style explains part of the heterogeneity among children with HFASD

An enigma: Barriers to the identification of students who are gifted with a learning disability

This chapter discusses research that sought to understand the barriers to the identification of students who are gifted with a learning disability (GLD). These students are an enigma within schools and are under-represented in programmes for gifted students. A mixed method of research was used for this research, consisting of two phases that ran concurrently. In Phase 1, teachers from a Sydney Education area were surveyed. In addition, eight of the teachers were interviewed. For Phase 2, multiple case studies were undertaken. The participants were students who were identified as GLD, their families and the professionals they had consulted. The results showed that an identification protocol is needed, as well as teacher training and support from decision makers across all sectors of education. The teachers demonstrated some knowledge with regard to these students but also confusion and conflict with respect to their educational needs