Scarlet Masque Theatre Journal New Beginnings and Fond Farewells Vol. 1 | Page 91

2011; APA, 2013). Deficiencies in communication skills involve an inability to acquire
functional and/or figurative language (McLesky et al., 2011; APA, 2013). Functional language
deficiencies include speaking with unusual pitch, rhythm, and/or syntax (McLesky et al., 2011).
In the most severe cases, some with ASD are completely nonverbal (McLesky et al., 2011; APA,
2013). With figurative language deficiencies someone with ASD has difficulty understanding
metaphorical and/or abstract facets of semantics (McLesky et al., 2011; APA, 2013). This
includes a deficiency in understanding the emotional implications of figurative language
(McLesky et al., 2011). Lastly, the most typically observed behavior of ASD is repetitive,
stereotypical, and/or ritualistic behaviors (McLesky et al., 2011; APA, 2013). Usually these
behaviors disrupt day-to-day functions due to the physical severity of motor behaviors (McLesky
et al., 2011). Keep in mind how environmental events impact the development, frequency, and
intensity of these behaviors (McLesky et al., 2011).
The characteristics of ASD have conjecting traits called secondary behavioral correlates:
age of onset, intellectual functioning, and self-injurious behavior (McLesky et al, 2011). Severe
symptoms for autism typically appear between 15 to 22 months of age, but can be identified as
early as 6 to 8 months (McLesky et al., 2011; Chawarshka & Volkmar, 2005). Lesser severity
symptoms usually are not diagnosed until much later in development (McLesky et al., 2011).
There is intelligence variance amongst the autism community. Nearly half of the autism
population places outside of the intellectual impairment range (below 70 IQ score) (McLesky et
al., 2011). There is a correlation between severity of behavior impairments and average IQ score
(McLesky et al., 2011). For example, someone with an average IQ score is more likely to be a
mid-functioning individual on the spectrum. Another example, someone with an intellectual
impaired IQ score would likely fall on the more severe side of the spectrum. Self injurious
behavior (SIB) includes “self-directed aggression” (McLesky et al., 2011; APA, 2013). Those
who display SIB are oftentimes in the most limited and behaviorally monitored environments
though there is a possibility for inclusivity. Keep in mind this does not bear any consideration to
the theory of multiple intelligences.
Differences Between Severity Levels
Autism is a spectrum disorder which implies that there is a variety in level of severity.
One in sixty eight children are diagnosed with ASD (CDC, 2016). Each case is specialized and
different. A spectrum exists to provide for such diversity. It is crucial to remember this as a
spectrum of severity. Having a loose comprehension of these differences will help with
communication strategies between artists and theater practitioners.
Table I.
4
Severity Level Social Communication Restricted, Repetitive
Behavior
Level 3 (Severe) - “Requiring
Very Substantial Support 4 ” Severe deficits in nonverbal
social communication skills
cause severe impairments in
functioning, very limited Inflexibility of behavior,
extreme difficulty coping
with change, or other
restricted/repetitive behaviors
This level is less likely to articipate in theater activities of a conventional design due to confusion over explicit
desire to participate.