WJEC A Level Psychology Autistic Spectrum Behaviours Exam Questions

About WJEC A Level Psychology Autistic Spectrum Behaviours

Autistic spectrum behaviours is one of the six WJEC Unit 3 behaviours from which you select three for Section A. You describe the characteristic behaviours, explain them from biological, individual differences and social psychological perspectives, and evaluate ways of supporting change for effectiveness, ethics and social implications. This page leads with cognitive explanations such as weak central coherence before turning to genetics and brain research, because WJEC essays reward a clear line of argument rather than a list. Use respectful, accurate language, treat autism as a neurodevelopmental difference, and be ready to explain why some historical explanations, like the refrigerator mother, are no longer accepted.

What you need to know

• Characteristic behaviours Differences in social communication (such as reading facial expressions or taking turns in conversation) alongside restricted, repetitive behaviours and interests and unusual responses to sensory input. Presentation ranges widely, which is why it is described as a spectrum.
• Weak central coherence Frith proposed that autistic people process local detail rather than global meaning. Shah and Frith (1983) found autistic children were faster and more accurate than controls on the embedded figures test, showing this style can be a strength.
• Theory of mind and gender Theory of mind is understanding that others have beliefs and intentions different from your own. Baron-Cohen et al. (2001) developed the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test, on which autistic adults scored lower. Autism is diagnosed more in boys, though girls may camouflage their difficulties and be missed.
• Genetic predisposition Bailey et al. (1995) found much higher concordance for autism in identical than in non-identical twins, and higher still when the broader spectrum was included. Concordance below 100% shows environmental factors also play a part.
• Amygdala and chloride ions Baron-Cohen et al. (1999) found autistic adults showed less amygdala activation than controls when judging emotions from eyes in an fMRI scanner. Tyzio et al. (2014) reported that in rodent models of autism the normal fall in neuronal chloride during birth did not happen, and giving the mothers the diuretic bumetanide before birth restored it.
• Social psychological explanations Baron-Cohen's empathising-systemising theory describes an 'extreme male brain' with strong drive to analyse systems and weaker empathy. Male behaviour patterns are linked to this profile. The refrigerator mother theory (Kanner, later Bettelheim) blamed cold parenting and is now discredited.
• Methods of modifying PECS, created by Bondy and Frost, teaches functional communication in six phases, beginning with handing over a picture to request an item. Relationship Development Intervention (Gutstein) coaches parents to use everyday activities to build flexible thinking, shared attention and emotional referencing.

Common mistakes in Autistic Spectrum Behaviours

• Calling autism an illness to be cured. It is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, and interventions aim to support communication and quality of life.
• Reading the extreme male brain theory as saying only males can be autistic. It describes a cognitive profile that can occur in anyone.
• Treating weak central coherence purely as a deficit. Detail-focused processing can give superior performance on some tasks, as Shah and Frith showed.
• Arguing that imperfect twin concordance proves genes are irrelevant. High identical-twin concordance shows a strong genetic influence; the gap from 100% shows it is not the whole story.
• Describing RDI as a therapist delivering one-to-one sessions in a clinic. Parents are the main agents, guided by a trained consultant.

Try three Autistic Spectrum Behaviours exam-style questions