Read this passage and then answer the questions that follow.

1 When Chelsea went over to her friend, Sharon’s house, she saw her Mend’s four-year-old
brother, Ivan. “Hi,” said Chelsea.
Ivan looked at Chelsea and said nothing and turned back to his toy.
“1 don’t think your brother likes me.”
“It’s not your fault,” explained Chelsea. “My brother has autism.”
2 What is autism? Autism is a development disorder that some people are born with. It is not a 5
disease that you can catch or pass on to somebody. It affects the brain and social skills such as
communication and interacting with others.

3 As a result, autistic people are slow at developing language, instead, preferring to spend time 10
alone and not showing interest in making friends. Another symptom of autism is what experts
call “sensory overload.” Sounds seem louder, lights, brighter and smells, stronger. However,
not all autistic people are retarded mentally. There are some with average or high intelligence.
4 Autism is not treated like a conventional disease even though medication may be prescribed to
control certain symptoms like aggressive behaviour or attention problems. People with autism 15
are taught skills that will help them do things that are difficult for them. The best time to get
treatment is when they are very young, as soon as they are diagnosed. This is usually around
the ages of one and a half to four. The most effective form of treatment is however, special
educational programs that are tailored to the child’s individual needs. The programs involve
breaking down barriers to communication using pictures or sign language. Basic language
skills such as how to cross a street safely or asking for directions are taught. Treatment might 20
also be a combination of therapies such as speech, physical, musical, occupational, hearing or
visual therapies. Sometimes, changes in diet and medication may be necessary.
By the time they reach their teens, people with autism may be attending regular classes with
normal people or attending special classes because of behavioural problems. As’ teenagers,
5 they may interact with others quite differently because their brains process information 25
differently. As a result, they can have trouble talking properly and use gestures instead of
words. Some are withdrawn; do not make friends easily and do not react to social cues like a
smile or scowl. They often do not make eye contact when you talk to them. Hence, they may
find it hard to join a group or an activity. Besides, they might draw back when hugged or they
may be startled by a sudden noise. 30
As teens, they can also show extremes of behaviour. Some are passive and withdrawn while
others are overactive, show tantrums or act aggressively when they are frustrated. This is part
6 of the disorder. Many of them have intellectual limitations and learning problems. They do not
know how to express emotions like anger or frustration in acceptable ways, so they are often
misunderstood. They have difficult coping with changes and get anxious if their daily routine is 35
changed. In some cases, they might show repetitive motions like rocking or flapping their
hands. Although they can feel emotions, they do not express them in the same way as others.
As a result, they often come across as cold or unemotional.. Autistic people need a lot of
patience and understanding and support from the people around them. This is because they
cannot be expected to behave in the same way as normal people. 40
Questions 26 -30
Answer all the questions. You are recommended to answer them in the order set.

1. ( i ) What was Ivan’s reaction when Chelsea greeted him??

45
___________________________________________________________________(1 mark)

(ii) Which aspect of a person’s development is mainly affected by autism?

___________________________________________________________________(1 mark)
2. Why does an autistic person prefer to keep to himself?

________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________(2 marks)

3. ( i ) What kind of medication is given to people with autism?

___________________________________________________________________(1 mark)

(ii) What kind of remedial treatment is given to people who are autistic?

___________________________________________________________________(1 mark)

4. ( i ) What kind of educational programs do children with autism need?

___________________________________________________________________(1 mark)

(ii) Why do some autistic teens have to attend special classes??

___________________________________________________________________(1 mark)

5. Why does the writer say that it is unfair to expect people with autism to behave normally?

________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________(2 marks)

The passage is mainly about the treatment of autism and problems faced by teenagers with
autism. Write a summary about:
 the treatment of autism
 problems faced by teenagers with autism
Your summary must
 use material from lines 16 to 44.
 not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below.
 be in continuous writing (not in note form)
Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning. Begin your summary as follows:
Autism is not treated like a conventional disease even though…..
 1. i) Ivan did not respond at all.
ii) A person’s ability to communicate and interact with others is mainly affected.

2. An autistic person is slow at developing language and has problems communicating

with
other people.
3. i) Medication is prescribed to control symptoms such as aggressive behaviour or
attention problems but not to treat the disorder
ii) They are taught skills to help them do things that are difficult for them
4. i) They need educational programs that are tailored to each child’s individual needs
ii) Teens who have autism need to attend special classes for they have behavioural
problems.
5. Autistic people have intellectual limitations and learning problems as a result of their
disorder. So, it is unfair to expect them to behave like normal people.

6. Mark Scheme for Question 31 - Summary (Total mark = 15 marks)

(Content – 10 marks, Language – 5 marks)
Content: Award 1 mark for EACH of the following points to a maximum of 10 marks
THE TREATMENT OF AUTISM
1. medication is prescribed to control certain symptoms
2. they are taught simple problem-solving skills
3. they are given special educational programs tailored to individual needs
4. a combination of therapies is used
5. the best time to treat them is usually between one and half to four years old
PROBLEMS FACED BY TEENAGERS WITH AUTISM
6. they show behavioural problems and react differently with others
7. they have problems communicating with people
8. they have difficulty joining a group or activity
9. they show extremes of behaviour, from being passive to aggressive
10. they have intellectual limitations and learning problems
11. they do not know how to express their emotions properly and often misunderstood