Pinagpala Publishing Services - BEHAVIORAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHILD WITH MILD AUTISM SP

World Education Connect Multidisciplinary e-Publication, Vol. VI, Issue VI (June 2026), pp.480-484

BEHAVIORAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHILD WITH MILD AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER - A CASE STUDY

Authors

Yvonne M. Porazo, Geizelle R. Villamor, Scott T. Bantaculo,

Mariya Czarina L. Artugue, Annabelle A. Dela Rama

Lanaguage and Literature Unit

Abuyog Community College

Abstract

This qualitative single case study examines the behavioral and developmental characteristics of a young male child diagnosed with mild autism spectrum disorder (ASD), currently enrolled in a Special Education (SPED) program in a rural community in Abuyog, Leyte, Philippines. The child was born prematurely at 32 weeks of gestation following maternal stress, required post-natal incubation, and subsequently exhibited notable delays in motor and language development. Formal recognition of his condition occurred only upon school entry when behavioral differences were observed by his classroom teacher. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview with the child's mother and multiple sessions of structured behavioral observation using a researcher-constructed checklist. The results indicate a mixed profile: the child has a lot of problems, for example, hyperactivity, short attention span, unclear speech, unsupervised wandering, decreased pain sensitivity, and disturbed daily routines, even though at the same time he shows relative strengths, such as social involvement, particularly with older peers. Current literature examining the literature about mild ASD presentation and the criteria for established ASD diagnosis are reviewed in relation to these behaviors. The study concludes with evidence-based recommendations to involve the family, control behavior, assist in communication, and intervene in education. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are also discussed.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay, behavioral characteristics, qualitative case study, special education, sensory processing