OVERVIEW OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

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OVERVIEW OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

• Created by Autism New Jersey, 2009

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Autism New Jersey

• Formerly COSAC (The New Jersey Center for
  Outreach and Services for the Autism Community)
• A non-profit membership organization since 1965
• Serving the entire state
• Provides information, support, and advocacy for
  both families and professionals

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Providing Information

• Helpline (1.800.4AUTISM)
• Website (www.autismnj.org)
• Referral lists of service providers
• Free parent trainings
• Professional development workshops
• Annual conference (October 8-10, 2009)

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Providing Support

• From the initial diagnosis through the lifespan
• Helpline
• Parent support groups
• Sibling pen pal program

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Providing Advocacy

• Educational rights
• New legislation
• First Responders Law
• Currently working on adult initiatives and
  insurance coverage

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What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

• Neurobiological disorders that are evident in a
  persons behavior
• Impaired social interaction, communication, and
  behavior
• Affect approximately 1 in 94 children in New
  Jersey
• 4-5 times more common in males
• Usually diagnosed in early childhood

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Spectrum A broad sequence or range of related
qualities, ideas, or activities1

• Wide range of characteristics among different
  individuals as well as over one individuals
  lifetime
• When you have met an individual with autism, you
  have met one individual with autism. (Stephen
  Shore, a person on the spectrum)
• 1 American Heritage Dictionary of the English
  Language, Fourth Edition, 2000.

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Difficulties in Social Interaction

• Many dont spontaneously seek to share
  information or enjoyment
• Impaired understanding of nonverbal cues (body
  language, facial expressions, eye contact,
  gestures, etc.)
• Trouble with seeing other peoples perspectives
• Difficulty developing peer relationships

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Difficulties in Communication

• Delay in, or lack of, spoken language
• May instead use single words, picture exchange,
  sign language, or a voice output device
• Difficulty initiating or sustaining conversation
• Literal interpretation of language
• Unusual tone, pitch, and inflection

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Unusual Behaviors

• Preoccupation with certain interests
• Resistance to changes in routine
• Lack of creative play (focused on routine or
  parts of objects instead)
• Atypical reactions to sensory stimuli
• Seemingly odd, repetitive movements

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Variations in Autism
Tendency to spin or line up objects
Oversensitivity to noise
Extreme passivity
Difficulty socializing with other people
Unusual attachment to objects
No fear of real dangers
Apparent insensitivity to pain
May appear to be deaf
Physical overactivity
Resistance to changes in routine
Inappropriate laughter
Poor eye contact
Oversensitivity to pain/touch
Apparent disinterest in other people
Echolalia
Uneven skill level across areas
Odd play habits
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What Causes Autism?

• At this time, the cause of autism is unknown.
• Current research strongly suggests that autism is
  a genetic disorder, possibly triggered by
  environmental factors yet to be determined.
• There is nothing parents do or dont do that
  causes their children to have autism.

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How is Autism Diagnosed?

• Many parents first suspect a problem when their
  child does not reach developmental milestones.
• Examples
• Smiling back at parents at 4 months
• Using gestures at 12 months
• Turning when name called at 12 months
• Saying at least 3 words at 15 months
• Simple pretend play at 18 months
• 2-word combinations at 24 months
• Enjoying playing with other children at 24 months

www.firstsigns.org
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How is Autism Diagnosed?

• Currently, no medical tests can diagnose autism
• Diagnosis must be based on observations of the
  childs behavior by a trained diagnostician ( a
  neurologist or developmental pediatrician)

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PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
Others
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Retts Disorder
Autism (Autistic Disorder)
Aspergers Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise
Specified (PDDNOS)
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Is Autism Treatable?

• While there is no cure, early diagnosis and
  appropriate treatment can greatly improve
  abilities and quality of life.
• Both children and adults with autism can learn
  new skills through highly structured, specialized
  educational programs.
• Teaching must be individualized to the specific
  needs of the student and delivered in a
  consistent, comprehensive, and coordinated way.

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Possible Associated Features

• Approximately 70 have some degree of cognitive
  impairment
• Less than 2 have savant abilities in math, art,
  and music
• One-third develop seizures

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• Heres how you can help

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Inclusion means

• Individuals with developmental disabilities are
  exposed to the same experiences as neurotypical
  individuals
• Being in the community is not the same as being
  part of the community.
  
• Bill Gaventa Sue Henshaw
• It is important to be welcoming and understanding
  so these individuals can have great opportunities
  to develop new skills and learn to enjoy
  themselves in different surroundings.

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Interacting with Individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorders

• Follow the lead of parents or others who know the
  person well
• Consistently praise desired behavior
• Ignore unusual behavior that is not harmful
• Keep your language simple and clear
• Expect that you may need to wait a little longer
  for a response
• If you give a direction, provide extra cues like
  pointing at the object or modeling the task

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Autism Ambassadors

• April is Autism Awareness Month
• Contact Autism New Jersey to receive information
  about becoming an Autism Ambassador
• Youll receive a free packet of activities you
  can do to raise funds or promote awareness.
• Further details are at www.autismnj.org/cosac2/amb
  assador
• Contact aamonth_at_autismnj.org or 1.800.4AUTISM

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For further information, please contact

• information_at_autismnj.org
• 1.800.4AUTISM
• THANK YOU!