Autism

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Autism
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Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Identification of this disability has increased
• Established as new category under IDEA in 1990
• Cause unknown - various theories being explored
• Range of abilities and needs
• Spectrum
• Profound MR to Aspergers syndrome

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Causes of autism

• Genetic
• Abnormal immune system
• Infection/vaccinations
• Toxins
• Abnormal function of intestinal tract
• Abnormal brain function

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Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Lifelong developmental disability that typically
  appears during first 3 years
• Found in all racial, ethnic, and social
  backgrounds
• 4-5 more likely in males
• Prevalence varies (15/10,000 4.5/10,000) mental
  retardation in 70-80
• Identifiable cluster of behaviors

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Identifiable cluster of behaviors

• Problems in social interactions
• Communication problems
• Unusual behavior
• Over or under stimulated in environment
• Sensory processing difficulties

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Characteristics

• Uneven pattern of development
• Rote memory is a strength
• Generalization and abstract thinking is difficult
• Communication/social interaction is problematic
• Resistance to change/desire for sameness

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Challenging Behaviors

• Behavior is a means to communicate
• Challenging behaviors are common
• Behavior is functional meaningful to the
  individual
• Types of behavior seen
• Echolalia, self-stimulation, restricted/intense
  interests, aggression, self-injury

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Interventions for Behaviors

• First assess behavior to determine why
• Prepare and explain changes
• Provide breaks from high stimulation
• Provide private time/place when self stimulation
  is allowed
• Reinforce new activities and interests
• Keep time structured difficulty with down time
• Control stimuli if necessary

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Communication

• May be nonverbal (approximately 50)
• Do not initiate conversation
• Echolalia
• Problems answering questions
• Difficulty conversing
• Difficulty understanding concepts

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Communication Helpful Hints

• Determine what the behavior is communicating
• Teach and learn functional communication methods
• Use pictures and visual mode often
• Arrange environment to encourage communication
• Direct and concrete short sentences and
  directions

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Social Interactions

• Avoid eye contact
• Difficulty understanding social cues and relating
  to others
• Impairment in ability to make friends
• Lack of imaginative play
• Lack of ability to express/understand emotions
• Lack of awareness of feelings of others

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Social Interaction Helpful Hints

• Teach social skills and interactions
• Respect needs and personal space
• Prepare for social situations
• Teach specific social rules
• Facilitate interaction through shared activities
• Structure interactions with peers

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Social Stories

• Used to teach social skills for a variety of
  situations
• Provides student with information regarding what
  is occurring and why
• Short story that describes a situation in terms
  of relevant social cues and common responses
• Provides student with concrete information
  regarding what occurs and why

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Language Remediation

• Teach language in natural environment
• Sign language, gestures, communication boards for
  nonverbal
• Communication systems
• Facilitated communication

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Interacting Effectively Points to Remember

• Use simple language
• Use concrete terms and ideas
• Repeat questions allow time for a response
• Be positive
• Proceed slowly
• Do not attempt to stop self-stimulation