EXIT 303: AUTISM

Paul and Erin.(Just Call Us Perin)

Autism Defined

» Physical disorder of the brain

» Causes a lifelong developmental disability

» Varies widely in abilities and behaviors

Causes» No single cause» Generally accepted that its caused by

abnormalities in brain structure or function

» Heredity, genetics, or inherited?» Environmental?» Diet?

In the 1990s disability rose 16%Autism rose 172%

WHAT IS GOING ON?

Symptoms1) Failure to develop normal socialization

2) Disturbances in speech, language, and communication

- About 40% of children with autism don’t speak at all

3) Abnormal relationships to objects and events

Symptoms Cont.

4) Abnormal responses to sensory stimulation

5) Developmental delays and differences

6) Begins during infancy or childhood- Born with autism

RED FLAGS» Impairment in Social Interaction:

» Lack of appropriate eye gaze» Lack of warm, joyful expressions» Lack of sharing interest or enjoyment» Lack of response to name

» Impairment in Communication:

» Lack of showing gestures» Lack of coordination of nonverbal communication» Unusual prosody

» Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests:

» Repetitive movements with objects

» Repetitive movements or posturing of body, arms, hands, or fingers

Diagnosis

» Routine development screening

- AAP urging early screening for ALL children

» Physicians rely on caregivers for observational information

» Various medical tests

To recognize a child’s risk for developmental disorders, then, is to also recognize and maximize a child’s

potential.

Treatment» No single cure (like there is no single cause)

» Questions about if it is even treatable

» Early diagnosis can lead to improvements

» Some believe the brain can adapt to neurological deficits (not scientifically proven)

Treatment Cont.» Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

» DIR Method (or “Floortime”)

» Son-Rise

» GFCF Diet: Theory that some autistics can’t digest gluten or casein and it alters their behavior

DataLocal Resources:

- Schools- FACES Northwest- The Arc- University of Washington Autism Center- FEAT - Sisu Children’s fund

Statistics:- Occurs in 1 out of 150 children

- If extrapolated works out to 560,000 nationwide- Fastest growing developmental disability- $90 billion annual cost

Savants» Some individuals with autism have extraordinary abilities

» Around 10% of people with Autism have some special skill

» Three types of skills:1. Splinter skills - the most common type2. Talented skills - the person has a more highly

developed and specialized skill. 3. Prodigious skills - the rarest type.

http://www.you tube.com/watch?v=v050lDyfQOQ

» Set up and setting is important» Adapt within a routine» Lots of family communication-- just want their child to have a friend» Adapt to social community, huge on independence» Well thought of because within regular classes

Interview

ENCORE?