Autism: An Overview

Catherine Livingston

Intro to Autism

Oct 10,2010

What is Autism?

“It remains one of the greatest mysteries in medicine”

Very little is known about this neurological disorder which impacts social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication.- CNN.com

Autistic Spectrum Disorders

5 genetic/developmental disorders listed under

the “Autism Umbrella”• Autism• Asperger’s• Rett's Syndrome• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder• PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder not Otherwise Specified)

There is a range in severity of symptoms under the “Autistic

Umbrella”

Symptoms and Characteristics of Autism range from very mild to very severe.

Autistic Disorder (299.00 DSM lV)Impaired social interaction and communication. Restricted range of interests.Some Characteristics:• Marked impairment in use of nonverbal behaviors.• Failure to develop appropriate peer relations.• Limited, delayed, repetitive or idiosyncratic language• Lack of spontaneous, make-believe play• Inflexible adherence to routines• Preoccupation with one or more stereotyped patterns of interest• “Stimming”-repetitive motor mannerisms • Onset prior to age of 3-lack of social interaction or languageSome interesting facts• 75% are also diagnosed with mental retardation• 50% Do not communicate verbally

Autistic Disorder

Asperger’s Syndrome

• Added to DSM lV in 1994.• “high functioning”-Milder form of Autism• Social Skills are Impaired but verbal skills and

intelligence are within normal range• “Little professor” syndrome• Intense/limited/specific range of interests• Lack of reciprocity in play• Intonation and speech patterns may be abnormal• Mild impairment of fine and gross motor skills

PDD-NOS

• Individuals who are diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified meet most but not all of the diagnostic criteria for Autism.

• PDD-NOS can either be a form of high functioning Autism or not depending upon the severity of the Autistic characteristics they exhibit.

Rett's Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disease

Rett’s Disorder-(Prevalence-1 in 10,000)

-Neurodevelopment disorder

-affects only girls.

-Impaired motor functionChildhood Disintegrative Disease-( approx 2 per 100,000)

-Normal development prior to age 2 (up to 10)

Then child loses motor, communication,intellectual ability and doesn’t regain them.

Diagnostic Tools

• Intelligence Tests

• Intellectual Ability Assessments

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS)

• ADI-R- Interview system given to parents and caregivers.

• Pervasive Developmental Behavior Inventory (PDDBI)

-Tests developed by Western Psychological Association

Rate of Autism

• 1 in 150 Births-Centers for Disease Control, 2010• In the 1980’s the Autism rate was 1 in 15,000 births• Reasons for increase in Autism not known. Improved

diagnostic measures may be one factor.

Autism is on the rise in public schools

Number of students served in schools -IDEA

Autism-Some Myths • Some believe that Autism is caused

by environmental factors (heavy metals/nutrition etc.)

• Autism is a genetic, neurological, disorder.

• Until recently, it was believed that Autism was caused by bad parenting.

(Leo Kanner-father of Autism)

Sensory Integration Issues

• Many individuals with Autism are extremely sensitive to sensory input such as light, noise and touch.

• Occupational Therapists may provide therapy and suggestions to parents and educators to improve sensory regulation.

Social Skills Social Skills such as turn

taking and reciprocal conversation skills can be taught successfully to some Autistic children using Discrete Trial and Structured Social Skills Training Opportunities.

How the Educational System Addresses Autism

If a student’s educational performance is impaired by their Autism then they will qualify for an IEP

(Individual Education Program) and may receive special education support from a variety of professionals depending on their specific needs.

Classroom Strategies for High Functioning Autism

• Use visual schedules

• Use consistent classroom routines

• Inform student ahead of time when there will be a change in the routine

• Provide structured interaction opportunities

With other students (cooperative groups)

• Reduce visual and auditory distractions

Support for Parents

A Website that lists support resources:

http://www.childrensdisabilities.info/autism/groups-autism-asperger.html

Autism Society:

http://www.autismsociety.org

Support for Asperger’s

http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/

“Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”Benjamin Franklin