![Page 1: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Autism: An Overview
Catherine Livingston
Intro to Autism
Oct 10,2010
![Page 2: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
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
![Page 3: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
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)
![Page 4: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
There is a range in severity of symptoms under the “Autistic
Umbrella”
Symptoms and Characteristics of Autism range from very mild to very severe.
![Page 5: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
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
![Page 6: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
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
![Page 7: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
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.
![Page 8: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
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.
![Page 9: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
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
![Page 10: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
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.
![Page 11: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Autism is on the rise in public schools
Number of students served in schools -IDEA
![Page 12: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
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)
![Page 13: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
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.
![Page 14: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
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.
![Page 15: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
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.
![Page 16: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
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
![Page 17: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
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/
![Page 18: Autism: An Overview Catherine Livingston Intro to Autism Oct 10,2010](https://reader036.vdocuments.site/reader036/viewer/2022083009/5697bfc91a28abf838ca8f4b/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
“Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”Benjamin Franklin