Autism
Grant D. Hall
Autism
• First identified as a disorder by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943
• 2013 – National Institutes of Health institutes ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder which includes:• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder – CDD
• Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified – PDD-NOS
• Asperger Syndrome
Manifestation of ASD
• Early signs become apparent around 2 – 3 months
• Social Interaction
• Communication
• Repetitive Behaviors
• Many symptoms overlap – can include physical challenges as well
Early Indicators of ASD
• Social, Communication, and Interaction Indicators• No smiles or happy expressions by 6 months
• Doesn’t mimic sounds or facial expressions by 9 months
• Doesn’t babble or coo by 12 months
• Doesn’t gesture, point or wave by 14 months
• Doesn’t say single words by 16 months
• Doesn’t play “make-believe” or pretend by 18 months
Patterns of Behaviors
• Repetitive physical movements or actions that could be self-harming
• Constant movement
• Resistant to change
• Coordination problems or odd movements
• Sensitive to light, sound, and touch
• Oblivious to pain
The Spectrum of ASD
• The spectrum of ASD is quite varied.• Slow to gain knowledge or develop skills
• Lower intelligence
• Quick learning capability
• High intelligence
• Difficulty in communication
• Exceptional skills – art, math, music
Symptoms and Behaviors are Diverse
Each ASD Student is Unique
How to Accommodate ASD Students in the Classroom
Respond to Behavior
• Structure
• Predictable learning environment
• Visual cues for transition
• Alone time and a quiet space
Social Interactions
• Know the comfort level of your ASD student
• What is their ability to interact with other students
• Assist in learning and developing behaviors• Waiting their turn
• Negotiation
• Sharing
• Monitoring their own behavior
Resources
• What resources do I have as an educator?• Parents – They will be able to provide the most direct and
applicable information about their child. Direct communication with them will be your most important resource.
• School Special Education specialist – Most schools will have a specialist that can assist you in developing a plan and methodology for working with your ASD student.
• The Student – Aside from the student’s parents, your student can help you the most. Listen, watch and communicate with the student to the best of your ability to help that student learn, grow, and develop.
Asperger Syndrome
• Considered to be “high functioning” on the autism spectrum
• Difficulty with social interactions
• Demonstrate repetitive behaviors
• No significant delays in language or cognitive skills
PDD-NOS
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified• This is a term used to diagnose children or adults who are on the
autism spectrum but do not meet the criteria for an ASD suck as autistic disorder or Aspergers.
• Three levels of PDD-NOS
• High functioning – closer to Asperger syndrome
• Resemble autism – do not meet all of the autistic diagnostic signs
• Meet the requirements of autism without behavior issues
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder - CDD
• Autism symptoms develop late – 3 to 4 years of age
• Language regression
• Social interaction declines
• Self-care abilities disappear
• Cognitive abilities decline
• Higher levels of anxiety
Cure for ASD
Currently there is no cure for Autism Spectrum Disorder, however early, intensive treatment can make a big
difference in the lives of many children.
Amazing Videos
• A Young adult talks about his life journey with Autism.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXC0xmdAE1E
• My Life With Autism & ADD ~ A 17 year olds perspective on life.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciBCvssKLHc
• Wyatt – A sweet little boy talks to his mom about being different.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_XRVwRFPKk&list=PL4956948281757D86
• Wyatt - part 2
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBjw5vgnqy8
References
• http://www.mayoclinic.org
• http://www.autismspeaks.org
• http://www.autism-society.org
• http://medicine.yale.edu
• Friend, M., & Bursuck, W.D. (2012). Including Students with Special Needs: A Practical Guide for Classroom Teachers. Boston, MA: Pearson
Dylan is a 19 year old boy with Autism. This is his explanation of what autism is and what it means to him.
Faces of ASD
Susan Boyle ~ Asperger Syndrome ~ Singer
Temple Grandin ~ AutismProfessor of Animal Sciences
Autism AdvocateAuthor
Daryl Hannah ~ Autism ~ Actress
Alexis Wineman ~ AutismMiss. Montana & Miss. America
Contestant
James Durbin ~ Asperger Syndrome
Singer
“I am different, not less.”—Temple Grandin