AUTISMSPECTRUMDISORDERS(ASD)

A range of pervasive developmental disorders, with onset in childhood, that adversely affect a pupil's functioning and result in the need for

special education instruction and related

services.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders

of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in

social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

Autism Defined

Autism Facts

Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls

Children with autism do progress-early intervention is key

Autism greatly varies from person to person (no two people with autism are alike)

The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last twenty years

Autistic Disorder Childhood Autism Atypical Autism Rett Syndrome Childhood Disintegrative Disorder Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise

Specified Asperger's Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorders can range from mild to severe.

Types of Autism

Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention

identify around 1 in 88 American

children as on the autism spectrum.

How Common is Autism?

What Causes Autism?

There is no one cause of autism

Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism by themselves.

Most cases of autism, appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.

Risk Factors:• advanced parental age at time of conception (both

mom and dad) • maternal illness during pregnancy • certain difficulties during birth, particularly those

involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain.

“On the Spectrum”

Each individual with autism is unique.

Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills.

About 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities.

Many people with autism have distinctive abilities and “atypical” ways of viewing the world.

Some people with autism have significant disability and are unable to live independently.

About 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means.

Assessing Autism

There is extensive literature regarding the best instruments and techniques for identifying ASD.

Assessment of ASDs may be completed by a number of professionals, including psychologists, neurologists, pediatricians or psychiatrists.

Parents and educators should seek assessment as soon as signs become evident. Early symptoms of ASDs may be apparent by the age of 12 months to 18 months or sooner. While diagnosis often is possible by the age of two (Lord & Spence, 2006), most children are not identified until years later.

Autism in the classroom…

Every child on the autism spectrum disorder is unique and their learning styles differ immensely.

Tips for Educators of Autistic students :• Give individual attention to the student

• Support transitions

• Provide support for fidgets (supply koosh balls, strings of beads, rubber bands, etc.)

• Help with organization

• Assign special jobs

• Provide multiple breaks

• Focus on the students particular interests and gear instructional approaches towards interests

• Give choices

• Include in regular activities (especially social interactions with other students)

Services and Resources Available

for AutismAutism Safety Brochures and additional information is available by clicking the following link:http://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/autism-safety-facts/safety-brochures/

Teaching resources for autistic students can be found at the following site:http://www.nationalautismresources.com/autism-school.html

Additional Services and Resources in Rochester, MN

• Rochester Center for Autism, Inc.3640 9th Street NWRochester, MN 55901

• RochesterFamilies.comRochester Center for Autism

• Link to view Autism Resources available for checkout in the Rochester Public School Resource Library http://ww2.rochester.k12.mn.us/region10/Resource_Library/Autism_Materials/autism_materials.htm

References

"Home Autism Speaks." Autism Speaks. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. <http://www.autismspeaks.org/>.

"Minnesota Administrative Rules." 3525 Minnesota Rule. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=3525>.

"National Autism Association -." National Autism Association RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. <http://nationalautismassociation.org/>.

"Shop Our Autism Store for Autism & Aspergers Products Teaching Materials Sensory Toys and More." Shop Our Autism Store for Autism & Aspergers Products Teaching Materials Sensory Toys and More. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. <http://www.nationalautismresources.com/>.