Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

November 2011

What is Autism?

A behavioral syndrome present from early life

Cause is still unknown Genetic Better identification Immunizations environment

Increase in over 200%

What is Autism?

Spectrum disorder DSM IV –Pervasive Developmental

Disorder Aspergers PDD-NOS Autism Rhett syndrome Childhood disintegrative disorder

Spectrum Disorder Social

Withdrawn…passive….active but odd Communication

Nonverbal………………verbal Repetitive Behavior

Simple…..complex Measured intelligence

Mental retardation……………gifted Motor Skills

Uncoordinated…………………..agile

Sensory Integration

The neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s own body and from the environment to use the body effectively

Normal processing vs. processing dysfunction

Sensory System Five basic senses

Vision, auditory, smell, touch, taste Hidden senses

Vestibular system; body in space (swinging)

Proprioceptive system; joint muscle input (jumping)

Hypersensitive (over) and Hyposensitive (under)

Programs with High Expectations

Family centered; not professional centered

Student centered; not diagnostic centered

Solution oriented

Approach challenging behaviors with open mind

Follow behavior plans- sometimes they take time

Teaching Strategies

Identify other students to facilitate appropriate social interaction

Eliminate adult prompts and dependency

Avoid verbal overload (wright story) Avoid lecture

Teaching Strategies

Use concrete methods to teach Use redirection Wait for a response- 5 seconds Modify work Be consistent

Teaching Strategies

Use interruption strategy Use reinforcement- what is student

working for? Use more positives than negatives Students engaged 100% of time

Teaching Strategies Relate behaviors to natural environment

Teach self-management skills Teach social skills Promote cognition Expand communication

Prepare student for environment Use visual or written schedule Organization and predictability provide security

Overview of Behavior

Stay calm and try not over react Review students behavior plans Keep data Students should not be able to use

behavior to get out of work

Basic Functions of Behavior

Escape Attention Sensory input Communication

Low Expectations Lead to Disabling Students…..

Behavior problems Adult dependency Inability to communicate Inability to progress academically Loss of social and community

acceptance