Autism

Definition

Autism is a complex neurological disorder of development that lasts throughout a person’s life.

Signs & Symptoms

Language

Social Behavior Challeng

es

Routine

Language

Communication Verbal▪ Not responding to his/her name▪ Inability to explain what he/she wants

Non-Verbal▪ Not smiling when someone smiles at

him/her▪ Not making eye contact

Sig

ns

Technology

Social Behavior Challenges Sharing Emotions

Empathy

Lack of interest in peers

Holding a Conversation

Spending Time Interacting with Others

Intense or Violent Tantrums

Routines

Repeating words or actions

Obsessively following routines and schedules

Having specific and inflexible ways of arranging items

Spectrum

Spectrum Disorder

Definition: a group of disorders with a range of similar features.

Different people with autism have very different features and symptoms.

Pervasive Developmental Disorders(according to DSM IV)

Asperger’s

DisorderPDD-NOS Autistic

DisorderRett’s

Disorder

Childhood Disintegrat

ive Disorder

Asperger’s Syndrome

People with Asperger’s Syndrome have similar problems as those with autism. These problems often arise in the areas of social interaction and communication.

People with Asperger’s Syndrome are generally considered to have normal intelligence and verbal skills, unlike many people with autism.

Asperger’s Syndrome

Obsessions are incredibly common among people with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome are generally able to communicate well. However, they often have trouble understanding non-literal language and non-verbal communication methods.

PDD-NOS

Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified

“Atypical autism” Symptoms may manifest later in life or

be slightly different from that of autism. Often, but not always, PDD-NOS

symptoms are milder than autism symptoms.

Is There a Cure for Autism Spectrum Disorders?

No official cure BUT, many children with ASDs

progress to the point that they do not show symptoms of the full syndrome as adults.

Early diagnosis and interventions have a strong positive effect on later skills and symptoms.

TreatmentsBehavior Managem

ent Therapy

- Reinforce wanted

behaviors-Reduce

unwanted behaviors

- Often based on

ABA

Speech-Language Therapy

- Help people on

the spectrum improve

their ability to

communicate

Occupational

Therapy- Help people adjust

tasks to match their

needs & abilities

Physical Therapy

- Use activities

and exercises to build motor

control and improve

posture & balance

Autism & Education

Public schools must provide free, appropriate education from age 3 through high school or age 21.

Typically, students with ASDs will receive support from a team of people who create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to help guide the child’s school experiences.

Video Clip: Autism & iPads

Sources

All images from Google Images. Information paraphrased from Marc

Lombardy, Psy.D.