AutismAutism

Developmental disability that significantly affects a student’s verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and education performance.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder

CharacteristicsCharacteristics Language development

Wide range of abilities (no verbal communication to complex communication

Typically have a number of language impairments Delays-limited topics, limited interactions on a topic,

limited gestures, reverses pronouns, lack of eye contact

Echolalia-repeating what others say

Social DevelopmentSocial Development

Impaired use of nonverbal behavior Lack of peer relationships Failure to spontaneously share enjoyment,

interests, and achievements with others Lack of reciprocity

Repetitive BehaviorRepetitive Behavior Obsessions

Persistent thoughts, impulses, images of repetitive nature

Tics Involuntary, rapid movements that occur without

warning Perseveration

Verbalizations or behaviors that are repeated to an inappropriate extent

Problem BehaviorProblem Behavior

Self Injurious Behavior Head banging, biting, scratching

Aggression Behavior directed toward others

Problem behaviors can serve a communicative function

Need for Environmental PredictabilityNeed for Environmental Predictability

Predictability and structure Changes can cause high degree of anxiety Things in their place Classroom supports (schedules,routines) Planning for transitions/changes

Sensory and Movement DisordersSensory and Movement Disorders

Sensory 42-88% of persons with Autism/Asperger Syndrome Under or over responsiveness to sensory stimuli

Movement Abnormal posture Abnormal movements of face, head, trunk, limbs,

repeated gestures & mannerisms

Intellectual FunctioningIntellectual Functioning

Autism occurs in children with all levels of intelligence (gifted to mental retardation)

72% have some type of limited cognitive functioning

Savant syndrome