what is autism ?
DESCRIPTION
A guide to autism: Learn how to cope and live with autism.TRANSCRIPT
OverviewWhat is Autism?Is there more than one type of Autism?What causes Autism?How is Autism diagnosed?What are the characteristics of Autism?What are the most effective approaches to
treating Autism? Is there a cure?
WHAT IS AUTISM?Very complex, often baffling
developmental disabilityFirst described by Leo
Kanner in 1943 as early infantile autism
“Auto” – children are “locked within themselves.”
For next 30 years, considered to be an emotional disturbance
WHAT IS AUTISM?3 categories for autism in IDEA?Today, autism is a severe form of a broader
group of disordersThese are referred to as pervasive
developmental disorders (later)Typically appears during the first 3 years of
life
WHAT IS AUTISM?Very likely neurological in origin – not
emotional, not the refrigerator momPrevalence figures vary widely (textbook
says 5/10,000, but recent data say as high as 1/1000 or even 1/500.
4 times more prevalent in boysNo known racial, ethnic, or social
boundariesNo relation to family income, lifestyle
WHAT IS AUTISM?Autism impacts normal development of the
brain in areas of social interaction and communication skills.
Difficult to communicate with others and relate to the outside world.
Occasionally, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES?Actually, the “umbrella” heading is
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD).Autism is one of the 5 PDDs.All have commonalities in communication and
social deficitsDiffer in terms of severity
1. Autistic DisorderImpairments in social interaction,
communication, and imaginative play.Apparent before age 3.Also includes stereotyped behaviors,
interests, and activities
2. Asperger’s DisorderImpairments in social interactions, and
presence of restricted interests and activitiesNo clinically significant general delay in
languageAverage to above average intelligence
3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)Often referred to as atypical autismUsed when a child does not meet the criteria
for a specific diagnosis, but there is severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors
4. Rett’s DisorderProgressive disorder which, to date, has only
occurred in girls.Period of normal development and then the
loss of previously acquired skillsAlso loss of purposeful use of hands, which is
replaced by repetitive hand movementsBeginning at age of 1-4 years
5. Childhood Disintegrative DisorderNormal development for at least the first 2
yearsThen significant loss of previously acquired
skills
Conclusions on TypesAutism is a spectrum disorderThis means that symptoms and
characteristics can present themselves in wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe
Autistic individuals can be very different from each other
“Autism” is still commonly used to refer to any of the 5 PDDs
What causes (and doesn’t cause) autism?Good agreement in general that autism is
caused by abnormalities in brain development, neurochemistry, and genetic factors
Bettleheim’s theory of psychogenesis?
How is Autism Diagnosed?No definitive medical testTeam uses interviews, observation, and
specific checklists developed for this purpose.
Team might include neurologist, psychologist, developmental pediatrician, speech/language therapist, learning consultant, etc.
Must rule out MR, hearing impairment, behavior disorders, or eccentric habits
CHARACTERISTICS1. Communication/Language2. Social Interaction3. Behaviors4. Sensory and movement disorders5. Resistance to change (predictability)6. Intellectual functioning
1. Communication/languageBroad range of abilities, from no verbal
communication to quite complex skillsTwo common impairments:A. Delayed languageB. Echolalia
A. Delayed language50% of autistic individuals will eventually
have useful speech (?)Pronoun reversal: “You want white
icing on chocolate cake.”Difficulty in conversing easily with othersDifficulty in shifting topicsLook away; poor eye contactFacilitated communication??????
Elements of Facilitated Communication1. Physical Support2. Initial training/introduction3. Maintaining focus4. Avoiding competence testing5. Generalization6. Fading
B. EcholaliaCommon in very young children (Age 3)Immediate or delayed (even years)Is there communicative intent with echolalia?
2. Social InteractionOne of hallmarks of autism is lack of social
interaction1. Impaired use of nonverbal behavior2. Lack of peer relationships3. Failure to spontaneously share enjoyment,
interests, etc. with others4. Lack of reciprocityTheory of mind?
3. BehaviorsRepetitive behaviors, including obsessions,
tics, and perseverationImpeding behaviors (impede their learning
or the learning of others)Will need positive behavior supportsA. Self-injurious behaviorB. Aggression
4. Sensory and movement disordersVery commonOver- or under-sensitive to sensory stimuliAbnormal posture and movements of the
face, head, trunk, and limbsAbnormal eye movementsRepeated gestures and mannerismsMovement disorders can be detected very
early – perhaps at birth
5. PredictabilityChange in routine is very stressfulMay insist on particular furniture
arrangement, food at meals, TV showsSymmetry is often importantInterventions need to focus on preparing
students for change if possible
6. Intellectual functioningAutism occurs in children of all levels of
intelligence, from those who are gifted to those who have mental retardation
In general, majority of individuals with autism are also identified as having mental retardation – 75% below 70
Verbal and reasoning skills are difficultSavant syndrome
Interventions1. Individualization and early intervention
are the keys2. Include life skills, functional academics,
and vocational preparation3. Positive behavior support4. Social stories (music therapy?)5. Lovaas model
Thank you
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