Autism By: Teressa Feierabend, LSSP

What is Autism? Autism is a brain disorder that often makes it hard to communicate with and relate to others. With autism, the different areas of the brain fail to work together.

About Autism Most people with autism will always have some trouble relating to others. But early diagnosis and treatment have helped more and more people who have autism to reach their full potential.

The Old Autism Spectrum

The New Autism Spectrum

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by: Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts; Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities; Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (typically recognized in the first two years of life); and, Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment or disability that children with ASD can have. Some children are mildly impaired by their symptoms, while others are severely disabled.

Geneticist Wendy Chung shares information about what we know causes autism. Time: 15:34 Published on Apr 28, 2014 What Causes Autism?

How Common is Autism? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1 in 68 American children is on the autism spectrum This is 10 times more than 40 years ago.

How Common is Autism? 4 to 5 times more common in boys than girls. About 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed in the US.

No. of Students Identified with Autism in LISD 23 total GradeNo. of Students with Autism PPCD2 K

What Causes Autism Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age.

Eye-Detection Software Children with an ASD may fail to respond to their names and often avoid eye contact with other people. yc Time: 2:07

Early Signs of Autism smIo smIo Time 1:25

Temple Grandin Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. m0 Time 7:46

Acknowledging their Skills 9GfM 9GfM Time: 2:09

Autism "Awareness" - Ten Things You Should Know (4:54)

MEET CARLY Ono Ono Time: 9:51

Meet Tess Time: 3:37

Teressa Feierabend, LSSP Trudie Dewy, Parent Liaison