NON FORMAL COMMUNICATION FOR NONVERBAL AUTISTIC CHILDREN, USING ELECTRONIC DEVICES

1.WHAT IS AUTISM? Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of DSM 5 diagnostic manual, all  autism disorders were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, pervasive develepmental disorder, not otherwise specified, PDD NOS and Asperger syndrome. So, autism, is un umbrella term for a wide spectrum of disorders.

2. HOW COMMON IS AUTISM? Autism statistics identify around 1 in 68 children as on the autism spectrum, a ten fold increase in prevelance in 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awarness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls, which means that from 5 children diagnosed with autism,1 is a girl and 4 are boys.The incidence on autism is ten times higher on twins than on a single fetus. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism. ASD affects tens of millions worldwide. Moreover, autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years.

3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ,,ON THE SPECTRUM,,? Each individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academic skills. About 40 percent have average to above average intelectual abilities, but on the other hand, 60 percent are deeply, sever affected. Many persons on the spectrum have distinctive abilities and ,,atypical,, ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have significant disability and are unable to live indepently. About half of persons with ASD are nonverbal lifelong term, but they can learn to communicate using other means.

4. COMMUNICATION ON THE SPECTRUM Communication is the use of nonverbal (eye contact, facial expressions, body posture, gestures) and verbal (speech or spoken language) behavior to share ideas, exchange information and regulate interactions. The lack of communication of autistic children is severe, as they are not able to establish eye contact, they do not understand emotions showed by facial expressions, their body posture is deficient as so are their gestures. Half of the persons on the spectrum are nonverbal all along their lives.

5. LACK OF COMMUNICATION Usually, the absence of communication for persons with autism brings tantrum which is an expression of intense, immediate frustration. Many children who are on the spectrum are unable to communicate in a way most typically developing children do. Instead they may develop unappropriate ways to communicate through aggresion, self injurious behavior or tantrums. This is the reason for what we, parents, teachers, people from the community have to find the best way to communicate with a person who is on the spectrum.

6. EARLY INTERVENTION Scientific studies have demonstrated that early intensive intervention improves learning, communication and social skills in young children with autism. The intervention focuses on the care areas affected by autism. These include social skills, language and communication, imitation, play skills, daily living and motor skils.

PROF. FRUNZĂ ILEANA-GEORGETA PROF. APOSTOL ANDREEA