Autism and Asperger Syndrome Vanessa Cox November 27, 2012

What is Autism Exactly?

What Is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or Autism) is a term for a group of complex disorders of brain development. Persons with ASD have difficulties in social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. This group of disorders include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive development disorder-not otherwise specified(PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.

How did my Child get Autism? Autism has its roots in early brain development. However, symptoms don’t tend to show up until between 2 or 3 years of age. Scientists have identified a number of rare gene changer, or mutations, linked to autism. Most cases of autism appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes. Also, environmental factors play a role on influencing early brain development. Autism and Vaccinces Many parents are worried that some vaccines are not safe and may harm their child or infant. Studies have NOT shown this risk to be true. In fact, foregoing any vaccines is more risky than not getting a child vaccinated.

How Common is Autism? Autism affects around 1 out of 88 American children. 1 out of 54 boys are diagnosed with autism, while 1 out of 252 girls are affected in the United States. Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism. ASD affects more than 2 million people in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. There is no medical detection or cure for autism.

What about Asperger Syndrome?

What about Asperger Syndrome? Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) considered to be on the “high functioning” end of the spectrum. Affected children and adults have difficulty with social interactions and display a restricted range of interests and/or repetitive behaviors. Those with Asperger syndrome do not have significant delays or difficulties in language or cognitive development.

Asperger Syndrome Behaviors/Symptoms Limited or inappropriate social reactions “robotic” or repetitive speech Difficulty with nonverbal communication Tendency to discuss self rather than others Inability to understand social/emotional issues and non-literal phrases. Obsession with specific, often unusual, topics Has one-sided conversations Awkward movements or mannerisms

How is Asperger Syndrome Diagnosed? Asperger syndrome is usually undiagnosed until a child or adult begins to have serious difficulties in school, the workplace, or personal life. Diagnosis tends to center primarily on social interaction difficulties.

Okay, Okay, I read the facts, But What Does it Mean? Interpret the FACTS

I have Autism… Now What? Every child with autism is different. It is called a spectrum disorder because there is so much variation in how autism expresses itself. When it comes to learning and cognitive development, the most common that children have is with language and social skills. Autism affects how an individual thinks, learns, and experiences the world.

Teaching Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Understanding and Teaching Autism students

Outlook of Teaching Autism Students Successfully supporting a child with Autism involves understanding the unique way the characteristics present in the child and how those features have an impact on that child’s life. Use the child’s IEP to structure lessons and how they will be portrayed. Strategies need to be individually personalized based of this understanding – a one-size fits all approach is not helpful. In order for children with Autism to learn, they need structure, visual cues, minimal distractions, and attention to behavior.

Strategies for creating and maintaining structure Daily schedules for the child Use daily schedules, calendars, and lists to help them learn the order of activities Use different visual cues such as objects, photos, icons, words, sentences, and check lists Make sure the work you are giving them is geared towards their level Make sure the activities end before the child becomes frustrated

Using Visuals Use picture cards/flash cards with the associated words on it To teach verbs, it is best to demonstrate. Place naming cards on all the objects around the home or classroom and the child’s toys, clothes, and other items Role-play social situations, activities and how to complete a task

Dealing with Distractions Distraction can interfere with concentration and consequently the ability to learn. Children with Autism are easily distracted or drawn toward or are fixated on certain things. Lights, sounds, and smells are just some examples of things that can distract a child with autism. Some strategies to help prevent distractions are: Making sure it’s visually clear what activities happen in which areas Have the child sit near or facing you Check the environment for distractions before beginning activities

Communication Communication is often hard for children with autism. Communication is a two way process so you cannot assume that they can understand you. Some strategies that assist communications: Write a list of behavior rules for the child to read when needed Use positive rewards Pay attention to their likes, dislikes, and interests Use their strengths

“Different Minds Learn Differently” -Dr Mel Levine, University of North Carolina Medical School

Marcelles Dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller 

Marcelles Reading Pete the Cat

Information Sources http://www.yourguidetoautism/how-does-autism- affect-learning.html http://www.psylutionsforlearning.com.au/blog/aut ism-and-learning-how-does-autism-affect- learning-and-how-to-help-an-autistic-child-learn http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/facts- about-autism http://www.autismspeaks.org/what- autism/asperger-syndrome http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Picture Sources http://specialeducation.departments.pwcs.edu/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1007119/Image/Autism/autism.png http://www.beatautism.org/images/AutismKids.jpg http://www.iloveachildwithautism.com/images/IamMoreThanAutism1.jpg http://graphicpieces.com/autism/gpautismC.gif http://www.tke.org/files/img/what-does-it-all-mean.jpg http://add-assets.com/asset/2289.jpg http://www.justin5mins.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/asperger.jpg http://www.buildingbridgesconference.com/images/Autistic-sweetiepie-boy-with-ducksinarow.jpg http://static.disaboom.com/content/images/articles/thumbnail/special-needs-children-and-h_thumbnail1.jpg http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--9llreQSCuo/UA5kRtIga9I/AAAAAAAAEDg/D2B51NKypK8/s1600/schooldayschedule0001.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/31/Autism_Speaks_Logo.jpg/250px-Autism_Speaks_Logo.jpg http://www.autismlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/autism1.jpg

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