Autism Created By: Jessica Mumm Created By: Jessica Mumm

What is Autism? According to the Autism Society of America, Autism is “a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain.”

Early Warning Signs of Autism Child does not babble or coo by 12 months of age. Child does not gesture, such as point or wave, by 12 months of age. Child does not say single words by 16 months. Child loses any language skill at any age.

Symptoms in Infancy The National Institute of Mental Health listed a few symptoms that might occur in an individual with autism at different stages. Signs of disorder in infants include the following: Appears content to be alone, happier to play alone Displays lack of interest in toys Does not point out objects of interest to others Resists cuddling

Symptoms in Young Children Avoids touching others or cuddling Frequent behavior tantrums and outbursts Over or undersensitivity to pain Lack of fear of danger Sustained abnormal play Uneven motor skill development Not responsive to teaching methods

Symptoms in Adults The symptoms that occur in childhood often continue into adulthood. The timing and duration of interventions often times determines the manifestations of symptoms associated with autism. The symptoms that occur in childhood often continue into adulthood. The timing and duration of interventions often times determines the manifestations of symptoms associated with autism. Often times, autistic adult individuals are able to be successful in the work world and in other aspects of their life. Often times, autistic adult individuals are able to be successful in the work world and in other aspects of their life.

How is Autism Diagnosed? There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism By clinical observation and testing by a professional using one or more standardized tests –Psychologists –Psychiatrists –Developmental pediatricians –School psychologists

If there are no tests, what standard measures are there? Specialized tests –CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) –Autism Diagnostic Checklist Form E-2 –CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) –M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) –Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test - 2 –ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale) –ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised)

Diagnosing Autism The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) has specific criterion required to make a diagnosis of autism The diagnosis of autism may be made when a specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV are present. (See next slide for DSM-IV)

Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder A.A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3): 1.qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: a.marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction b.failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level c.a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest) d.lack of social or emotional reciprocity 2.qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following: a.delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime) b.in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others c.stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language d.lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level 3.restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following: a.encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus b.apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals c.stereotyped and repetitive motor manners (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements) d.persistent preoccupation with parts of objects B.Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years: a.social interaction b.language as used in social communication c.symbolic or imaginative play. C.The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett’s Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

Treatments According the the NY Times Health Guide, an early intervention treatment program will remarkably improve a child’s life with autism. Treatment is most successful when it meets the needs of individuals. A variety of therapies are common in treating autisms such as: Medications Physical Therapy Speech-Language Therapy Occupational Therapy Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Other Treatment Options Sensory Integration Integration and interpretation of sensory stimulation from the environment by the brain. Behavioral Interventions Early, intensive behavioral interventions may improve outcomes for children with autism and help them to achieve their maximum potential. Diet People with autism are more susceptible to allergies and food sensitivities than the average person. The most common food sensitivity for children with autism is to gluten and casein. Vitamin Therapy Parents have reported that they have tried B6/magnesium and/or DMG often with good or spectacular results. Source:

Autism can occur in as many as 1 in 166 individuals Boys are 3 times more likely to have autism than girls Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and social groups How Common is Autism?

Does My Child Have Autism? Some parents are hesitant or unwilling to label a young child with autism, but early identification and early intervention are key components to optimizing outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders. According to current studies in the field, it has been found that when parents suspect something is wrong with their child, they are usually correct.

Parenting Children with Autism It is common for parents to go through a stage of shock and denial when they first learn their child has autism. However, it is very important that parents learn to cope and support their child so that they can be successful.

Tips for Parents of Autistic Children Seek the assistance of other parents Rely on positive resources Learn about autism Find programs for your child Keep daily routines as much as possible. Studies show this improves the lives of children with autism Understand that you are not alone

Teaching Tips for Children with Autism Use visuals Avoid long strings of verbal instruction Encourage developing child's special talents Use child's fixations to motivate school work Use concrete, visual methods to teach number concepts Let child use a typewriter instead of writing Protect child from sounds that hurt their ears Place child near a window and avoid using fluorescent lights Use weighted vests to calm nervous system Interact with child while they are swinging or rolled in a mat Don't ask child to look and listen at the same time Teach with tactile learning materials (sandpaper alphabet) Use printed words and pictures on flashcards Generalize teaching Source:

Resources Autism FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions]. (2008, January 31). Retrieved November 1, 2008, from Autism Society of America Web site: Diagnosis. (n.d.). National Autism Association. Retrieved November 2, 2008, from National Autism Association Web site: DSM IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria for the Pervasive Developmental Disorders. (2007, July 3). Autism Information Center [Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder]. Retrieved November 1, 2008, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: Kaneshiro, N. K., & Zieve, D. (2008, April 20). Autism [Health/Times Health Guide/a/Autism]. Message posted to

Resources (cont.) SgrBear25. (2001). Autism. Retrieved November 11, 2008, from Unraveling the Mystery of Autism. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2008, from Saginaw Valley State University Web site: What is Autism? (2007). Retrieved November 3, 2008, from Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Web site: