A Brief History of Autism  Identified and named in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner, a psychologist who described a group of 11 children “whose condition differs so markedly and uniquely from anything reported so far…”  Current research indicates autism is caused by neurological impairment affecting brain chemistry and/or brain structure (Harvard Medical School, 1997).  The exact cause of the neurological impairment is not yet known.

IDEA Definition of Autism  Developmental disability that significantly affects verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction  Adverse affect on educational performance  Associated with engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences

Key areas of childhood development that are affected by Autism:  Communication (verbal and non-verbal)  Socialization/Engagement with others  Developmental rates and sequences  Sensory processing

People with ASD may exhibit these core deficits:  Difficulty processing auditory information  Difficulty generalizing skills  Difficulty with sequencing  Difficulty transitioning  Difficulty with time concepts and time management

Inclusion Strategies Include:  Consistent classroom routines  Visual instructions, rules, and schedules  Use of self-calming area  Plan ahead to prevent problems  Structure physical space  Structure academic work

Students with ASD may exhibit deficits in areas of communication:  Echolalia  Abstract and inferential thinking  Understanding figurative language  Auditory memory/processing  Social interactions

Students with ASD may exhibit deficits in sensory processing :  Sensitivity/insensitivity to sensory information  Regulation of activity level  Control of impulses  Motor skills and/or planning

Students with ASD may exhibit deficits in social skills:  Reciprocity  Eye contact  Nonverbal communication  Empathy  Initiating or engaging appropriately  Initiating, terminating, and/or repairing conversations

Students with ASD may exhibit behavioral deficits:  Ritualistic and compulsive  Impulsivity  Stereotypic behaviors  Aggression toward self or others  Inappropriate social interactions

Remember:  It isn’t that our students can’t understand  It is how we package the information we want them to understand