Pervasive Developmental Disorders

PDD Severe impairment in several areas of development

Autism AKA ?

Prevalence Autism is the most common PDD Numbers on rise – growing at % per year (U.S. Dept. of Ed.) Translation – over the next decade numbers could reach 4 million Americans

Most prevalent in boys Fastest growing developmental disability

Early Diagnosis ( National Institute of Child Health & Human Development) May/not be apparent by months: – Does not babble/coo by 12 m. – Does not gesture/wave by 12 m. – Does not use single words by 16m – Does not say 2 word phrases by 24 m.

No racial, ethnic, social, SES or educational boundaries Autism is a spectrum disorder – wide variety of combinations from mild- severe

Some Characteristics:

Myths about Autism

Causes No known single cause

Asperger’s Syndrome What is it?

Egocentric Only officially included in Medical Manuals since 1994

Rett’s Syndrome * Misleading to parents during first several months of life Caused by mutations found on the X chromosome ( gene identified in 1999)

No cure Females can expect to reach adulthood surviving into their 40’s

Teaching Strategies Sensory overload in gymnasium – major problem Transitions – signal preparation Pictorial representations What have you observed at your clinical sites?

– Elementary – Junior/ HS -Develop sport, recreation, leisure skills -“Transferable, useful skills”