1. Autism 101 Part 1 – The Diagnosis

2. Each Student with Autism is Unique Differences in the areas of strengths, needs, and challenges. The most successful programs use a team approach that ensures each student is considered as an individual.

3. What is Autism Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours.

4. Old Terminology (DSM-IV) Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Autistic Disorder Asperger’s Syndrome Pervasive Developmen tal Disorder – Not otherwise specified Rett Disorder Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

5. Current Terminology (DSM5) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

6. Diagnostic Criteria 1)Deficits in social communication and social interaction: deficits in social-emotional reciprocity deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviours used for social interaction deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships

7. Diagnostic Criteria 2) Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities: Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech Insistence on sameness, inflexible thinking, ritualized patterns of behaviour Highly restricted, fixated interests Hyper-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest

8. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Symptoms must be present in early developmental period and are cause significant impairment in functioning. With severity specifies used to describe current symptomatology: Level 1 – mild Level 2 – moderate Level 3 - severe

9. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) The cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders is unknown and most likely results from many factors.

10. Prevalence As of March 2014, the CDC estimates 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (in the US) More common in boys than girls

11. What Autism Spectrum Disorder may look like in your school or classroom……

12. Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Classroom Social Symptoms : Difficulty learning to engage in the give-and – take of everyday human interaction Tend to avoid or have unusual eye contact Seem indifferent to other people and prefer being alone Seldom seek comfort or respond to anger or affection in typical ways

13. Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Classroom Social Symptoms (Con’t) Slower to learn and interpret what others are thinking and feeling. Do not understand subtle social cues and unable to interpret gestures and facial expressions Difficulty seeing things form another person’s perspective Difficulty regulating their emotions Disruptive and aggressive at times

14. Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder Communication Difficulties: May remain mute, start with coos and babbling but soon stop, be delayed at developing language, need to use communication systems such as pictures or sign language Of those who do speak, often use language in unusual ways. Use same phrase over and over, parrot what they hear (echolalia), speak only in single words Some have slight delays in language, have precocious language and unusually large vocabularies

15. Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder Communication Difficulties (Con’t): Have difficulty with the give and take of normal conversation although can carry on a monologue on their favourite subject. Unable to understand body language or tone of voice. Facial expressions, movements and gestures rarely match what they are saying and tone of voice is ‘odd’ (high pitched, sing song, flat, or robot-like Experience difficulty letting others know what they need sometimes leading to screaming or grabbing until taught better ways to express themselves.

16. Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder Repetitive Behaviours: -May have odd repetitive motions or might freeze -May engage in repeatedly flapping arms or walking on toes -Line up toys in a certain way rather than use them for pretend play -If their toys are moved they may become overly upset -Need and demand absolute consistency -Slight changes in routine can be extremely disturbing -May have persistent, intense preoccupations (vacuum cleaners, train schedules, toilets)

17. Accompanying Physical and Medical Issues Seizure Disorder Genetic Disorders Allergies, Gastrointestinal Disorders and Pain Sleep Dysfunction Pica

18. Additional Challenges that may Accompany ASD Sensory Processing Organization and Attention Cognitive Impairment Motor Challenges Emotional Issues, including Anxiety & Stress Unique Abilities

19. Instructional Methods Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) Social Communication/Emotional Regulation/Transactional Support (SCERTS) Training and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

20. Specialists Commonly Supporting Students with ASD Occupational Therapy (OT) Physical Therapy (PT) Speech and Language Pathology (SLP) Psychologist Sensory Integration Therapy (often OT)

21. Assistive Technologies Used for Students with ASD Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used by a person with a disability to perform specific tasks, improve functional capabilities and become more independent. Beyond simply a distraction or calming device, technology has application in teaching skills.