1. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER In Children ages 5-10 Symptoms and how it affects learning, family, and personal relationships

2. FACTS ABOUT ASD (AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER) About 1 in 68 children are identified with ASD according to the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring. ASD effects all racial and ethnic groups ASD is a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function Symptoms present them self in the first three years of the child's life. ASD is a wide-spectrum disorder The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability in functioning No two people with autism will have exactly the same symptoms Boys are significantly more likely to develop ASD than girls

3. SYMPTOMS OF ASD MILD lack social interaction skills lack appropriate eye contact Will not wave hello or goodbye without being told to do so Have delayed speech and language skills Repetitive like behaviors like: Stacking blocks Lining up toys Does not accept change Has trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about own feelings Stimming or flapping of hands, arms, or odd body movements No sense of danger or fear

4. ASD SYMPTOMS Severe Self-Harm such as Biting themselves Scratching repeatedly Punching themselves Head banging Ear pulling Temper Tantrums (Screaming) Many ASD children suffer from seizure activity from absent to full tonic clonic seizures Video on self harm

5. ASD DIAGNOSED Today there is no medical tests to identify Autism Parents are usually the first ones to notice a change in their child's behavior A questionnaire online is available for parent to take and based on responses can indicate to follow up with Drs. Called M-Chat ASD is often misdiagnosed such as Hyperactive, aggressive, and have a mood disturbance. Some less severe cases may go undiagnosed till an older age.

6. HOW ASD AFFECTS FAMILY Emotions: Besides having higher stress levels, parents of autistic children may experience the following: Embarrassment over their child’s behavior in public Feeling socially isolated Frustration at the difference between the parenting experience they are having and the one they had envisioned Guilt from thinking that they may be responsible for their child’s challenges Despair because of the disorder’s incurable nature Extremely stressed and busy

7. Marital impact: Parents often accept their child’s autism diagnosis at different times and in different ways, which causes conflict. Spending time together becomes difficult because of the numerous commitments and inconsistent schedules. It’s often challenging to find child care for autistic children. Financial stress may cause problems between spouses.

8. Siblings parents may not be able to provide them with full support, as they are overwhelmed meeting the needs and demands of their autistic child In families having children with ASD as well as typically developing siblings, a more intense form of sibling rivalry can be seen may cause siblings to feel left out and resentful.

9. Financial impact: Expenses for autism treatment and therapies are not covered by most private health insurers Most often one parent must stay home to care for child due to challenges of finding care. Causing a decrease in the household income

10. VIDEO ON FAMILIES AND ASD

11. ASD AND CHILDREN'S LEARNING IN SCHOOL SETTING ASD children can be overwhelmed by loud classrooms with bright, colorful decor. This is sometimes referred to as "sensory overload." Every child's barriers to learning may be different, making it difficult to develop programs that will be specific to child's learning needs Teacher's may use visual aids and then offering auditory instruction in a lecture Research has shown that early intervention and working to develop learning skills at the youngest age possible can help

12. IS THERE A CURE FOR ASD? There is no cure for ASD. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can substantially improve those symptoms. The earlier the intervention the better applied behavioral analysis, which encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative ones. family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with ASD often helps families cope Medication may be used to treat main symptoms Antipsychotic medications are used to treat severe behavioral problems. Medication used to treat people with attention deficit disorder can be used effectively to help decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity