1. By: Disyapa PAN Sivamoklukana
AUTISM
How to integrate Autism into a regular Art Class
By: Disyapa PAN Sivamoklukana

2. Definition
Autism is a severely incapacitating developmental disorder of brain function characterized by three major types of symptoms: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests.

3. Causes of Autism
Some said a few rare genetic disorders and toxic exposures
are known to cause autism.
Some said vaccine may cause intestinal problems
leading to the development of autism. Some people said Autism
Caused by poor nutrition. However there is still no prove
what cause of Autism.

4. Learning Tools/ Materials for Autism
Autism find it easy to learn by Visual
from pictures, posts.
Within a regular class teachers should
make learning environment for Autism by putting posters, pictures and signs

5. Symptoms : appear within the first 3 years of life
insistence on sameness; resistance to change.
difficulty in expressing needs; using gestures or pointing instead of words.
repeating words or sentences instead of using normal, responsive language.
laughing, crying, showing distress for reasons not apparent to others.
Tantrums and refuse cuddle.
little or no eye contact
unresponsiveness to normal teaching methods.
inappropriate attachments to objects.
apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain.
no fear of danger.
uneven gross/fine motor skills.
not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf although hearing tests in normal range.

6. Diagnosed
There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism. An accurate diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual's communication, behavior, and developmental level.
Autism is diagnosed by observing certain characteristics: Social Impairment
Lack of verbal and non-verbal communication
Poor imaginative thought or play.

7. Treatment
no cure for autism, but appropriate treatment may promote relatively normal development and lower the incidence of undesirable behaviors. Doctors also may prescribe a variety of drugs to reduce the symptoms of autism, such as antidepressants and tranquilizers. Educational/behavioral therapies emphasize highly structured and often intensive skill-oriented training, and they are comparatively the most effective treatments available

8. Strategies for teachers working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Role play/model situations (so students can see instead of just being told).
Match Student work time to their performance time If they are able to attend a task for approximately 15 minutes have that much work for them to do (not a lot more or  less)
Teach Social Skills as part of curriculum .
Understand cycle of tantrums/meltdowns and try to prevent.
Schedule in down time.

9. Strategies 6. Have realistic expectations.
7. Success builds Success. Start a new skill in an area of success first.
8. Focus activities on turn taking/self management. Use visuals to assist.
9. Pick a goal and focus on one for each activity.
10. Offer Choices when possible.
11. Use a variety of stimuli in lessons. Use visuals and hands on materials when possible.
12. Allow for “wait time” to receive a response .
13. Stay Positive.
14. Look for the function of a behavior and go from there

10. Setting up Art class for Autism
1.Keep it structured : when children are creating craft work,
define when it’s time to cut, draw and paste. Make sure students
know what to do next.
2. Use Visuals: Children with Autism learn faster with pictures.
Show visuals of what to expect Post up picture of Children doing Painting
would help to encourage Autism to paint.
3. Reduce distractions: Noise and smells can be very disturbing
to people with autism. 
4. Use simple language to commutate with autistic students.
5. Rewards and positive reinforcement :observing the autistic student for
intense interests can be a benefit to determine the rewards that will
motivate good behavior

11. Art Lessons for Autistic Students
Benefits Autistic child can gain from an education in art.
Improves the capacity for learning.
Stimulates and strengthens focusing skills and attention span.
Improves language, communication, and social skills
Builds sensory integration skills .
Decreases self-stimulating behaviors.
Engages the visual/perceptive area of the brain

12. Art lesson for Autistic Child
There are many types of art lessons for autistic
students in which your child can successfully participate
Finger Painting Lessons: This activity appeals to autistic children of all ages. Specific benefits include improvements in visual-spatial deficiencies, tactile sensory tolerance, and self-expression.
Painting Lessons: This type of art class improves manual dexterity and coordination, attention span, and self-expression. Extra advantages include increasing self-awareness and developing a sense of pride through accomplishments.
Sponge Painting Lessons: sometimes a sponge is perfectly acceptable

13. Art lesson for Autistic child
Clay Sculpture Lessons: learning how to make things with clay provides
them with a healthy outlet for their intense single-mindedness.
The activity also improves muscle tone, large and small motor functions,
and manual dexterity.
Make sure Art teacher allows Autistic child to experience
peer pairing this helps to improve social skills.

14. References: http://www.specialed.us/autism/05/strategies.htm