1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Megan Bergland
Kristen Norkus

2. Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes you knew
I am a child. I have autism. I am not primarily “autistic”.
My sensory perceptions are disordered.
I am a concrete thinker. I interpret language literally.
Because language is so difficult for me, I am very visually oriented.
Distinguish between won’t and can’t.
Be patient with my limited vocabulary.
Focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can’t do.
Help me with social interactions.
Identify what triggers my meltdowns.
Love me unconditionally.
2004 Ellen Notbohm

3. What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that occurs in 1 out of every 166 births. This affects a child’s ability to communicate and interact socially and typically becomes evident within the first three years of life. The cause and cure are unknown.
Life Journey Through Autism: An Educators Guide

4. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Asperger Syndrome
Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)
*Autism affects males more often than females (4 to 1 ratio)
Life Journey Through Autism: An Educators Guide

5. Characteristics of Autism
Social Interactions
Challenges interpreting non-verbal language
Rigid adherence to the rules
Poor judge of personal space
Trouble controlling emotions and anxieties
Lack of eye contact
Difficulty with pretend play
Lack of facial expressions
Trouble interpreting the facial expressions of others
Difficulty understanding another persons perspective or how their own behavior affects others
Organization for Autism Research

6. Characteristics of Autism Cont.
Communication Challenges
Often delayed in expressive and receptive language (may not speak at all)
Very literal understanding of speech
Repeats phrases recently stated
Organization for Autism Research

7. Characteristics of Autism Cont.
Behavior Differences
Intense or restricted interest in things (maps, dates, coins, numbers, train schedules)
Unusual repetitive behavior
Sensory sensitivities
Difficulty with transitions
Possible aggressive, disruptive, or self injurious behavior
Organization for Autism Research

8. Sensory Snafus Don’t overlook these…
Flickering, glaring fluorescent lights
Wrong sized seats and desks
Long periods without movement
Unnecessary noises
Visual overload
Poorly planned seating arrangements
Autism Asperger’s Digest

9. Common Misconceptions
Children with Autism can’t establish or maintain meaningful relationships with others… FALSE !
When children with Autism do not respond to the use of language, or they act out in class, it is because they are ignoring you, trying to clown around, or wasting class time… FALSE !
The only word that describes me is Autistic… FALSE !

10. Ways to Help Autistic Students in the Classroom
Slow down transitions
Utilize alternative tasks
Zero in on positives
Put student in a comfortable area in the classroom
Low traffic area
Away from distractions
Avoid sensory issues
Focus on talents
Consistent routines (allow adjustment time for changes)
Create positive social situations
Avoid multitasking (clear, concise directions)
Don’t make ASD an excuse
Never give up
Autism Asperger’s Digest

11. Skills Club Hands to myself Personal space Giving an answer in class
This is a place where students with Autism can learn and practice new skills and behaviors to help them communicate and interact socially.
Hands to myself
Personal space
Giving an answer in class
In skills club, students learn by observing and imitating the behavior of others.

12. Helpful Hints
Always communicate with parents… they are your best resource!
Constantly inform staff regarding a student with Autism
Help the substitute teacher
Include key information in substitute plans about the student
Include a picture of the student

13. In our Classrooms Get them moving Visibly display rules and routines
Verbal and non-verbal cues
Individual instructions
Provide checklists
Set clear boundaries and directions
Consistent classroom management strategies
Provide warning before transitions
In our Classrooms

14. The prevalence rate of Autism has sky rocketed!
No one really knows why
Maybe, due to the broader definition of Autism
Maybe, due to the increasing awareness of Autism among medical professionals
Life Journey Through Autism: An Educators Guide

15. References
Autism spectrum disorders: pervasive developmental disorders. (2004). Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Mental Health.
Gerlach, J. (2007, September-October). 10 ways to help children on the autism spectrum succeed in school: tips for educators. Autism Asperger's Digest, 12-13, 21.
Life journey through autism: an educator’s guide. (2004). Arlington, VA: Organization for Autism Research.
Notbohm, E. (2005) Ten things every child with autism wishes you knew. Retrieved from
Notbohm, E., & Zysk, V. (2006). Help for the substitute teacher. 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Robinson, K. (2011). ASD Resource Teacher at C.A. Frost Environmental Academy.