1. Maggie Collier Arkansas State University
Autism Awareness
Maggie Collier
Arkansas State University

2. What is Autism? Developmental disorder
Broad range of conditions defined by the Autism Spectrum Disorder
Challenges with social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors
Accompanied by unique strengths and differences
No true definition as there are many types

3. Autism Spectrum

4. Types of Autism Autistic Disorder Asperger Syndrome
“Classic Autism”
Description
Significant language delays
Social and communication challenges
Unusual behaviors and interests
Other Intellectual disability
Examples
Not respond to name
Delayed speech
Avoid eye contact
Asperger Syndrome
Milder symptoms of Autism
Description:
Social Challenges
Unusual Behaviors and Interests
No language or intellectual disability
Pervasive Developmental Disorder
“Atypical Autism”
Meet some Asperger and Autistic conditions, but there are fewer and milder

5. Signs, Symptoms, and Behaviors
No response to his or her own name
Little to no response when spoken to at all
Not play “pretend” games
Very literal
Avoid eye and skin contact
Delayed speech or other language skills
Engage in repetitive behaviors
Obsessive interests
Flapping
Unusual reactions to certain senses

6. Causes and Prevalence Prevalence- Causes- Affects 1 in 68 children
Five times more likely in boys
Causes-
No true cause of Autism
Mutated genes
Caused by old age of parents
If a close relative is Autistic
Drug use during pregnancy including thalidomide and valproic acid
Other medical conditions
Some vaccines or infections

7. Treatments Early Intervention is best
Address child’s difficulties, while embracing their strengths
Parent education and training
Social skills training
Speech-language therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy
Applied behavioral analysis
Sensory integration/occupational therapy
Medication

8. Autism is a very complex disorder.
It is important to remember that each child is different, responds differently, and has different struggles.
Autism is a very complex disorder.

9. Autistic Children in the Classroom
Autistic children need an IEP
Most mildly Autistic children belong in the general education classroom

10. Tips for Teachers Use simple, clear, and concise language
Teach specific social rules and skills
Give fewer choices
Ask the child to repeat what you just said
Avoid sarcasm and idioms
Repeat instructions
Provide a routine
Carefully consider seating assignments
Be aware of sensory concerns
Provide breaks
Use the buddy system with caution
Practice appropriate interactions
Use guided notes and organizers

11. Teaching Autistic Children

12. Tips for Parents Become an expert on all things Autism and your child
Be loving and accepting
Be involved
Don’t give up
Provide structure and safety
Learn about your resources and seek assistance

13. Works Cited Page
Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Autism Speaks. Retrieved October 30, 2017, from Autism Support of West Shore. (2014). What is Autism? Retrieved October 30, 2017, from Autism Speaks. (2012, July 24). Interventions and Treatment Options. Retrieved October 30, 2017, from kit/interventions-and-t Hensley, P. (n.d.). 22 Tips for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved October 30, 2017, from Hensley, P. (n.d.). Teaching Children With Autism in the Classroom. Retrieved October 30, 2017, from Smarter Parenting. (n.d.). Issue Specific Lessons. Retrieved October 30, 2017, from lesson/view/autism-spectrum-disorder?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuYrVs8yb1wIVBw5pCh0MxAPrEAAYASAAEgIFw_D_BwE Smith, M., M.A., Segal, J., Ph.D., & Hutman, T., Ph.D. (2017, October). Helping Your Child with Autism Thrive. Retrieved October 30, 2017, from