2. Autism Spectrum Disorders “ The Invisible Disability ”

3. Autism Spectrum Disorders Facts More common than Down syndrome, childhood cancer or Fragile X syndrome. A condition that can co-occur with other conditions, for example ADHD, OCD, Depression, etc. a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain not a mental illness very few individuals have the “Savant” type of abilities portrayed in movies. can be improved and intervened upon, but not “cured”.

4. Autism Spectrum Disorders Myths Autism is NOT… a mental illness unruly kids who choose not to behave caused by poor parenting always associated with mental impairment always associated with behavioral challenges diagnosed by a single medical test or a brief observation

5. Core Deficits for individuals with an ASD Areas impacted by autism Social interaction skills Communication skills Repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities

6. Other Characteristics of ASD Shared by other disabilities— Sensory Processing & Movement Hyper-sensitive (over reactive) Hypo-sensitive (under reactive) Spatial positioning in space Motor Planning Executive function Difficulty organizing and handling multiple tasks Difficulty with transition and change Processing speed

7. Additional Areas of Difficulty Social Understanding/Social Info. Processing Peer Interactions Interactions with Teachers/Adults Language Use & Comprehension Sensory/Motor Academic Problem Solving Flexibility Emotional Regulation Diane Adreon and Dena Gitilitz, 2002

8. Social Information Processing For people with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome there is great difficulty in... Understanding emotions Explaining their own behavior & emotional state Predicting events and reactions of others to their behavior Predicting & reacting to others’ behavior Understanding others’ intentions Understanding reference point or perspective of others Understanding things that are not black and white

9. Emotional Regulation Issues Becomes anxious or panics Becomes upset over “little” things Exhibits tics/noises/fidgeting Loses temper or tantrums Enters fantasy world Feels overwhelmed or bewildered Imposes interests, routines, & structures on others Threatens or intimidates others

10. Flexibility The student with AS often cannot deal with change or unanticipated events. The reaction may include listing the reasons why they cannot engage in the new activity. They may flatly refuse to go along with the change. Fear is often the motivator for these behaviors.

11. What Causes Autism? It is generally accepted that autism may by caused by brain abnormalities. It is also widely accepted that autism may be associated with a genetic event but no single gene or group of genes account for all autism cases. Thus, there may be several “autism” genes, potentially representing different ‘profiles’ of autism.

12. What Causes Autism cont. It is likely that autism is not caused by one single factor. Evidence that many genes may interact to cause autism Theory that individuals may be “predisposed” to autism and environmental factors (chemicals, etc.) may influence the development of autism

13. Prevalence What is the prevalence of autism? CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network released data in 2007 that found about 1 in 68 8-year-old children in multiple areas of the United States had an ASD. In Nebraska… Approximately 2500 students with have a primary verification of autism

14. Strengths IQ Grammar and vocabulary Rote memory Absorbs facts easily Interests in social world Special talents

15. Tips for Being Helpful to a Classmate with Autism: Take time to say “hi” whenever you see them. Even if you are in a hurry and pass them in the hall, just say “hi”. (A lot of individuals will say they felt invisible in High School) Be an advocate for the student if you see someone else “setting them up” or treating them poorly. Treat the student like anyone else, and talk to them like you would talk to another one of your friends. Don’t be too formal and don’t talk to them like they are a little kid.

16. Understand that some students may need different supports that help them be successful in the educational environment. Some supports could include magnets, hand held video games, frequent breaks, etc. Sometimes this doesn’t seem fair… Explain to other people that “weird” behavior isn’t the student’s fault; it may just be part of having autism. Try not to get mad at them for something they do that bothers you, or something they don’t do that they should. Tell them what they could do that would work better.

17. Find something to like about the student with autism. Often they have special interests or talents that they are willing to share with you or are really good at. It’s OK to get frustrated sometimes… it’s easy to do that with all classmates. For the student with autism, they may not understand your frustration so it’s best when possible to take some “time away” from the student without making a big deal out of it.

18. Video Intricate Minds: Understanding Classmates with Asperger Syndrome

19. Questions?