1. It’s a symptom, not a disease
Autism
It’s a symptom, not a disease
By: Jennalee Jones

2. A few little facts…
Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities
There is a milder form of Autism called PDD
Autism affects more than 6 out of 1,000 children
Autism typically appears within the first three years of life
Autism is 3x more common in boys than in girls
One in four children with Autism get seizures
Autism comes from the Greek word meaning “self”

3. Types of Autism
Autism Disorder- problems with social interactions, communication
Asperger’s Syndrome- children tend to have social problems but lean away from language problems
PDD (pervasive developmental disorder)- children only have a few autistic characteristics and do not fit other categories
Rett’s Disorder- occurs in girls that seem to develop normally, but then begin to lose language and social skills
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder- children who develop normally the first two years and then lose some or most of their communication and social skills

4. Problems that Accompany Autism
Sensory problems- sometimes light, smell, sound, and how something feels can be unbearable to those with autism
Mental retardation- sometimes children with autism can have normal ability levels but other areas can be very weak
Seizures- caused my abnormal activity in the brain

6. Characteristics at Birth
There are two main characteristics of an infant with Autism
The infants arch their back away from the parent or caregiver to avoid physical contact
The infants might go limp to show they are failing to anticipate to be picked up

7. Infancy Passive Crib behavior
Many infants will be very quiet and will need little or no demand from parent or caregiver
Crib behavior
Sometimes the infant will begin to rock and bang their head against the crib

8. Toddler
During the toddler stage there is a delay in talking, walking, and crawling
Regressive Autism
“Approximately ½ of autistic children develop normally until somewhere between the age of 1 ½ -3 yrs.” (Understanding Autism -- the Basics, 2005)

9. Childhood
Problems of social skills and cognition occur during childhood of a child with Autism
Dysfunctional Behaviors
Self stimulatory- rocking back and forth
Self injury- hand biting and head banging
Sleeping and eating problems
Poor eye contact
Insensitivity to pain

10. Transition to Puberty
“Approximately 25% have seizures for the first time during puberty which may be due to hormonal changes.” (Edelson, 1999)
More behavior problems occur and become more frequent

11. Problems with change
“Insistence on sameness” (Understanding Autism -- the Basics, 2005)
Children with autism tend to have major problems with change in routine
Drinking/eating the same food everyday
Wearing the same clothes
Driving to the grocery store the same way

12. Available Aids
IDEA (The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)- a program that assures free public education for children with learning disabilities
IEP (Individual Education Program)- an agreement between the school and the family on the child’s goals

13. Treatment Early intervention-
Targets specific problems in learning, language, attention, motivation, compliance, and initiative of interaction
Included are behavioral methods, communication, occupational and physical therapy along with social play interventions.

14. Reference Page
Edelson, S. M. (1999). Overview of autism. Retrieved Apr. 20, 2006, from Center for the Study of Autism Web site:
WedMD, (2005). Understanding autism -- the basics. Retrieved Apr. 20, 2006, from
At Health, (2004). Autism spectrum disorders. Retrieved Apr. 20, 2006, from