2. “It’s Greek to Me!” An Informative Overview of Autism by Amy Lee

3. Autism comes from the Greek word “autos”which means self

4. First identified in 1943 by Leo Kanner

5. Autism Society of America Defines Autism Essential features appear prior to 30 months Disturbances in the following areas: –d–developmental rates or sequences –r–responses to sensory stimulation –s–speech, language, & cognitive capacities –c–capacities to relate to people, events & objects

6. Researchers Lovaas & Newsome provide a graphic description of observed characteristics

7. Apparent Sensory Deficit We may move directly in front of the child, smile, and talk to him, yet he will act as if no one is there.

8. Severe Affect Isolation Attempts to love and cuddle and show affection to the child with Autism encounter profound lack of interest on the child’s part

9. Self-Stimulation A most striking kind of behavior in these children centers on very repetitive, stereotyped acts, such as rocking, back and forth while sitting, flapping their hands at the wrist, humming 3 or 4 notes over and over, or gazing at lights or spinning objects

10. Tantrums and Self-Mutilation Autistic children may bite their own hands, bang their heads, or beat themselves in the face.

11. Echolalic and Psychotic Speech Speech may be echoes of other people’s attempts to speak to them or they may hum or utter simple words.

12. Behavior Deficiencies The Autistic child has few self-help skills. He may not play with toys but rather put them in his mouth or tap them with his fingers. He has no sense of common dangers.

13. What causes Autism?

14. It has been determined that Autism is a biologically based disorder correlated with several secondary conditions, none of which can in itself fully explain Autism.

15. Infectious Diseases Toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomeglavirus, and herpes are considered the TORCH infections.

16. Neurobiological Findings Microscopic examination of the brain reveals a number of common abnormalities in the limbic system, cerebellum, and cerebellar circuits

17. Neurochemical Research Identification of high levels of serotonin - a neurotransmitter in children with Autism

18. A Handout Behavioral Characteristics of Autism by the APA, 1994 To receive a diagnosis of Autism, an individual must exhibit at least SIX of the characteristics on your list, with at least TWO impairments in social interaction, at least ONE impairment in communication, and at least ONE restricted, repetitive behavior or interest.

19. References Delacato, Carl H. (1974). The Ultimate Stranger, Academic Therapy Publications, Novato, CA. Heward, William L. (1995). Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education (5th Edition), Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Holmes, David L. (1988). Autism Through the Lifespan. The Eden Model, Woodbine House, Bethesda, MD.