1. Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome By Elisabeth Purdy, Ashley Green, and Sara Depue

2. Activity  Group 1: Pam, Justin, Jacob, Karilyn, Emily, Delia, Courtney  Group 2: Christiana, Ashley, Cody, Heidi, Laura, Nathan, Dr. Holley??  Group 3: Allison, Amanda, Kent, Nate, Sara, Caleb, Ruth

3. Defining Autism Spectrum Extreme ability in some areas Above average I.Q. Average I.Q. Mild learning disability Moderate learning disability Severe learning disability High functioning autism, Asperger’s or PDD Classic Autism

4. Historical Overview Itard- EARLIEST DOCUMENTATION- 1799 Hans Asperger – 1931-1994 Leo Kanner- 1943 Twins Study- 1977 Dia­gnost­ic and Stat­ist­ic­al Manu­al of Men­tal Dis­orders -1980 Ivar Lovaas- 1987 The fed­er­al gov­ern­ment declares autism in special education category-1991 U.S. Cen­ters for Dis­ease Con­trol and Pre­ven­tion es­tim­ ates that 1 in 110 chil­dren, have aut­ism spec­trum dis­ orders- 2009

5. 1.MENTALLY 2.SOCIALLY 3.EMOTIONALLY 4.PHYSICALLY 5.SENSORY Characteristics

6. Causes What are some people saying causes autism? “Autism is caused by our government pushing vaccines in a Nazi style eugenics plan… the intentional poisoning of innocent people.” (from a reply on scientificamerican.com) “I believe it is environmental and also linked to immunizations and the mercury in them!” (from a reply on scientificamerican.com)

7. Causes A few years ago, it was not clear what causes Asperger's syndrome or autism. Scientific research has found that mutations or changes in certain genes may be involved. Most cases involve a complex and variable combination of genetic risk and environmental factors NOTIs NOT caused by childhood immunizations or vaccines.

8. Diagnosis A medical diagnosis is made by a physician based on an assessment of symptoms and diagnostic tests. Areas evaluated: –social interaction, communication skills and friendships –level of intellect and academic abilities (IQ test) –areas of speech, language and visual- motor problem solving –emotional, behavioral and psychological issues

9. Diagnosis Differences between Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome: Asperger’s is usually diagnosed later in children than autism (before age 3) Asperger’s diagnosis does not look for significant language delays.

10. Treatment Social therapy- teaching them how to act in public Medications may improve specific symptoms — such as anxiety, depression or hyperactivity Ways to express themselves and relax Diets/Natural intervention

11. Prevalence Autism –around 1 in 88 American children are placed on the autism spectrum –four to five times more common among boys than girls. Asperger’s Syndrome –Around 1 in 250 children

12. Teaching Strategies and Tips Keep language simple and concrete Give fewer choices Reword your sentence Avoid overstimulation

13. Teacher Accommodations Visual schedules Visual structure Alternatives to verbal communication Functional curriculum

14. 11 year old explains it through the computer (Carly) http://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=xMBzJlee Ono http://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=xMBzJlee Ono