Autism

Grant D. Hall
Autism
First identified as a disorder by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943
2013 National Institutes of Health institutes ASD (Autism Spectrum
Disorder which includes:
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder CDD
Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified PDD-NOS
Asperger Syndrome
Manifestation of ASD
Early signs become apparent around 2 3 months
Social Interaction
Communication
Repetitive Behaviors
Many symptoms overlap can include physical challenges as well
Early Indicators of ASD
Social, Communication, and Interaction Indicators
No smiles or happy expressions by 6 months
Doesnt mimic sounds or facial expressions by 9 months
Doesnt babble or coo by 12 months
Doesnt gesture, point or wave by 14 months
Doesnt say single words by 16 months
Doesnt play make-believe or pretend by 18 months
Patterns of Behaviors
Repetitive physical movements or actions that could be self-harming
Constant movement
Resistant to change
Coordination problems or odd movements
Sensitive to light, sound, and touch
Oblivious to pain
The Spectrum of ASD
The spectrum of ASD is quite varied.
Slow to gain knowledge or develop skills
Lower intelligence
Quick learning capability
High intelligence
Difficulty in communication
Exceptional skills art, math, music
Symptoms and Behaviors are Diverse
Each ASD Student is Unique

How to Accommodate ASD Students in the Classroom
Respond to Behavior
Structure
Predictable learning environment
Visual cues for transition
Alone time and a quiet space
Social Interactions
Know the comfort level of your ASD student
What is their ability to interact with other students
Assist in learning and developing behaviors
Waiting their turn
Negotiation
Sharing
Monitoring their own behavior
Resources
What resources do I have as an educator?
Parents They will be able to provide the most direct and applicable information about
their child. Direct communication with them will be your most important resource.
School Special Education specialist Most schools will have a specialist that can assist
you in developing a plan and methodology for working with your ASD student.
The Student Aside from the students parents, your student can help you the most.
Listen, watch and communicate with the student to the best of your ability to help that
student learn, grow, and develop.
Asperger Syndrome
Considered to be high functioning on the autism spectrum
Difficulty with social interactions
Demonstrate repetitive behaviors
No significant delays in language or cognitive skills

PDD-NOS
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
This is a term used to diagnose children or adults who are on the autism spectrum but
do not meet the criteria for an ASD suck as autistic disorder or Aspergers.
Three levels of PDD-NOS
High functioning closer to Asperger syndrome
Resemble autism do not meet all of the autistic diagnostic signs
Meet the requirements of autism without behavior issues
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder - CDD
Autism symptoms develop late 3 to 4 years of age
Language regression
Social interaction declines
Self-care abilities disappear
Cognitive abilities decline
Higher levels of anxiety
Cure for ASD
Currently there is no cure for Autism Spectrum
Disorder, however early, intensive treatment can
make a big difference in the lives of many children.
Amazing Videos
A Young adult talks about his life journey with Autism.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXC0xmdAE1E
My Life With Autism & ADD ~ A 17 year olds perspective on life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciBCvssKLHc
Wyatt A sweet little boy talks to his mom about being different.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_XRVwRFPKk&list=PL4956948281757D86
Wyatt - part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBjw5vgnqy8

References
http://www.mayoclinic.org
http://www.autismspeaks.org
http://www.autism-society.org
http://medicine.yale.edu
Friend, M., & Bursuck, W.D. (2012). Including Students with Special Needs:
A Practical Guide for Classroom Teachers. Boston, MA: Pearson


Dylan is a 19 year old boy with Autism. This is his
explanation of what autism is and what it means to him.

Faces of ASD
Susan Boyle ~ Asperger Syndrome ~ Singer
Temple Grandin ~ Autism
Professor of Animal Sciences
Autism Advocate
Author
Daryl Hannah ~ Autism ~ Actress
Alexis Wineman ~ Autism
Miss. Montana & Miss. America Contestant
James Durbin ~ Asperger Syndrome
Singer
I am different, not less.
Temple Grandin