Kaya Porter

CMST 220 6433

INTRODUCTION

ATTENTION GETTER:

Merriam-Webster defines autism as a developmental disorder that is characterized by difficulty

in forming and maintaining social relationships because of the inability to communicate verbally

or nonverbally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in 2019, says that

autism affects 1 in 59 children in the United States today.

STATEMENT OF THESIS:

Early detection of autism spectrum disorder or ASD is key to improve behavioral and

communication skills in individuals on the autism continuum.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:

This topic is significant because almost every single person will come in contact with someone

who has autism, so it is important to be accepting of others and their differences.

STATEMENT OF CREDITIBLITY:

I have done extensive research about autism and my mom is also a speech-language pathologist

and has educated me on the disorder.

PREVIEW OF MAIN POINTS:

First, I will talk to you about the behaviors caused from having autism, second, I will describe

the different types of autism, and third, I will tell you how individuals with autism can achieve

an optimal outcome.

Delivery Note: Move to the left side of the stage

 BODY

I. People with autism spectrum disorder often have trouble with social and communication

skills.

A. They have difficulty with their social skills starting in infancy.

1. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorder, published in 2000,

says that some characteristics of children with autism is their isolation

from others, lack of play, failure to attract attention to their own activity,

and do not smile back when one smiles at them. (SHOW VISUAL AID)

2. Kids with autism sometimes have odd ways of playing with their toys.

For example, they will often line them up or hold the toy extremely close

to their face. (SHOW VISUAL AID)

B. People with ASD often have a hard time communicating with others.

1. Those with autism will respond in an atypical way.

a. Some individuals with ASD are echolalic, says Gary Heffner of

Synapse published in 2008. This means that if someone were to

ask if they wanted a cookie, the child would reply with “want

cookie.”

b. Some of people with autism will often “script.” This means that

they’ll answer a question with a line that they heard elsewhere,

such as in a movie or read in a book.

2. Infants to adults with ASD commonly have poor eye contact. It can be

uncomfortable for them to look at others and they may have to look away

in order to process verbal information.

Delivery Note: Move to the right side of the stage

Transition: Now that I have shared some of the behaviors that go along with autism, I now want

to share the levels of autism.

II. According to the article from Verywell Health, written by Lisa Rudy in 2019, there are

three different levels of autism on the continuum.

A. There is level one, often referred to as high functioning autism.

1. Individuals with high functioning autism often lead normal lives. They

are very literal in their interpretations and have difficulty understanding

abstract humor and sarcasm.

2. They may have trouble maintaining social relationships and making sense

of the world around them.

B. Next on the continuum is level two.

1. This level requires substantial support.

2. Verywell Health says that individuals with level two autism often have a

hard time with change in routines or surroundings. For example, insisting

on sitting in the same yellow chair each day at school and becoming very

upset if their seat was taken.

C. Last is level 3, known as low functioning autism.

1. This is the most severe form of autism and it requires frequent intensive

therapy to help with communication and behavioral skills

2. People with low functioning autism often are non-verbal and may use an

augmentative and alternative communication device or AAC to

communicate with others. (SHOW VISUAL AID)

Transition: I have told you all about the three levels of ASD, and now I would like to tell you

about improving the possible long-term outcomes.

III. Improving long-term outcomes in children with autism.

A. Early detection is key at a young age so that individuals with autism can achieve a

positive future.

1. The Autism Science Foundation published in 2019, says early detection

and intervention can start as early as 18 months of age.

2. Some of the early signs of ASD might include lack joint attention, poor

eye contact, and failure to respond to their name.

B. There are multiple therapy options to help treat ASD.

1. They may include speech, behavioral, and occupational therapies.

2. Early intervention through therapy can teach children how to better relate

to others and improve communication skills.

CONCLUSION

Delivery Note: Move to the center of the stage

REVIEW OF MAIN POINTS:

I have told you about the behaviors associated with autism, the three different levels on the

continuum, and how to achieve long-term success.

CLINCHER:

So, if you happen to meet that one individual affected by autism, be patient, supportive, and

understanding because you might just learn a lot from them.

 Works Citied

Autism Society. “Signs and Symptoms.” Autism Society, 2016, www.autism-

society.org/what-is/symptoms/.

Christensen DL, Maenner MJ, Bilder D, et al. Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism

Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 4 Years- Early Autism and Developmental

Disabilities Monitoring Network, Seven Sites, United States, 2010, 2012, and 2014. MMWR

Surveill Summ 2019;68(No.SS-2):1-19.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/ss/ss6802a1.htm?s_cid=ss6802a1_w#suggestedcitation

Heffner, Gary J. “ECHOLALIA - REPETITIVE SPEECH.” Autism, PDD-NOS &

Asperger's Fact Sheets | Echolalia, Autism and Intervention Strategies for Parents, www.autism-

help.org/communication-echolalia-autism.htm.

Rudy, Lisa Jo. “Is There Really Such a Thing as High and Low Functioning Autism?”

Verywell Health, Verywellhealth, 4 May 2019, https://www.verywellhealth.com/high-and-low-

functioning-autism-260599

Singer, Alison. “Early Signs of Autism.” Autism Science Foundation,

https://autismsciencefoundation.org/what-is-autism/early-signs-of-autism/

Wimpory, Dawn C., et al. "Are Infants with Autism Socially Engaged? A Study oRecent

Retrospective Parental Reports." Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, vol. 30, no. 6,

2000, pp. 525-36. ProQuest,

https://ezproxy.clark.edu:12144/familyhealth/docview/205299417/3CC8E93E5A6F471DPQ/13?

accountid=1157