Autism 101
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Solving the puzzle…
Autism 101
Definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Individuals will have marked impairment of social interactions
- Marked impairment of social communication skills
- Restricted interests and/or stereotyped behaviors
- Onset will occur in early childhood
- Clinically significant impairment
- Not accounted for by global delays
Autism 101
General Information to Apply to the Definition of ASD
- CDC reports 1:54 children (ASD)
- It is estimated that 70,000 South Carolinian's have ASD
- 4 times more common in boys than in girls
- Co-morbid: On average 33% of people with ASD also have an intellectual disability
- Strikes across all socio-economic and racial lines
Autism 101
Additional Information to Apply to the Definition to ASD
- No known environmental causes or psychological causes
- Considered a neurological disorder at birth having to do with brain structure and function
- Life long developmental disability
- ASD is treatable but not curable
Autism 101
Think about degrees
- The traits of autism will vary from person to person
- The traits of autism occur in people to different degrees
- There is no "typical" person with autism
Autism 101
Major Areas of Deficits
- Language and Communication
- Sensory and Perception
- Socialization
- Cognition and Learning
Autism 101
Main Issues of Autism
- Communication
- No or limited speech (30%-50% mute)
- Echolalia (immediate or delayed)
- Limited use of gestures
- Socialization
- Lack of awareness of others
- Lack of awareness of social rules
- Lack of concern or empathy for other’s feelings
- Difficulty relating to peers
Autism 101
Main Issues of Autism (cont.)
- Sensory and Perception
- Self Stimulation
- Nonfunctional Routines/Rituals
- Disturbances in sensory processing
- Cognition and Learning
- 33% of those diagnosed might also have some degree of intellectual deficits
- Concrete and literal thinkers
Autism 101
Personality Chart
Everyone's personality is effected by how they learn, engage and communicate… so is the person with autism.
Autism 101
Perceived Behavioral Issues
Sometimes it’s hard to tell where the "autism" begins and ends. So assume it is ASD and treat behaviorally.
Autism 101
Learning Characteristics
- Concrete Thinkers
- Overselectivity
- Poor ability to Generalize
- Same Content/Same Context
- Distractibility
- Visual/Spatial
- Ritualistic
- Motivation
Autism 101
Learning Characteristics (cont.)
- Individuals with ASD often are concrete thinkers, focused on facts in the here and now, physical objects, and literal definitions.
- They have difficulty with abstract concepts.
- Often they demonstrate a poor ability to generalize because they do not have good imitation and surveying skills. This lack makes it difficult to intuitively grasp cultural norms.
Autism 101
Learning Characteristics (cont.)
People with ASD are also typically visual and spatial learners. This is the first language of the brain. The ability to perceive visual information and to process it with other senses and experiences to derive meaning, and to perform manipulations to also derive meaning.
Autism 101
Learning Characteristics (cont.)
People who are ritualistic learners benefit from quickly learning typical daily routines that provide some structure to otherwise unpredictable environments. This can be a problem if it's allowed to become an obsession.
Distractibility involves problems with focus and concentration and may often be confused with ADD/ADHD.
Autism 101
And lastly
People with ASD are not typically motivated by the things their peers are.
In general tasks and activities that are associated with past success or related to their restricted repertoires of interests will be better motivators and reinforcers for future success and participation.
In spite of these challenges, people with autism spectrum disorder can lead fulfilling and independent lives with appropriate support and accomodations.
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