Autism

Definition of Autism

•A developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and special interaction, generally evident before age 3.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)- 1 in 110 children in the U.S. have an autism spectrum disorder.

Characteristics • Withdrawn

• Indifferent to social engagement.

• Resistance to environmental change.

• Avoid eye contact.

• Difficulty interpreting what others are thinking.

• Can’t understand social cues.

• Lack empathy.

• Repetitive movements such as rocking and twirling.

Laws and Policies

• The 2000 Children’s Health Act

• In 2006, the federal Combining Autism Act was enacted.

- The act established a federal advisory committee, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)

• In 2005- California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism.

• At least 26 states specifically require insurers to provide coverage for the treatment of autism.

Diagnostic Procedures

• The parents and child's pediatrician first have to rule out other disorders like hearing loss, speech problems, mental retardation and neurological problems. After this, they visit a professional who specializes in autism.

• The specialists us a rating scale and observe and regulate a child's language and social behavior.

Diagnostic Procedures (Cont.)

• The specialist interviews the parent about their child's behavior regarding early development and they use strategies like reviewing family videotapes and photos to help recall when behaviors first occurred.

Educational Services

•Crucial for there to be early intervention.

• Types of intervention include: -speech therapists -occupational therapists -adapted physical education -applied behavior analysis -social skills training and other therapists

Teaching Strategies for Teachers 1. Keep it structured

2. Use visuals

3. Schedules

4. Reduce distractions

5. Use concrete language

6. It’s not personal

7. Transitions

8. Establish independence

9. Rewards before consequences

10. Teach with lists

11. Creative teaching

12. Don’t sweat the small stuff ( http://kendrik2.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/12-tips-to-setting-up-an-autism-classroom/)

Classroom Structure

• This is an example of making a visual boundary on a table/ area that many students share.

(http://www.specialed.us/autism/05/visualexamples-cs.htm)

Classroom Structure

• This is an example of a large classroom divided into stations or areas. This gives visual boundaries and direction to students. The room is divided into 4 different work areas and a “free choice” area. The students know what to expect in each area.

(http://www.specialed.us/autism/05/visualexamples-cs.htm)

Classroom Structure

• This is an example of the first station. Each day the students have an activity to complete in the area and can mark it off when they are finished and proceed to the next station. This is great for structure as well as pre-vocational skills.

(http://www.specialed.us/autism/05/visualexamples-cs.htm)

Classroom Structure

• This is an example of the second station. Daily living tasks are completed here and again each day there is a different task the students are able to complete.

(http://www.specialed.us/autism/05/visualexamples-cs.htm)

Related Services

• Some of these services are provided through the local school district but many families choose to hire private therapists for their children.

•Children are eligible for special ed services once they turn 3 years old.

Related Services (Cont.)

• These include school psychologists, school nurses, speech specialists, physical/occupational therapists and behavioral therapists.

• Other services available are community-based training for older children.

Agencies in Texas

• TEACCH - stands for Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped CHildren - TEACCH emphasized the use of structured teaching by adapting materials and environments to help children make sense of the world.

Agencies in Texas (Cont.)

• TEACCH -The philosophy of this program is : children with ASD are missing skills that they can compensate for through visual supports and other forms of structure but they cannot learn.

•Parents become co-therapists in this agency.

Agencies in Texas (Cont.)

• The Young Autism Program (YAP) - An intensive program that uses the principles of behavior analysis. Children go here up to 40 hours per week. - It incorporates discrete trial teaching which involves teacher-directed activities, repetition of skills through practice, careful application and use of rewards. - The goal of this program is to teach children all the skills needed to participate independently in all facets of daily living and teach them one at a time.

How Parents Can Access Services

• TEACCH Contact Information:

• For General Information, contact the TEACCH Administrative Offices in Carrboro, NC:

• Email: TEACCH@unc.edu

• Phone: (919) 966-2174

• Fax: (919) 966-4127

• Mail: Division TEACCH, CB 7180, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7180

• Physical Location: 100 Renee Lynne Court, Carrboro, NC 27510

How Parents Can Access Services

• The Young Autism Program

• Mailing Address:

90 Airpark Dr, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

• Phone: 631-580-4001

• Fax: 631-471-1954

• Contact Email Address:yap_cf@msn.com

Parent and Professional Organizations

Worldwide:

•US Autism and Asperger Association (USAAA) USAAA provides education, research, support, and solutions through conferences, newsletters, and resources. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families touched by autism. USAAA also publishes the WeeklyNews newsletter. www.usautism.org - 888-9AUTISM

•Autism Treatment Center of America – Son-Rise Program Innovative training programs for parents and professionals caring for children challenged by Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and other developmental difficulties. International program open to everyone, regardless of geographical location. www.autismtreatmentcenter.org - 1-413-229-8063

Parent and Professional Organizations (Cont.) Nationwide:

•Cure Autism Now Foundation (CAN) An organization of parents, clinicians and leading scientists committed to accelerating the pace of biomedical research in autism through raising money for research projects, education and outreach. Funds research through a variety of programs. 10 chapters nationwide. www.cureautismnow.org - 1-888-8AUTISM

•The National Fragile X Foundation Unites the Fragile X community to enrich lives through educational and emotional support, public and professional awareness, and advance research toward improved treatments and a cure. www.fragilex.org - 1-800-688-8765

Websites

• The Autism Society of America

-The nation’s premiere autism resource. It’s a chapter and member-based organization, which means you can join up and get involved at the local level. http://www.autism-society.org/

• First Signs

-Many pediatricians know very little about autism. First Signs is dedicated to changing all that. Explore this site if you suspect your very young child may be Autistic. www.firstsigns.org

Websites (Cont.)

• The National Institutes of Health Autism Resource Network

-A terrific resource for medical information and links to the latest research and findings. http://www.nimh.nih.gov

• Disabilityinfo.gov - A portal for information about specialized programs, resources and research for parents and adults coping with disabilities. www.disabilityinfo.gov

Websites (Cont.)

• AutismLink

-Intended to be a clearinghouse of autism information. You’ll find information about local service providers in your area; information and links about all different types of therapy; chats; forums; and an event calendar including autism workshops, programs and conferences all over the country. www.autismlink.com

Journals • Autism

-A major, peer-reviewed, bi-monthly, international journal, providing research of direct and practical relevance to help improve the quality of life for individuals with autism or autism-related disorders. Editor in Chief: Dermont M. Bowler

• Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

-Leading peer-reviewed, scholarly periodical focusing on all aspects of autism spectrum disorders and related developmental disabilities.

Editor-in-Chief: Fred R. Volkmar

Books

• Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm (Jan 1, 2005)

• My Brother is Different: A sibling's guide to coping with Autism by Barbara Morvay (Nov 11, 2010)

• Activity Schedules for Children With Autism, Second Edition: Teaching Independent Behavior (Topics in Autism) by Lynn E. McClannahan, Ph.D. and Patricia Krantz (Jun 11, 2010)