Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
By Elisabeth Purdy, Ashley Green, and
Sara Depue
ActivityGroup 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
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
Historical Overview
Historic
al
Overview
• Itard- EARLIEST DOCUMENTATION- 1799• Hans Asperger – 1931-1994• Leo Kanner- 1943 • Twins Study- 1977• Dia gnost ic and Stat ist ic al Manu al of Men
tal Dis orders -1980• Ivar Lovaas- 1987• The fed er al gov ern ment declares autism
in special education category-1991• U.S. Cen ters for Dis ease Con trol and Pre
ven tion es tim ates that 1 in 110 chil dren, have aut ism spec trum dis orders- 2009
1. MENTALLY2. SOCIALLY3. EMOTIONALLY4. PHYSICALLY5. SENSORY
Characteristics
Historic
al
OverviewCharacteristics
CausesWhat 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)
Historic
al
OverviewCharacteristics
Causes and Diagnosis
“I believe it is environmental and also linked to immunizations and the mercury in them!” (from a reply on scientificamerican.com)
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.
Historic
al
OverviewCharacteristics
Causes and Diagnosis
• Most cases involve a complex and variable combination of genetic risk and environmental factors
• Is NOT caused by childhood immunizations or vaccines.
Diagnosis
Historic
al
OverviewCharacteristics
Causes and 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
Diagnosis
Historic
al
OverviewCharacteristics
Causes and 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.
Treatment
Historic
al
OverviewCharacteristics
Causes and Diagnosis
• 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
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
Historic
al
OverviewCharacteristics
Causes and Diagnosis
Teaching Strategies and Tips
• Keep language simple and concrete• Give fewer choices• Reword your sentence • Avoid overstimulation
Historic
al
OverviewCharacteristics
Causes and Diagnosis
Teach
er Tip
s
Teacher Accommodations
• Visual schedules • Visual structure • Alternatives to verbal communication • Functional curriculum
Historic
al
OverviewCharacteristics
Causes and Diagnosis
Teach
er Tip
s
• 11 year old explains it through the computer (Carly) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMBzJleeOno