A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
Autism Spectrum Disorders
1.
2. WHAT IS AUTISM?
• According to IDEA, Autism is defined as:
• “A developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal
communication and social interaction, usually evident before age 3 that
adversely affects a child’s educational performance. Other characteristics
often associated with ASD are engagement in repetitive activities and
stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in
daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences…” (NASET)
• Myths associated with Autism
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
3. PREVALENCE
Autism is becoming more prevalent in today’s society.
• Prevalence is estimated in 1 in 110 births.
• Fastest growing developmental disability.
• Growth rate: 1,148% (Autism Society.org)
• The prevalence of Autism is four times higher in boys than girls.
4. CAUSES
There is no single cause for Autism Spectrum Disorders, but rather several
different theories.
• Vaccines
• Genetics and Heredity
• Neurological disorder rather than interpersonal
• Environmental factors
5. CHARACTERISTICS
People with Autism Spectrum Disorders struggle with communication and
interpersonal interactions.
• Impaired Social Interaction
• Communication Deficits
• Low vocabulary at a young age
• Slower language development
• Repetitive and Stereotyped Behaviors
• Cognitive Deficits
• Deficits similar to those with Intellectual Disabilities
6. APPLICATIONS FOR THE CLASSROOM
Strengths Weaknesses
Splinter Skills Self-Directed Behaviors
Spatial Skills Environment Perception
Perception of Others
7. INTERVENTIONS
• Direct Instruction of Skills
• Provide an environment that is highly structured
• Uses Positive Reinforcement to reward desired behaviors
• Utilize Instruction in Natural Settings
• Provide students with settings that students without disabilities enjoy.
• These settings provide students with opportunities to learn the natural social
interactions with other students their age.
• Instruction in Natural Settings also provide opportunities for students to work
on their language skills.
