Autism is a developmental disability that significantly affects verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and educational performance. It was first described in the 1940s and research continues today to study autism since its causes are unknown, though abnormalities in brain structure/function and genetic/environmental factors may play a role. Characteristics of autism include difficulties with social skills, communication, and resistance to change. Effective teaching strategies involve creating structured and predictable classrooms, promoting social skills, and using visual aids to communicate with students.

1. AUSTISM
DEFINITION:
AUTISM IS A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY THAT
SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTS A STUDENT’S VERBAL AND
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION, SOCIAL INTERACTION,
AND EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE.

2. History
1908 Eugen Bleuler coined the word “Autism”
1943 Leo Kanner (American child psychiatrist)
described children with common traits of Autism
calling them “autistic”
1944 Hans Aperger wrote about a group of children
he called “autistic psychopaths”
And as we previously learned Brunno Bettelhelm
wrote a book called The Empty Fortress and claimed
that autism was due to the “coldness of their
mothers”

3. Current Info
In the 70s, knowledge of Autism began to spread to
Sweden.
In the 80s, The Erica Foundation started education
and Therapy for psychotic children.
Research continues to occur for students with
Autism since there is no proven cause, this began in
the 90s and continues today.
(See recent story article provided)

4. Causes
No known single cause
Abnormalities in brain structure or function
May be a link between heredity, genetics, and
medical causes
May be environmental factors such as viral
infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to
environmental chemicals

5. Characteristics
Resistance to change
Difficulty in expressing needs
Repeating phrases in place of normal conversation
Showing distress for reasons not apparent to others
Difficulty mixing with others
Little or no eye contact
No real fears or dangers
Uneven motor skills
Non-responsive to verbal cues

6. Instructional Strategies
Create a structured, predictable environment
Create checklists
Give fewer choices
Promote social skills (one-on-one interactions)
Limit physical contact
Advise students of change in routine
Use signs and pictures to communicate
Allow students to stand

7. Classroom Management Strategies
Stick to routines
Visual and written schedules
Seating arrangements
Written task cards
Written communication
Modify the curriculum-interests
Teacher-student/ peer relationships
Quiet time
Proactive management

8. Websites
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism
www.autismspeaks.org
www.autism.com
www.autism-society.org
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism
.htm
www.autismfacts.com
http://jcn.sagepub.com