Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and behavior. Symptoms vary widely but can include issues with verbal and nonverbal communication, lack of interest in social interactions, and rigid routines. It is considered a spectrum disorder, ranging from mild to severe. While there is no cure, early diagnosis and intervention therapies can help reduce symptoms and improve skills.

1. Autism

2. Autism is a
complex
neurological
disorder of
development that
lasts throughout a
person’s life.

4. Language
Social
Behavior
Challenges
Routine

5.  Communication
 Verbal
▪ Not responding to his/her name
▪ Inability to explain what he/she wants
 Non-Verbal
▪ Not smiling when someone smiles at him/her
▪ Not making eye contact

7. Technology

8.  Sharing Emotions
 Empathy
 Lack of interest in peers
 Holding a Conversation
 SpendingTime Interacting with Others
 Intense orViolentTantrums

9.  Repeating words or actions
 Obsessively following routines and
schedules
 Having specific and inflexible ways
of arranging items

11. Spectrum

12.  Definition: a group of disorders with
a range of similar features.
 Different people with autism have
very different features and
symptoms.

13. Asperger’s
Disorder
PDD-NOS
Autistic
Disorder
Rett’s
Disorder
Childhood
Disintegrative
Disorder

14.  People withAsperger’s Syndrome have
similar problems as those with autism. These
problems often arise in the areas of social
interaction and communication.
 People with Asperger’s Syndrome are
generally considered to have normal
intelligence and verbal skills, unlike many
people with autism.

15.  Obsessions are incredibly common among
people with Asperger’s Syndrome.
 Children withAsperger’s Syndrome are
generally able to communicate well.
However, they often have trouble
understanding non-literal language and non-
verbal communication methods.

16.  Pervasive Developmental Disorder –
Not Otherwise Specified
 “Atypical autism”
 Symptoms may manifest later in life or be slightly
different from that of autism.
 Often, but not always, PDD-NOS symptoms
are milder than autism symptoms.

17.  No official cure
 BUT, many children with ASDs progress to
the point that they do not show symptoms of
the full syndrome as adults.
 Early diagnosis and interventions have a
strong positive effect on later skills and
symptoms.

18. Treatments
Behavior
Management
Therapy
- Reinforce
wanted
behaviors
-Reduce
unwanted
behaviors
- Often based
on ABA
Speech-
Language
Therapy
- Help people
on the
spectrum
improve their
ability to
communicate
Occupational
Therapy
- Help people
adjust tasks
to match
their needs &
abilities
Physical
Therapy
- Use
activities and
exercises to
build motor
control and
improve
posture &
balance

19.  Public schools must provide free, appropriate
education from age 3 through high school or
age 21.
 Typically, students with ASDs will receive
support from a team of people who create an
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to help
guide the child’s school experiences.

21.  All images from Google Images.
 Information paraphrased from Marc
Lombardy, Psy.D.