This document provides an overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including its definition, characteristics, causes, assessment tools, interventions, teaching strategies, and partnerships to support individuals with ASD. Some key points covered are: - ASD is a developmental disability affecting communication and social skills. It involves a wide range of behaviors and severity. - Common characteristics include lack of communication, lack of social interaction, sensory issues, and insistence on routines. - Assessment tools include the PEP-R, ADOS, and CARS to evaluate individuals for ASD. - Early intervention programs provide structure, predictability, and support to help children with ASD. - Collaboration between families,

1. Spectrum Disorder Helene S. A. Cruz/Joniree Calvo ED 443 G: Assistive and Adaptive Technology November 6, 2008 Dr. Jacqui Cyrus

2. Objectives You will know the: Definition of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder Characteristics of Students with Autism Tips to helping Students with Autism

3. What is Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) ? IDEA Definition of Autism A developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age 3, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. Definition of ASD Certain set of behaviors ranging from very mild to severe.

4. Prevalence/Incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Guam Public School System SY 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 Students: 31,066 as of 9/30/2007 Students in Special Education: 2,166 ; 2,147 Students with Autism: 90 students; 105 students Nationally 1 in 166 births estimates to have Autism 4 million births = 24,000 diagnosed with Autism 4 times more prevalent in boys than girls 67 children diagnosed a day

5. Characteristics Children with Autism might have: Lack of Communication Lack of Social Interaction Sensory Deficits Unusual Play Insistence on Sameness

6. Cause and Prevention Cause Physical abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain Genetic Factors Prevention At this time, there are no known preventions of ASD, professionals are still evaluating the cause.

7. Assessment Psycho-educational Profile Revised (PEP-R) Adolescent and Adult Psycho-Educational Profile Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills Autism Checklist Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

8. Early Intervention Locally Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS) GPSS: Tamuning Preschool Placement and Home Component Services Nationally Young Autism Program Treatment & Education of Autistic & related Communication-handicapped Children

9. Teaching Tips Attention Imitation Making requests Compliance Structured Teaching Predictable Events

10. Transition Pre-School to Kindergarten School System Transfer Class to Class Elementary to Middle School Transfer Grade to Grade School to Work/College

11. Collaboration Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Accommodations and Modifications Teamwork Peer Supports

12. Partnerships with Families and Communities Locally Autistic Community Together (ACT) Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (CEDDERS) Nationally Autism Speaks National Autistic Society National Autism Association

13. Video Clips Autism: The Misunderstood Child http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ5JXeGghkc Autism Cure? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0ZanIBoGHU

14. References Smith, Deborah (2007). Introduction to Special Education: Making a Difference 6 th Edition. Pearson Education, Inc.. Fighting Autism. Retrieved September 15, 2008, from Fighting Autism Web site: http://www.fightingautism.org/index.php Autism. Retrieved September 15, 2008, from Autism Web site: http://www.yourautismfacts.com/ Wallin, Jason M. (2001-2004). Teaching Children with Autism. Retrieved September 15, 2008, from Teaching Children with Autism Web site: http://www.polyxo.com/assessment/index.html (2007-2008). Autism Research Institute. Retrieved September 15, 2008, from Defeat Autism Now Web site: http://www.autism.com/index.asp

15. Thought Provoking Questions 1. Do you know what it is like to have a teacher say “I don’t want this student in my class?” How would you feel if that was your child? 2. Do you know what it is like to have kids point to a child with Autism and laugh at the child as he/she rocks and parrots over and over? How would you feel if that was your child? 3. Do you know what it is like to wonder what the child with Autism will do when the parent dies? What are we, as an island community, doing for the people with special needs?