Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability affecting communication and social skills that is usually apparent before age 3. It includes conditions like Asperger's Syndrome and requires lifelong support. Characteristics include difficulties with social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviors. Educational adaptations focus on structure, routines, technology assistance and teaching social skills. Research continues on the causes and new treatment approaches to help those with autism achieve their full potential.

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder Sangi M. Susuico ED 443 November 4, 2008

2. Objectives: Definition History Prevalence Causes and Characteristics Educational Adaptations Transition

3. According to IDEA: A developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction usually evident before age 3 that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.

4. Included in this group Pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified (PDDNOS) Rett Syndrome Childhood disintegrative disorder

5. Continued….. Asperger’s Syndrome Hans Asperger Poem RAGE By David, Age 10

6. Characteristics/Behaviors: Lack of or delay in spoken language Repetitive use of language or motor mannerisms Little to no eye contact Lack interest in peer relationships Lack spontaneous or make believe play Fixation with certain objects

7. Special Characteristics Theory of Mind Sally and Anne Test Hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli Environmental noises Touch

8. History of Autism Leo Kanner, 1943 Michael Rutter Basic Characteristics Failure to develop social relationships Language delays with impaired comprehension Ritualistic or compulsive behaviors

9. Causes Genetic defects Environment Medical problems Other risks

10. Prevalence 1.5 Million Americans CHAT  Baron-Cohen Protodeclarative Pointing Gaze Motoring Pretend Play

11. Treatments Therapy and behavioral interventions Medication Antidepressants Anti-psychotic Anti-convulsant

12. Adaptations: Curriculum Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBA) Programs for Early Childhood AAC AT

13. Helpful Programs LOVAAS TEACCH LEAP Pivotal Response Model Walden EC Program

14. Common threads among programs : Curriculum Content Highly supported and structured settings Predictability and routine Functional approach to behaviors Transition

15. Adapting Teaching Strategies Structure and routines Ecological variations Collateral skills interventions Child specific interventions Peer mediated intervention procedure

16. Common Methods Integrated Play Group Social Stories Sensory Integration Adaptive P.E.

17. Adapting Technology

18. Transition, Family & Lifespan Need follow ups Employment Parent Role SPED Laws The courts

19. Latest Research: National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke (NINDS) Autism coordinating committee Experiments

20. The Face of Autism http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7kHSOgauhg

21. Summary

22. References: Kirk, Samuel A., et al. Educating Exceptional Children. 11 th Ed. Houghton Mifflin. New York, 2006. National Institute of Neurological Disorders http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm Autism Society of America http://www.autismsociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_home Ezine Articles http://ezinearticles.com/?Good-Activities-For-Children-With-Autism&id=1314017

23. References continued Google http:// images.google.com Mesibov, Gary., et al. Autism Understanding the Disorder. Plenum Press, New York, 1997. Ghezzi, Patrick. Et al. Autism: Behavior Analytic Perspectives. Context Press, Reno Nevada, 1999. Koegel, Robert. Teaching Children with Autism. Paul Brookes Publishing, 1995.