This document outlines an 11-module training series on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The modules cover topics such as defining and diagnosing ASD, characteristics of ASD including differences in communication, behavior, and sensory processing, as well as teaching strategies. ASD is defined as a brain-based developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior, with prevalence of about 1 in 110 children. Symptoms and their severity can vary widely between individuals.
School training module ten, communication in the classroom
Child care training series module one updated
1. The Basics of Autism
Spectrum Disorders
Training Series
RAAC Training Committee
2. Child Care Training Series
Modules
Module One: Autism Defined, Autism Prevalence
and Primary Characteristics
Module Two: Early Signs of Autism
Module Three: Physical Characteristics of Autism
Module Four: Cognition and Learning in Autism
Module Five: Autism and Sensory Differences
Module Six: Communication and Autism
3. Child Care Training Series
Modules
Module Seven: Behavior Challenges and Autism
Module Eight: Understanding Behavior in Persons
with Autism
Module Nine: Functional Behavior Assessment
Module Ten: Autism Play Skills to Teach
Module Eleven: Safety and Autism
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder Defined
An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is
a brain-based or neurobiological
disorder of development.
ASD causes differences in the way the
brain processes
ASD affects understanding and use of
language to interact and communicate
with people.
5. Big Idea
ASD is a brain-based disorder
that results in differences in the
way individuals understand and
interact with their world.
6. Effects of ASD on Individuals
ASD affects:
the way a child relates to people, events, and
objects in the environment.
the way a child responds to sensory stimuli such
as pain, hearing, taste, smell, etc.
the way a child learns and thinks.
9. Autistic Disorder
Biggest Challenges:
Difficulties with social interaction.
Difficulties with communication.
Restricted interests and activities
that they like to do over and over
again.
Repetitive behaviors, such as
rocking or arm flapping.
10. Autistic Disorder Continued
Other Characteristics:
Usually behaviors can be seen by
three years of age.
Some children develop regularly the
first years, then begin to lose their
learned skills.
11. Asperger Syndrome
Biggest Challenges:
Difficulty with social interactions.
Children appear to understand directions
even when they don’t. For example, we may
think they are being uncooperative.
Child likes to talk a lot about things that
really interest them.
12. Asperger Syndrome Continued
Other Characteristics:
Intelligence ranges from average to well
above average, so the child may appear
really smart, but cannot do everyday
things independently.
13. PDD-NOS
(Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not
Otherwise Specified)
Diagnosis often made when a child
does not meet the criteria for a
specific diagnosis (i.e. Autism,
Asperger).
There is generally an overall
impairment in communication, social
interactions, and child may have
restricted interests.
14. Who Gets ASD?
All races, nationalities and socioeconomic
groups
Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with
ASD
More common within families
15. Prevalence of ASD
Leukemia 1 in 25,000
Muscular Dystrophy 1 in 20,000
Pediatric Aids 1 in 8,000
Childhood Cancer 1 in 7,000
Polio (1952 peak rate) 1 in 4,000
Hearing Impairment 1 in 900
Visual Impairment 1 in 800
Down Syndrome 1 in 800
Juvenile Diabetes 1 in 500
Cerebral Palsy 1 in 400
Autism (per Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1 in 110
March 2011)
16. Why are more people diagnosed today?
Better rules for diagnosis
Asperger Syndrome added to ASD in 1994
Increased awareness of ASD
People believe there are more services for
an individual if the person has a diagnosis
of ASD.
Wrong diagnosis
17. There are no two persons with
autism exactly alike
“If you’ve met one person with
autism, you’ve met one person
with autism.”
Stephen Shore, Adult with Autism
18. Quick Facts about Autism
Autism is the most common developmental disability,
affecting 1 in 110 births … most recent March 2011
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study.
A decade ago the rate was thought to be 4-5 in 10,000.
4 children with autism are born in the USA every hour …
35,000 per year.
Autism is 4 times more common in boys than in girls.
Autism is often under-diagnosed in children – typically
diagnosed by age 3-7.
19. Autism Facts Continued
Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental
disability in the US, growing 10-17% per year.
Cost of autism is estimated at $35-$90 billion –
90% of that is spent on adult services.
Recent estimate (by Harvard) is that cost is
$3.2M/person over their lifetime.
The costs are expected to more than double in the
next decade.
For more information, see: www.autism-society.org
or www.autismspeaks.org.
“The greatest underserved disability group”
Editor's Notes
EMBEDD AUTISM SUPPORT VIDEO HERE BEFORE THIS SLIDE