This presentation provides a general overview of ASD.

2. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder,
refers to a range of conditions
characterized by challenges with social
skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and
nonverbal communication, as well as by
unique strengths and differences.

3. Some Facts about Autism
ASDs are a puzzling combination of genes, biology, and
environment.
Studies suggest that signs of autism are often present in
the first year of life.
More boys than girls are classified with autism spectrum
disorders.
Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental
disorders in the U.S.

4. ASD Prevalence
The CDC estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in 59
children in the US.
1 in 37 boys.
1 in 151 girls.

5. First Concern of Action
1. Learn the signs
2. Get your child screened
3. Access services
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/from-first-concern-to-action

6. 1. Learn the Signs
6 to 9 months
Infrequently looks to others’ faces
Gaze aversion
Poor eye contact
Decrease social smiling
Absent facial expression
Poor emotional modulation
Delayed babbling
9 to 12 months
Decreased orienting to name
Decreased monitoring of other’s
gaze
Inability to follow a point
Abnormalities in arousal to
stimuli
Infrequent babbling

7. 1. Learn the Signs
12 to 15 months
Lack of or rare pointing
Lack of or rare showing
Delayed speech
Repetitive or perseverative
play with objects
Does not way bye-bye
15 to 18 months
Limited or scripted pretend
play
Lack of imitation
Reduced variety of play acts
Early signs of developmental
regression

8. 2. Get Your Child
Screened
A comprehensive
evaluation should include
the child’s developmental
history, observations, direct
interaction, parent
interview, and evaluation of
functioning in the following
areas: social,
communication, sensory,
emotional, cognitive and
adaptive behavior.
• Parents and educators
should seek assessemnt as
soon as signs become
evident.
• Assessemnt of ASD may be
completed by a number of
professionals, including
psychologist, neurologist,
and psychiatrists.

9. 3. Access Services
If your child is older than age 3
with autism or related
developmental challenges,
federal law requires the school
district to work with you to
develop an Individualized
Education Plan (IEP).
The IEP should address the
child’s specific educational
needs.
The child does not need a
diagnosis of autism to receive an
IEP.
• Access early intervention and
individualized education
services.
• You don’t have to wait for a
diagnosis of autism for your child
to receive services to address
related developmental delays
and learning challenges.

10. 3. Access to Services
Physiological Interventions:
• Medication treatment
• Special diets
• Sensory activities

11. Sources:
Espe-Sherwindt, M. (2012). ASD-4-EL: Online training
module. In Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence
(OCALI), Autism Internet Modules,
www.autisminternetmodules.org. Columbus, OH: OCALI
Hall, L.J. (2013). Autism Spectrum Disorders from Theory
to Practice (2 ed.). Pearson Education.
Home / Autism Speaks. (2012, July 25).Retrieved from
https://www.autismspeaks.org