1. AUSTISM
DEFINITION:
AUTISM IS A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY THAT
SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTS A STUDENT’S VERBAL AND
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION, SOCIAL INTERACTION,
AND EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE.

2. History
1908 Eugen Bleuler coined the word “Autism”
1943 Leo Kanner (American child psychiatrist)
described children with common traits of Autism
calling them “autistic”
1944 Hans Aperger wrote about a group of children
he called “autistic psychopaths”
And as we previously learned Brunno Bettelhelm
wrote a book called The Empty Fortress and claimed
that autism was due to the “coldness of their
mothers”

3. Current Info
In the 70s, knowledge of Autism began to spread to
Sweden.
In the 80s, The Erica Foundation started education
and Therapy for psychotic children.
Research continues to occur for students with
Autism since there is no proven cause, this began in
the 90s and continues today.
(See recent story article provided)

4. Causes
No known single cause
Abnormalities in brain structure or function
May be a link between heredity, genetics, and
medical causes
May be environmental factors such as viral
infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to
environmental chemicals

5. Characteristics
Resistance to change
Difficulty in expressing needs
Repeating phrases in place of normal conversation
Showing distress for reasons not apparent to others
Difficulty mixing with others
Little or no eye contact
No real fears or dangers
Uneven motor skills
Non-responsive to verbal cues

6. Instructional Strategies
Create a structured, predictable environment
Create checklists
Give fewer choices
Promote social skills (one-on-one interactions)
Limit physical contact
Advise students of change in routine
Use signs and pictures to communicate
Allow students to stand

7. Classroom Management Strategies
Stick to routines
Visual and written schedules
Seating arrangements
Written task cards
Written communication
Modify the curriculum-interests
Teacher-student/ peer relationships
Quiet time
Proactive management

8. Websites
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism
www.autismspeaks.org
www.autism.com
www.autism-society.org
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism
.htm
www.autismfacts.com
http://jcn.sagepub.com