Autism 101: An Introduction to Understanding Autism
What is Autism?
Autism is a disorder that affects the brain s normal development of social and communication skills. ~ Autism Society of Colorado
The Autism Spectrum Severely Affected High Functioning There are similarities found across the spectrum including: - Difficulty in communications - Deficits in social functioning - Restricted interests - Repetitive behaviors
The Autism Spectrum
Basic Facts About Autism o Lifelong developmental disorder o Genetic link, can run in families o More common in males than females (nearly five times more common) o Looks different at different ages o Can co-occur with other diagnoses o Early intervention is important o Children and adults can learn and improve o Impact of ASD varies o Autism is the fastest- growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. o Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
Understanding the Numbers: An Increase in Prevalence Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC 1990-1 in 2,500 2000-1 in 250 2005-1 in 166 2010-1 in 110 2012 1 in 88 2013-1 in 50*
What Causes Autism?
Causes: The Misconceptions and Reality o Experts in the 1950s claimed that autism was caused by bad parenting o Refrigerator moms (Leo Kanner) o Vaccines o Other theories?
Causes o Multiple causes Abnormalities in the brain in terms of shape, structure, and function Genetic component Environmental risk factors o More research needed
Why is Autism Becoming More Common?
Why is Autism Becoming More Common? o Better awareness o Better diagnostic tools o Over-diagnosed o Other theories?
The Importance of Early Detection American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for all children Developmental Screen - 9, 18, & 30 months Autism Screen - 18 & 24 months Pediatricians could diagnose children with autism earlier by asking parents to fill out a simple, five-minute checklist when they take their babies in for their first-year checkups. (Journal of Pediatrics, April 27, 2011)
Possible Signs of Autism o Avoids eye contact o Stares at lights, ceiling fans, hands o Prefers dangly things to toys o Repetitive body movements, flapping o Unusual vocalizations o Inappropriate laughing or giggling o Doesn t smile back o Spins objects or self o Doesn t want to be cuddled
Possible Signs of Autism o No fear of danger o Doesn t seem to feel pain o Doesn t respond to his/her name (can appear deaf) o Sustained, unusual or repetitive play o Prefers to play alone o Prefers objects to people o Meltdowns o Eats only a small selection of foods and resists new foods o Stuffs mouth with food
Possible Signs of Autism o Stops using speech or sign language (regressive autism) o May be non-verbal or hyper-verbal o Echoes words or phrases (echolalia) o Thinks literally, uses literal language o May not understand joking or sarcasm o Strong responses to pain, sound, light, smell temperature or touch o Insists on routine, sameness o Great difficulty with transitions o Restricted interests
Possible Signs of Autism o Extreme giftedness o Socially awkward o Does not pick up on social cues o Anxious, agitated, withdrawn, depressed o Obsessive/Compulsive o Sleep problems o Aggressiveness/rages o Self injury
How Are We Doing in Colorado? o 4.6 Years: Average Age of Diagnosis (Community Report from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) 2008) o 43rd in per pupil spending adjusted for regional cost differences (Ed Week, 2014 Quality Counts, 2010-11 data) o 51st - funding for special education (Denver Post, 2009) o Nationally, The cost of autism over the lifespan is 3.2 million dollars per person. (Arch Pediatric Adolesc Med. 2007) o Only 5% of adults with autism nationally are self-supporting (Susan Bryson, Dalhousie University, Halifax, 2007)
Myths About Individuals with Autism o All people with autism are alike (Rainman) o They don t have feelings o They don t build relationships o They are a danger to society o All people with autism are savants o They have no language skills o They can t do much of anything
Famous People with Autism Dan Akroyd John Elder Robison Daryl Hannah
Famous People with Autism An author, inventor, and speaker, Dr. Grandin is probably the most wellknown person with autism on the planet. She routinely speaks at autism conferences and has written several books both about her autism and about animals, which she loves. Dr. Grandin is a professor at CSU, has written many books, and had an HBO movie made about her life.
How to Support an Individual with Autism
Build Rapport
Consider the Environment Sensory issues o Order o Noise o Smells o Temperature o Safety o Fears o Avoid possible meltdown triggers
Approach with TLC o Use a soft voice o Gently say hello and call them by name o Be calm o Give them space o Do not touch or hug without permission o Allow time for a response o You may not get a response o Do not expect eye contact o Help the person learn that he is safe with you o Be patient; it may take a long time to feel that you are making a connection o Accept the person s quirks o If the person is having a hard time, ask how you can help o Ask the parents for some tips
How Does the Individual Communicate? o Is the individual verbal? Non-verbal? o Can the individual make his/her needs known? o What has worked best in the past? o What hasn t worked so well? o Try to find the meaning behind behaviors
Consistency is Important o Routines & picture schedules o Prepare the child for any changes in routine o Try to create a highly-structured environment even if this doesn t come naturally for you
Behavior o o o o o Tantrum A power play Child is aware and in control, but doesn t want you to know that Looks to see if people are noticing May make sure they are safe or move from danger If they get what they want the tantrum ends abruptly Meltdown o Total loss of behavioral control o Not a manipulative ploy o Doesn t look to see who s watching o Does not consider her own safety o After a certain point, nothing can appease o Must wait it out
What if a Meltdown Happens? o Top priority is to avoid injury o Be calm and give the child space o Redirect the child when you re able o Rule out medical concerns, such as migraines
Use Person First Language o Focus on the PERSON FIRST o The person HAS a disability o It s just part of who he is o She s not autistic ; she HAS autism o He s not normal ; he s typically developing o The person s condition is normal for them; they are not abnormal
Avoid Dehumanizing Words o R-word ( Spread the Word to End the Word www.rword.org) o Suffers from, victim, burdened with o Avoid clichés, such as they are all so loving or they are all so difficult o Focus on the individual s attributes and keep it real
Remember o Relax, don t be afraid o Speak in a normal tone of voice o Don t talk down to them o Speak directly to the person o Be patient and allow time for response o Refer to their disability only when pertinent o Be a friend o Individuals with ASD have made meaningful and lasting contributions to society o Embrace diversity & Inclusion is a basic human right
The Autism Society of Colorado is here for YOU! We advocate, inform and share the journey Contact us support@autismcolorado.org 720-214-0794 www.autismcolorado.org
Our Mission To Improve the Lives of All Affected by Autism
History & Vision The Autism Society of Colorado was founded in 1970 by parents fighting for the right for their children to attend public schools. ALL Coloradans affected by autism have ready access to services and supports needed to: o Be safe, o educated, o healthy, o productive and o have happy and fulfilling lives
ASC Program Areas Community Connections o Information & Referral o Website & Publications o Opening Doors Beau Jo s Pizza Night Sensory Friendly Films o GMAB Respite Program o Summer Picnic Education o ABCs of Autism o Autism 101 o Videos Policy o Spearheading Successful Legislation o Educating Community, Parents, and Policymakers o Public & Private o Interagency Collaborations