Gary Autism s/s age 0-7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj93htek c98 Ted Talk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wklmcltq RLs&list=UUAuUUnT6oDeKwE6v1NGQxug& index=105 1
Autism is a developmental disorder that is characterized by impaired development in: Communication Social Interaction Behavior 2014 In the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disordernot otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. CDC statistics Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 68 American children as on the autism spectrum a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States. 2
Autism is a spectrum disorder. It ranges in severity from a handicap, that limits normal life, to a devastating disability requiring institutional care. In the past, people confused autism as a form of childhood schizophrenia or childhood psychosis. In the past, researchers suggested that autism was the result of poor attachment skills on the part of the mother. Autism can be found in association with other disorders such as mental retardation and certain medical conditions. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females. Asperger s Syndrome is a mild form of autism. Lack interest in playing with other children. Fail to establish friendships. 3
Difficulty understanding another person's feelings, such as pain or sorrow. Unable to tolerate loud noises or crowds. This impairment may be so severe that it can affect the bond between a mother and a child. 4
Have extreme difficulty learning language. Their speech may seem to lack the normal emotion and sound flat or monotonous. An autistic child may use words without understanding their meanings. Lack of eye contact. Unable to understand simple directions, questions, or commands. Significant problems developing nonverbal communication skills. 5
Head banging, scratch until blood is drawn. Screaming instead of speaking in a normal tone. Bring everything closer to them to view. Persistant Rocking Teeth Grinding Researchers don t know the precise cause of autism. They believe that there is more than one cause. However, it may be genetic; In some families, research shows, autism is passed down from generation to generation. Additionally, there is a strong association between autism and seizures. 20-30% of individuals with autism develop seizures and individuals with seizures develop autistic-like behaviors. 6
Stopping inappropriate behaviors. Provide opportunities for the child to socialize with others. Autistic children must be taught how to communicate and interact with others. 7
The most effective treatment for all children, autistic or not, is an educational program that is suited to the child's developmental level. Ritalin, which is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), can help autistic children with similar symptoms. Special Abilities: Savant Behavior Memorization Musical ability Artistic ability http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2014/ 04/28/drawing-autism-book/ Mathematical talent 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 0DuCOHcUtH8 Social Stories Theory of mind http://www.methuen.k12.ma.us/autism/exa mple_of_theory_of_mind.htm Practice appropriate social interactions http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pla yer_embedded&v=nfjknrbc71c http://autismnow.org/blog/an-introductionto-social-stories/ Irony; sarcasm; inside joke; everything is literal Social story sample 9
Another sample PECS Picture exchange communication system From AWAARE: Autism Wandering Awareness Alerts Response Education Coalition Home security Secure dead bolt locks that require keys on both sides, a home security alarm system, inexpensive battery-operated alarms on doors, placing hook and eye locks on all doors above your child's reach, fencing your yard, adhering printable STOP SIGNS to doors, windows and other exits, etc. Consider a Tracking Device Check with local law enforcement for Project Lifesaver or LoJak SafetyNet services. These tracking devices are worn on the wrist or ankle and locate the individual through radio frequency. Various GPS tracking systems are also available. 10
Wandering Consider an ID Bracelet Teach Your Child to Swim Alert Your Neighbors Alert First Responders it is critical to address wandering issues in his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP). Try to eliminate all possible triggers that have led to wandering in the past. For example, if your child is drawn to water, be sure that all pools, lakes, etc. in the area of the school are blocked off so that there is no chance your child will be able to access them. Training parents In a short series of classes, parents were able to learn to apply a language-skills therapy method called pivotal response training and saw meaningful improvement in their kids Parents really do feel more empowered when they re in a group setting, said Kari Berquist of the Stanford University School of Medicine, a co-author of the study. They re talking, connecting, sharing their experiences. It gives them a sense of community. 11
Pivotal response training For the study, researchers randomly assigned parents of 53 children with autism to participate in 12 weeks of classes on pivotal response training or a control group that learned basics about autism. All of the children were between the ages of 2 and 6 and had language delays. Teaching parents Moms and dads who received the pivotal response training were taught to build language skills through natural interactions. For example, if their son or daughter wanted a ball, parents were taught to encourage their child to say ball before rewarding them with the item. children whose parents learned the technique saw greater gains in both the number of words used and how they used them as compared to children in the control group. Study was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 12
Mom was right: Eat your veggies! broccoli sprouts A chemical that s found in broccoli and other vegetables may be able to dramatically improve behavior and social skills in those with autism, researchers say. In as little as four weeks of taking daily doses of the broccoli sprout extract sulforaphane, many teens and adults with autism saw significant gains in behavior, socialization and communication, according to findings published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences research Autism Speaks Invests $2.3 Million in Research on Gut- Brain Connection Study Suggests that Key Immune Protein Could Play a Role in Autism Controversy over Autism Speaks http://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=ul1rxsf X2BY Ask an Autistic about Autism Speaks http://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=67lbowl ZdWc http://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=ez936r2f 35U 13