AUTISM

ALEXIS PANEPINTO
WHAT IS AUTISM? (DEFINITION)

 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also known as

Autism is a complex disability that appears during
early childhood and it affects the ability to
communicate and interact with others.
IDENTIFICATION

 How do doctors know you have it?

 - Autism can be detected at 18 months or younger
and by age 2 a professional diagnosis can be done.
 Diagnosing has 2 parts: (Tests)
1. -Developmental Screening (to tell if your child is
learning the basic skills)
2. -Comprehensive Diagnostic Comprehension
(looking at the child's behavior/development and
interviewing parents)
 -The child can also be referred to a psychologist
and speech/language pathologist
IDENTIFICATION (CONT.)

 Symptoms:
 -Behavioral - Poor eye contact, repetition of words,
inappropriate social interaction, compulsive
behavior
 -Developmental - Learning disability or speech
delay
 -Cognitive - An interest in a certain subject/thing,
problem paying attention
 Psychological - Not aware of other’s emotions
 Observations:
 -Behavioral and Developmental
PREVALENCE

 About 1 in 59 children have Autism

 1 in 37 boys
 1 in 151 girls
 Autism is 4 more times more common in boys than
girls.
 More than 3.5 million Americans have Autism
SYMPTOMS

1. The child prefers to be alone

2. Has problems with pronouns
3. Flat robotic speaking voice
4. Repetitive behavior (jumping or twirling)
5. Lack of coordination
6. Aggressive behavior
TREATMENT

 There are no medications that can cure Autism

 There are medications that can help people with
Autism function better
 Types of approaches:
 Therapy (auditory, music, physical, communication)
 Behavior and Communication approach
 Dietary approach
 Medication
 Complementary and Alternative Medicine
THREE GENERAL FACTS

1. Autism was first described by Dr. Leo Kanner in

1943.
2. Autism is the fastest growing developmental
disability.
3. April is Autism Awareness Month
THREE TEACHING STRATEGIES

1. Create a classroom routine - establish patterns

such as greetings and have clear expectations
2. Prevent bullying before it happens in a classroom -
monitor your students
3. Repeat instructions for a better understanding
 WORKS CITED

 http://www.autism-society.org/what-is/
 https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html
 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-
20352928?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=abstract&utm_content=Autism&utm_campaign=Knowledge-panel
 https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/symptoms-of-autism#2
 https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html
 http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8761-22-tips-for-teaching-students-with-autism-spectrum-disorders