Autism

 **__ Facts __** o A study in 2007 issued a report stating that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 150 children and 1 in 94 boys. (4 times more prevalent in boys) o Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders o Autism can affect any family or child, regardless of race, ethnicity, social life, income level, lifestyle choice, education level o It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans today are affected by some form of autism, and this number is on the rise. o The lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism is 3.5 to 5 million dollars o Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that individuals are affected with varying degrees and differences. o Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life o Autism is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain o Because of developmental issues, the individual with autism has trouble communicating and interacting with others · **__ Characteristic Behaviors __** o Behaviors of autism spectrum disorders may or may not become apparent in infancy (18-24 months) o They usually become obvious during early childhood (24 months to 6 years) o Doctors should do a “developmental screening” where they ask questions about the baby’s progress, looking for “red-flag” behavior: (from The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) § Does not babble or coo by 12 months § Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp) by 12 months <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Wingdings; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Wingdings;">§ Does not say single words by 16 months <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Wingdings; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Wingdings;">§ Does not say 2 word phrases on his or her own by 24 months <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Wingdings; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Wingdings;">§ Has any loss of any language or social skill at any age <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Because characteristics of autism vary so greatly, having one of these behaviors doesn’t necessarily mean the child has autism, but should signal that the child undergo further evaluations <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· **__ Misconceptions __** <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Autism is not treatable. The key to improved outcomes with children with autism is EARLY DIAGNOSIS and INTERVENTION <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Medical tests can diagnose autism. This isn’t true. Children need to be observed and evaluated by their communication level, developmental level and behavior. <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Wingdings; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Wingdings;">§ Some signs to look for in children: <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· Lack of, or delay in spoken language <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· Repetitive use of language <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· Impaired ability to initiate or sustain conversations <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· Motor mannerisms (e.g., hand flapping, twirling objects) <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· Little or no eye contact <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· Lack of interest in peer relationships <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· Persistent fixation on parts of objects; spins objects <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Parents should rush in with treatment plans. This isn’t true. Parents should not try to rush with changes <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· **__ Treatments __** <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o With proper treatment and correct educational approaches the challenges associate with autism may be reduced. <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Focus on moving the child to reaching his or her greatest potential, knowing that one treatment may not work for all, because children are individuals <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Treatment plans should be made with the child’s strengths and weaknesses in mind <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· **__ Accommodations- __** <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Using visual aids are strongly recommended. Students can use them for as long as they need to process information. Can really help students to focus <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Wingdings; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Wingdings;">§ Pictographs, written cues <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Precise, positive praise <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Use meaningful reinforcements <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Wingdings; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Wingdings;">§ Tangible objects, alone time, time with a teacher, etc. <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o  Plan tasks at an appropriate level of difficulty, gradually increase difficulty level to avoid stress <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Provide opportunities for choice <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Break down oral instructions into small steps <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Wingdings; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Wingdings;">§ Assist with visual <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Give children appropriate times spans. <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Give concrete examples. <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Use task analysis. Break tasks down into small, teachable steps, and taught in sequence. <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Besides visual aids, the effectiveness of the accommodation depends on the individuals needs, strengths and interests <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· **__ Curricular Modification __** <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Plan for transitions and prepare the student for change <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Wingdings; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Wingdings;">§ “we have five more minutes, please finish what you are doing” <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Provide relaxation opportunities and areas <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Provide opportunities for meaningful contact with peers that have appropriate social behavior <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Provide a customized visual daily schedule <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o Provide a structured, predictable, classroom environment <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: Symbol; msolist: Ignore; msobidifontfamily: Symbol;">· **__ Resources __** <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o **__ [] __** <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o **__ [] __** <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o **__ [|http://autisminfo.com] __** <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o **__ [] __** <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o **__ [] __** <span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-list: Ignore; msofareastfontfamily: 'Courier New'; msolist: Ignore;">o **__ http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/disorders/autism_fact_sheet.shtml __** o **__http://www.dubaiautismcenter.ae__**
 * __ Autism Fact Sheet __** By Michelle, Nealie, and Sean

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