Autism
What is autism? Autism is a developmental problem that appears in early childhood usually before the age of 3. Symptoms and severity vary but all autism disorders affect the child's ability to communicate and interact with others. Below are the symptoms of autism in different domains:
Social skills
· Fails to respond to his or her name
· Has poor eye contact
· Appears not to hear you at times
· Resists cuddling and holding
· Appears unaware of others' feelings
· Seems to prefer playing alone — retreats into his or her "own world"
Language
· Starts talking later than age 2, and has other developmental delays by 30 months
· Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences
· Doesn't make eye contact when making requests
· Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
· Can't start a conversation or keep one going
· May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand how to use them indivdually
Behavior
· Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping
· Develops specific routines or rituals
· Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals
· Moves constantly
· May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car
· May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain
The purpose of this page is to educate about autism and provide tools for working with autistic children in the classroom. There is also up to date research about autism and new research which is being conducted. No two children are alike, this also applies to childen who are autistic. What works for one child may not work for another child. This is important to keep in mind when working with children who are autistic.
Social skills
· Fails to respond to his or her name
· Has poor eye contact
· Appears not to hear you at times
· Resists cuddling and holding
· Appears unaware of others' feelings
· Seems to prefer playing alone — retreats into his or her "own world"
Language
· Starts talking later than age 2, and has other developmental delays by 30 months
· Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences
· Doesn't make eye contact when making requests
· Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
· Can't start a conversation or keep one going
· May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand how to use them indivdually
Behavior
· Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping
· Develops specific routines or rituals
· Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals
· Moves constantly
· May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car
· May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain
The purpose of this page is to educate about autism and provide tools for working with autistic children in the classroom. There is also up to date research about autism and new research which is being conducted. No two children are alike, this also applies to childen who are autistic. What works for one child may not work for another child. This is important to keep in mind when working with children who are autistic.
|
|
|
Tools and Strategies for Teachers
|
|
Research Has active, new and finished clinical trials that are related to autism  talks about autism from a neuroscience prespective  This talks about who the researchers are at Children's and what they are researching.  This article talks about why boys are more likely to have autism than girls. |
InterventionsApplied Behavior Analysis(ABA): a system of autism treatment based on behaviorist theories which, simply put, state that behaviors can be taught through a system of rewards and consequences. ABA uses discreet trials to teach specific behavior.
Floortime/DIR: a form of play therapy that uses interactions and relationships to reach children with developmental delays and autism Relationship Development Intervention (RDI): a parent-based clinical treatment that seeks to correct the core social problems of autism, such as friendship skills, empathy and the desire to share personal experiences with others Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): an augmentative communication system developed to help individuals quickly acquire a functional means of communication SCERTS model: a research-based educational approach and multidisciplinary framework that directly addresses the core challenges faced by children and persons with ASD and related disabilities building competence in Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support TEACHH: an evidence-based service, training, and research program for individuals of all ages and skill levels with autism spectrum disorders. TEACHH provides clinical services such as diagnostic evaluations, parent training and parent support groups, social play and recreation groups, individual counseling for higher-functioning clients, and supported employment Verbal behavior: provides therapeutic services to children and families affected by autism by promoting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and, specifically, verbal behavior therapy techniques |