1. By Angelica DeFilippis

2. Autism Definition: Impairments in social interaction and communication skills Restricted interests and/or repetitive patterns of behavior Aspergers syndrome is believed to be a milder variant of autism but without the delays in cognitive or language development. These children still have problems similar to Autistic children such as, problems with social interaction, social readiness, and repetive patterns of interest (C.Turkington & R. Anan, 2006).

3. Autism Statistics: One in every 110 children are diagnosed 1.5 million individuals in the U.S have autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. Boys are more likely than girls to develop autism. One out of 70 boys are diagnosed with autism. Twins: If one twin has autism, the other twin as a 90 percent chance of having the disorder. Families that have one child with autism have a 1 in 20 chance of having a second child with autism, according to the National Institutes of Health.

4. Autism Age of Onset: 3 - 10 years-old In some cases as early as 18 months.

5. Possible Causes of Autism: Children with a genetic mutation on chromosome 17 were 14 times more likely to develop autism Exposure to pesticides has also been linked to autism. Mercury poisoning The body's inability to properly use vitamins and minerals. Vaccine sensitivity Thalidomide : in the 1950s to treat morning sickness, anxiety and insomnia. Irregularities in the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin.

6. Treatments/Cures: Antipsychotic medications are used to treat severe behavioral problems. Seizures can be treated with one or more anticonvulsant drugs. Medication used to treat people with attention deficit disorder can be used effectively to help decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. Vitamin Di-methylglycine improves communication skills. Vitamin B6

7. Implications for School: Educational/behavioral interventions: Therapists use highly structured and intensive skill-oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis.

8. Educational Strategies: Therapists use highly structured and intensive skill-oriented training sessions. ABA strategies enforce proper behavior in autistic children. ABA uses a one-on-one teaching approach that reinforces the practice of various skills.

9. Latest Research: Studies suggest that many children eventually may be accurately identified by the age of 1 year or even younger (Filipek, 1999). Women who are 40 years old have a 50 percent greater risk of having a child with autism.

10. Assistive Technology: Tape recorder Overhead projector Timers Sounding Board

11. Long-term Prognosis: With the right therapy, many of the symptoms of autism can be improved, though most people will have some symptoms throughout their lives. The outlook depends on the severity of the autism and the level of therapy the person receives.

12. Power Point References: Carol Turkington, Initials, & Ruth Anan, Initials. (2006). Autism. (2006). The encyclopedia of autism spectrum disorder. New York City: InfoBase Publishing FilipekPA, Accardo PJ, Baranek GT, Cook Jr. EH, Dawson G, Gordon B, Gravel JS, Johnson CP, Kellen RJ, Levy SE, Minshew NJ, Prizant BM, Rapin I, Rogers SJ, Stone WL, Teplin S, Tuchman RF, Volkmar FR. The screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1999; 29(2): 439-484. Johnson CP, Myers SM; American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children with Disabilities. Identification and evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics. 2007;120:1183-1215. [PubMed] Greenspan, S. I., DeGangi, G., &Wieder, S. (2001). The Functional Emotional Assessment Scale for Infancy and Childhood, FEAS. Bethesda, MD: Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders. Gold, C. M. (2009, Dec 14). In autism, medication is only a partial answer. Boston Globe, pp. A.19-A.19 Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Cook Jr. EH. Molecular genetics of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2004; 9: 819–832. American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-IV-TR (4th ed., text rev.). Washington, DC: Author.