2. WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER?
A developmental disorder characterized in varying
degrees by difficulties in social interaction,
communication, and repetitive behaviors.
DSM-V merged autistic disorder, Asperger’s and
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not otherwise
specified (PDD-NOS) into one umbrella term: Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Current statistics identify 1 in 68 American children as
on the autism spectrum
Prevalence is higher in boys than girls, 1 out of 42 boys and
1 out of 189 girls are diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder
www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism, www.cdc.gov
3. DSM-V DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction
across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following,
currently or by history
Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example,
from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back-and-
forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or
affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interactions.
Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social
interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal
and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact
and body language or deficits in understanding and use of
gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal
communication.
Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understand relationships,
ranging, for example, from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit
various social contexts; to difficulties in sharing imaginative play
or in making friends; to absence of interest in peers
www.cdc.gov
4. DSM-V DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities,
as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by
history
Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or
speech (e.g., simple motor stereotypes, lining up toys or flipping
objects, echolalia, idiosyncratic phrases).
Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or
ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior (e.g., extreme
distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking
patterns, greeting rituals, need to take same route or eat same food
every day).
Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or
focus (e.g., strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual
objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests).
Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in
sensory aspects of the environment (e.g. apparent indifference to
pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures,
excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with
lights or movement). www.cdc.gov
5. DSM-V DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
C. Symptoms must be present in the early
developmental period
D. Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in
social, occupational, or other important areas of
current functioning.
E. These disturbances are not better explained by
intellectual disability (intellectual developmental
disorder) or global developmental delay. Intellectual
disability and autism spectrum disorder frequently co-
occur; to make comorbid diagnoses of autism
spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, social
communication should be below that expected for
general developmental level
www.cdc.gov
6. EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM: POSSIBLE
RED FLAGS
Not respond to their name by 12 months
Not point at objects to show interest by 14 months
Not play pretend game by 18 months
Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking
about their own feelings
Have delayed speech and language skills
Repeat words or phrases over and over (Echolalia)
Give unrelated answers to questions
Get upset by minor changes
Have obsessive interests
Repetitive behaviors (flapping hands, rocking body, spinning)
Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste,
look, or feel
www.cdc.gov
7. EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM: SOCIAL
SKILLS DEFICITS
Does not respond to name
by 12 months of age
Avoids eye-contact
Prefers to play alone
Does not share interests
with others
Only interacts to achieve a
desired goal
Has flat or inappropriate
facial expressions
Does not understand
personal space boundaries
Avoids or resists physical
contact
Is not comforted by others
during distress
Has trouble understanding
other people's feelings or
talking about own feelings
www.cdc.gov
8. EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM:
COMMUNICATION DEFICITS
Delayed speech and
language skills
Repeats words or phrases
over and over (echolalia)
Reverses pronouns (e.g.,
says "you" instead of "I")
Gives unrelated answers to
questions
Does not point or respond
to pointing
Uses few or no gestures
(e.g., does not wave
goodbye)
Talks in a flat, robot-like, or
sing-song voice
Does not pretend in play
(e.g., does not pretend to
"feed" a doll)
Does not understand
jokes, sarcasm, or teasing
www.cdc.gov
9. EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM:
REPETITIVE BEHAVIOR
Lines up toys or other objects
Plays with toys the same way every time
Likes parts of objects (e.g., wheels)
Is very organized
Gets upset by minor changes
Has obsessive interests
Has to follow certain routines
Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
www.cdc.gov
10. CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
We do not yet know exactly what causes ASD.
However, progress has been made in identifying some
factors that make a child more likely to have an ASD.
There seems to be a genetic factor. Children who
have a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk for also
having ASD.
The prescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide
have been linked with ASD when taken during
pregnancy.
Children born to older parents are at a greater risk for
having ASD.
Research continues to search for risk factors and
causes of ASD.
www.cdc.gov
11. I THINK MY CHILD MAY HAVE AUTISM, WHAT
SHOULD I DO?
See your child’s primary care physician
Write things down (questions, concerns,
observations)
Start early
Ask questions
Trust your instincts
See your local Regional Center
12. I THINK MY CHILD MAY HAVE AUTISM, WHAT
SHOULD I DO?
Early Intervention (0-3)
If your child is under the
age of 3, they qualify for
early intervention services
The Regional Center and/or
insurance company will
fund all serivces
School Age (3+)
Children 3 and older enter
the school system
An IEP will be created, and
the child will receive
services through the school
district, whether this is
speech and occupational
therapy, and/or special
education services.
The child may also be
eligible for services outside
of school through the
Regional Center and/or
insurance company
13. WHY EARLY INTERVENTION?
Neural circuits, which create the foundation for learning,
behavior and health, are the most flexible during the first 3
years of life. Over time, they become increasingly difficult
to change.
High quality early intervention services (25-40 hours per
week, evidence-based practices) can change a child’s
developmental trajectory and improve outcomes for the
child and family
Intervention is more effective and less costly when
provided earlier in life rather than later
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2008). InBrief: The science of early childhood
development. http://developingchild.harvard.edu/download_file/-/view/64/
14. WHAT IS ABA?
Applied behavior analysis is a process of studying and
modifying behavior
It is the only evidence-based procedure that has been
tested and proven effective for individuals with
autism and other developmental disabilities
By changing the environment (triggers and responses
to behavior) we can change the behavior
15. ABCS OF ABA
A
Antecedent
B
Behavior
C
Consequence
A = Antecedent = what happens in the environment before the behavior,
what triggers the behavior
B = Behavior = what the person says or does, the response
C = Consequence = what happens in the environment after the behavior,
reinforces or punishes the behavior
16. HOW WILL ABA HELP MY CHILD?
Decrease challenging
behaviors
We will take a close look at
any challenging behaviors
and determine what
purpose the behavior is
serving. What is the child
trying to communicate with
the behavior?
Then we will create a
behavior plan and teach
everyone involved with the
child what to do to prevent
the behavior and what to
do if the behavior occurs.
Teach new skills
A big reason why children
engage in challenging
behaviors is because they
do not yet have the skills to
get what they want and
need appropriately.
We break things down into
small, manageable parts
and teach them
systematically until the
child has the new skill
mastered.
We also focus on making
sure that these new skills
are used in the natural
environment.
17. HOW WILL ABA HELP MY CHILD?
Increase Independence
We place a large emphasis
on functional skills
(communication,
interacting with others,
self-care)
We are thinking about the
long-term goal of having
the child be as independent
as possible
Increase the family’s ability
to engage in typical
activities
We want you to be able to
do things as a family that
you would typically do if
you didn’t have to worry
about big tantrums (e.g.,
going to restaurants,
grocery shopping, going to
movies)
We will go out into the
community with you and
support you in using ABA
strategies in these types of
situations
18. WHAT TO EXPECT IN A GOOD ABA PROGRAM
Designed by well-qualified
professionals (BCBA)
Implemented by well-qualified
professionals (RBT)
Individualized and detailed
assessment of the child’s
strengths and areas of need
Socially significant,
comprehensive, meaningful, and
objectively defined treatment
goals
Data collection and review
resulting in sound clinical
practices
19. WHAT TO EXPECT IN A GOOD ABA PROGRAM
Incorporating numerous ABA
techniques and principles
Emphasis on personal independence
Abundant learning opportunities
within each and every session
Consistent intervention practices
amongst all team members
Use of positive practices
Generalization of skills to other people
and other environments
Regular parent training
Regular meetings amongst all team
members
20. HOW DO I GET ABA SERVICES?
SB-946
This bill passed, requiring private insurance companies to cover
ABA as a treatment for autism
Child must have a diagnosis of autism
Medi-Cal
In July 2014, the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare services
issued federal guidance to the states indicating that ABA is a
covered benefit for children under 21 years.
It is expected that they will begin covering ABA services around
late 2015, early 2016, as they are still determining regulations
and rates.
Regional Center
Regional Center continues to cover services for those with Medi-
cal of self-funded plans not covering ABA services.
21. RESOURCES
Milestone Tracker
2 months to 5 years, developed by the CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/downloads.html
Regional Center
www.lanterman.org
www.elarc.org
Autism Speaks
www.autismspeaks.org
100 day Kit https://www.autismspeaks.org/
family-services/tool-kits/100-day-kit
Autism Health Insurance Project
www.autismhealthinsurance.org
Elevate Therapy
www.elevate-therapy.com
Notas del editor
Social issues are one of the most common symptoms in all of the types of ASD. People with an ASD do not have just social "difficulties" like shyness. The social issues they have cause serious problems in everyday life.
Typical infants are very interested in the world and people around them. By the first birthday, a typical toddler interacts with others by looking people in the eye, copying words and actions, and using simple gestures such as clapping and waving "bye bye". Typical toddlers also show interests in social games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake. But a young child with an ASD might have a very hard time learning to interact with other people.
Some people with an ASD might not be interested in other people at all. Others might want friends, but not understand how to develop friendships. Many children with an ASD have a very hard time learning to take turns and share—much more so than other children. This can make other children not want to play with them.
People with an ASD might have problems with showing or talking about their feelings. They might also have trouble understanding other people's feelings. Many people with an ASD are very sensitive to being touched and might not want to be held or cuddled. Self-stimulatory behaviors (e.g., flapping arms over and over) are common among people with an ASD. Anxiety and depression also affect some people with an ASD. All of these symptoms can make other social problems even harder to manage.
Each person with ASD has different communication skills. Some people can speak well. Others can’t speak at all or only very little. About 40% of children with an ASD do not talk at all. About 25%–30% of children with ASD have some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them.1 Others might speak, but not until later in childhood.
People with ASD who do speak might use language in unusual ways. They might not be able to put words into real sentences. Some people with ASD say only one word at a time. Others repeat the same words or phrases over and over. Some children repeat what others say, a condition called echolalia. The repeated words might be said right away or at a later time. For example, if you ask someone with ASD, "Do you want some juice?" he or she might repeat "Do you want some juice?" instead of answering your question. Although many children without an ASD go through a stage where they repeat what they hear, it normally passes by three years of age. Some people with an ASD can speak well but might have a hard time listening to what other people say.
People with ASD might have a hard time using and understanding gestures, body language, or tone of voice. For example, people with ASD might not understand what it means to wave goodbye. Facial expressions, movements, and gestures may not match what they are saying. For instance, people with an ASD might smile while saying something sad.
People with ASD might say "I" when they mean "you," or vice versa. Their voices might sound flat, robot-like, or high-pitched. People with an ASD might stand too close to the person they are talking to, or might stick with one topic of conversation for too long. They might talk a lot about something they really like, rather than have a back-and-forth conversation with someone. Some children with fairly good language skills speak like little adults, failing to pick up on the "kid-speak" that is common with other children.
Repetitive motions are actions repeated over and over again. They can involve one part of the body or the entire body or even an object or toy. For instance, people with an ASD might spend a lot of time repeatedly flapping their arms or rocking from side to side. They might repeatedly turn a light on and off or spin the wheels of a toy car. These types of activities are known as self-stimulation or "stimming."
People with ASD often thrive on routine. A change in the normal pattern of the day—like a stop on the way home from school—can be very upsetting to people with ASD. They might "lose control" and have a "melt down" or tantrum, especially if in a strange place.
Some people with ASD also may develop routines that might seem unusual or unnecessary. For example, a person might try to look in every window he or she walks by a building or might always want to watch a video from beginning to end, including the previews and the credits. Not being allowed to do these types of routines might cause severe frustration and tantrums.
See your PCP
They can use a screening tool to determine if your child meets criteria for the diagnosis
They may give a diagnosis or refer you for further testing with a specialist
Professionals that can diagnose:
Developmental Pediatrician
Child Neurologist
Child Psychologist or Psychiatrists
Write things down
Start writing down your concerns so that you can accurately remember what behaviors you are noticing
Take note of behaviors of concern, milestones that haven’t been reached
Write down your questions for the professionals. What do you want to know?
Start Early
It can be a long process to receive a diagnosis and even longer to receive services
The earlier the child receives intervention, the better the outcome
Even if the doctor tells you that there is nothing to be concerned about, you will be informed on what to look for and when you should be concerned
Ask Questions
If being a parent is a new role for you, don’t worry about asking too many questions
No one expects you to be an expert. If you have a concern or are not sure about something, ask!
The more information you have, the better you will be able to help your child
Trust your instincts
Know that if you have a concern, it is likely valid
You know your child best
Regional Center
In California, there are Regional Centers that receive money from the government to assist people with developmental disabilities.
They have qualified professionals who can evaluate and diagnosis ASD as well.
Regional Center may fund the services, or assist you in receiving insurance funding for services.
In ABA, we take a close look at what happens right before a behavior occurs and what happens right after. In analyzing these, we can determine what triggers a behavior and prevent it, take a different approach to getting our kids to do things, and see if we are reinforcing behaviors that we don’t want to reinforce.
We also use this format to teach new skills. We introduce various stimuli and teach an appropriate response through reinforcement.