What is Autism? Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders.
impaired or delayed language. - about 50% do not develop speech/oral communication - strange language or echolalia (repeating words spoken by others - immediately before or up to years before) - uneven skill development - may have an extensive vocabulary but not know how and when to use it. Difficulty with semantics, sentence structure, grammar. stereotypic behavior. - selt-stimulation (flapping hands/arms, flicking fingers in front of their face, spinning, rocking, jumping, vocalizing, manipulating a toy or object) - usually a function of providing sensory input, self-soothing, organizing information. Can be brief, intermittent stints or can last for hours. - can be self-injurous resistance to change in daily routines. - also called rigidity - very attached to daily routines at home and school, and any change in these routines can cause anxiety and upset a child with autism - similar to OCD behaviors - can be difficulty for families to include their child into daily life, difficult for teachers to manage at school - transitions from one activity to the next can also be challenging varied intellectual abilities. - most children with autism demonstrate IQ’s that would diagnose them with an intellectual disability. IQ testing requirements verbal and reasoning skills conflict with how they process and manipulate information - so IQ scores may not always be a complete picture of intellectual ability - high functioning autism may demonstrate average intelligence and they may have very strong skills in particular areas (splinter skills), but still experience deficits in social interaction
Until January 2010, the rate was 1 in 150 (popular commercial). 57% increase in four year period since last CDC study. How common is Autism? Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not established explanation for this increase, although improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons often considered. Studies suggest boys are more likely than girls to develop autism and receive the diagnosis three to four times more frequently. Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism.
Genetic: While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of genetic code that children with autism may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a susceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single "trigger" that causes autism to develop. Other researchers are investigating the possibility that under certain conditions, a cluster of unstable genes may interfere with brain development, resulting in autism. Still other researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals. From www.researchautism.net
Educational Interventions Education for students with autism requires a full range of instructional options, ranging from specialized individual programs to inclusive placement with support services. Psychological and Medical Interventions Medical treatment often involves the use of medications, which shows promising but mixed results in reducing unusual speech patterns, social withdrawal, and self injurious behaviors.
Behavioral Interventions Interventions are carried out without concern for the underlying cause of the disability, but instead focus on enhancing appropriate behaviors and reducing inappropriate or maladaptive behaviors.
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