A serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system and affects the overall cognitive, emotional, social and physical health of the affected individual. The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests and repetitive behaviours. Early recognition, as well as behavioural, educational and family therapies, may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.

1. AUTISM
Aterndynurse

2. Autism spectrum disorders
(ASD)
A range of complex neurodevelopmental disorders
Disorders are characterized by social impairments, communication
difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of
behavior
(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
2012)

3. DSM-IV Definition of Autism
Restricted &
Repetitive
Behavior
Impairment in
Socialization
Impairment in
Communication
START -
2011

4. AUTISM
Very complex, developmental
disability
These are referred to as pervasive
developmental disorders (later)

5. History
First described by Leo Kanner in 1943 as early
infantile autism
For next 30 years, considered to be an emotional
disturbance

6. Meaning
“Auto” – children are “locked within
themselves.”

7. Prevalence
Prevalence is 2-6/1000 individuals affected
4 times more prevalent in boys
Typically appears during the first 3 years of life
No known racial, ethnic, or social boundaries
No relation to family income, lifestyle

8. Cause
Very likely neurological in origin
Autism impacts normal development of the
brain in areas of social interaction and
communication skills.

9. Autism is caused by abnormalities in brain
development, neurochemistry, and genetic
factors

10. WHAT ARE THE TYPES?
Actually, the “umbrella” heading is Pervasive
Developmental Disorder (PDD).
Autism is one of the 5 PDDs.
All have commonalities in communication and
social deficits
Differ in terms of severity

11. 1. Autistic Disorder
Impairments in social interaction,
communication, and imaginative play.
Apparent before age 3.
Also includes stereotyped behaviors,
interests, and activities

12. 2. Asperger’s Disorder
Impairments in social interactions, and presence of
restricted interests and activities
No clinically significant general delay in language
Average to above average intelligence

13. 3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not
Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Often referred to as atypical autism
Used when a child does not meet the criteria for a
specific diagnosis, but there is severe and pervasive
impairment in specified behaviors

14. Autism Spectrum Disorders
PDD-NOS
Impaired social
interaction
or
Impaired
communication
or
Restricted repetitive
and stereotyped
patterns or behaviors,
interests and activities.
Asperger’s Disorder
Impaired social
interaction
and
Normal
communication/
language
development.*
and
Restricted repetitive
and stereotyped
patterns or behaviors,
interests and activities.
Autistic Disorder
Impaired social
interaction
and
Impaired
communication
and
Restricted repetitive
and stereotyped
patterns or behaviors,
interests and activities.

15. 4. Rett’s Disorder
Progressive disorder which, to date, has only
occurred in girls.
Period of normal development and then the loss of
previously acquired skills
Also loss of purposeful use of hands, which is
replaced by repetitive hand movements
Beginning at age of 1-4 years

16. 5. Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder
Normal development for at least the first 2
years
Then significant loss of previously acquired
skills

17. Diagnosis
No definitive medical test
Team uses interviews, observation, and specific
checklists developed for this purpose.
Team might include neurologist, psychologist,
developmental pediatrician, speech/language
therapist, learning consultant, etc.
Must rule out MR, hearing impairment, behavior
disorders.

18. CHARACTERISTICS
1. Communication/Language
2. Social Interaction
3. Behaviors
4. Sensory and movement disorders
5. Resistance to change (predictability)
6. Intellectual functioning

19. 1. Communication/language
Two common impairments:
A. Delayed language
B. Echolalia

20. A. Delayed language
50% of autistic individuals will eventually have
useful speech
Difficulty in conversing easily with others
Difficulty in shifting topics
Look away; poor eye contact

21. B. Echolalia
Common in very young children (Age 3)
Immediate or delayed (even years)

22. 2. Social Interaction
One of hallmarks of autism is lack of social
interaction
1. Impaired use of nonverbal behavior
2. Lack of peer relationships
3. Failure to spontaneously share enjoyment,
interests, etc. with others
4. Lack of reciprocity

23. 3. Behaviors
Repetitive behaviors, including obsessions, tics,
and perseveration
Impeding behaviors (impede their learning or the
learning of others)
Will need positive behavior supports
A. Self-injurious behavior
B. Aggression

24. 4. Sensory and movement
disorders
Very common
Over- or under-sensitive to sensory stimuli
Abnormal posture and movements of the face,
head, trunk, and limbs
Abnormal eye movements
Repeated gestures and mannerisms
Movement disorders can be detected very early –
perhaps at birth

25. 5. Predictability
Change in routine is very stressful
May insist on particular furniture arrangement,
food at meals, TV shows
Symmetry is often important
Interventions need to focus on preparing students
for change if possible

26. 6. Intellectual functioning
Autism occurs in children of all levels of
intelligence, from those who are gifted to those
who have mental retardation
In general, majority of individuals with autism are
also identified as having mental retardation – 75%
below 70
Verbal and reasoning skills are difficult

27. Triad of ASD

28. Interventions
1. Individualization and early intervention are the
keys
2. Include life skills, functional academics, and
vocational preparation
3. Positive behavior support
4. Social stories (music therapy)