2. DIAGNOSIS
- must be made before age 3
- based on behavior
- at least 6 symptoms total
- at least 2 impairments in social interaction
- at least 1 impairment in communication
- at least 1 symptom of restricted and repetitive behavior
- exact mechanism of disease is unknown
- alters how neurons and synapses are organized and connected
- highly variable
- steady course without remission
- one of the five Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- Asperger syndrome is closely related, but without substantial
delay in language
3. Biological Factors
• explained by either rare mutations or by rare combinations
of common gene variations
• prevalence: 1-2 per 1000 people worldwide
• strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects
• controversial environmental causes
• brains of autistic children tend to grow faster just after
birth, then slow down to normal or below growth in
childhood
4. Many Theories
• empathizing-systemizing theory: can develop
internal rules of operation to handle events inside the brain,
but are less effective at empathizing by handling other
events
• theory of mind approach: autistic behavior arises from
an inability to ascribe mental states to oneself and others
• executive dysfunction theory: autistic behavior
results from deficits in working memory, planning,
inhibition, and other forms of executive function
• weak central coherence theory: central disturbance
in autism is underlied by a limited ability to see the big
picture
5. Social Development
• social impairments, lack intuition to understand others
• infants show less attention to social stimuli, do not smile or
look at others as often, and do not respond as much to their
name
• toddlers do not express themselves with normal simple
movements, like pointing
• older children and adults perform worse on tests of face and
emotion recognition
• more intense and frequent loneliness
• difficult to make and keep friendships
6. Communication
• 1/3 to 1/2 of individuals do not develop enough speech to meet daily
needs
• unusual pattern of language development in infants
• echolalia: simply repeat others’ words instead of using their own
• deficits in joint attention affect speech
• ex. look at hand instead of object it points to
• difficulty with imaginative play and developing symbols into
language
• people are likely to overestimate what individuals with autism can
comprehend
7. Repetitive Behavior
• stereotypy: repetitive movement
• hand flapping, making sounds, head rolling, body
rocking
• compulsive behavior: intended and follows rules
• arranging objects in lines
• sameness: resistance to change
• refusing to be interrupted
8. Repetitive Behavior
• ritualistic behavior: unvarying pattern of daily
activities
• dressing rituals
• restricted behavior: limited in focus, interest or
activity
• preoccupation with a TV show
• self-injury: movements that injure or harm the
person
• eye poking, skin picking, hand biting, head
banging
9. Other Symptoms
• 0.5-10% show unusual abilities: superior skills in
perception and attention
• over 90% have sensory abnormalities, such as distress
from loud noises
• 60-80% have motor signs (poor muscle tone, toe
walking)
• 75% have unusual eating behavior (selectivity, refusal,
rituals)
10. Familial Symptoms
• parents have higher levels of stress
• siblings have greater admiration of and less conflict
with their siblings when compared to those with
unaffected siblings
• but, siblings have a greater risk of negative well-being
and poorer sibling relationships as adults
11. People with autism face
many issues...
People with autism face many issues, involving
problems, on a day to day basis
They may find it difficult to communicate with
other people or to socialize with them, and they
may have additional conditions, such as epilepsy,
which bring their own issues.
They may simply feel frustrated at trying to cope
with other people’s ignorance and prejudice about
autism and what it actually means.
12. Prejudice
Many people believe that people with autism are:
mentally retarded
unsafe
stupid
mean
These are NOT true!!!
14. Integrating into Society
Most people on the autism spectrum find it hard
to integrate into society. for example, they may
struggle to :
Find of keep a job
Run a home by themselves
Begin or maintain a relationship
Communicate effectively
16. Americans with Disabilities Act
Meant to protect the disabled - and the unique problems presented by the increasing
number of those on the autism spectrum,
Helps people with autism thrive and feel accepted as part of society, rather than be
subjected to blanket discrimination and exclusion stemming from widespread ignorance.
Three fundamental areas in which progress must be made are:
Education - Students with autism are entitled to appropriate instruction. Teachers do
not have adequate training to teach these students and many of them are marginalized
by school systems.
Healthcare - The insurance industry must end its financial discrimination against
these families, by allowing GI and other medical treatment to be covered rather than
excluded.
Government Assistance Programs- Most communities offer few or no services as
autistic children become young adults. Governments should create programs aimed at
helping young adults with job training, special living situations, and general help so
these individuals can become productive, independent members of society.
17. What can YOU do...
Urge and promote awareness,
education and sensitivity.
Individuals with autism can never
fulfill their maximum potential if
they are excluded and ignored.
Society must re-evaluate its
perception and treatment of
individuals on the autism spectrum,
and provide them with the same
respect, services and opportunities
given to everyone else.
18. Advocacy Plan
April 2nd
World Autism Awareness Day
Raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis and
intervention
Light it up blue
http://lightitupblue.org/Markslist/home.do
19. Advocacy
Supporting Michigan legislation
March 29, 2012
Insurance companies offer coverage for autism treatments:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): behavior therapy that’s
the evidence-based treatment of choice
Occupational therapy (OT): sensory based interventions
and speech therapy
They want coverage for more intensive and costly behavioral
therapies for autism
21. Bullying Campaign
Set up a bullying campaign at a local school
Weekly meetings with kids with Autism and kids w/o
disabilities
Free Pizza
Teach peers to advocate for kids with Autism. “Peer
support group”
22. Activities for Kids with Autism
There are many social skills activities for kids with autism that parents and caregivers can
develop on their own. They can cater activities to suit the child's specific needs and
interests. Games and stories are excellent selections, and it isn't always necessary to
purchase special activities. Some great ideas to consider include the following:
Relational Activities
Peek-a-boo, Facial Expressions
Songs and Poems
Art Activities
Sensory Integration Activities
Playgrounds, Textured Blocks, Running Games
Everyday Activities
Model Appropriate Behavior
24. Activity: Fill in the Blank!!
Teens with ASD may...
Follow certain _________, such as taking the same route to
class
Have a hard time ______ with everyday challenges
Not able to make ______ ______
Become overwhelmed by _______ things
May ______ too close while talking
Not able to interpret _____ expressions
May make _________ comments
25. How can I be a friend?
_____ their differences
_____ in a manner that’s age
appropriate.
Be _____ and give extra time if
needed
_____ your friend from bullies
Join activities ____ like
____ others about autism and how
to accept it
