Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Krystal Anderson

What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder?

ASD is a group of developmental brain disorders. Spectrum refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment, or disability that children with ASD can have. ASD use to be made up of 5 disorders (Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, Retts Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder not Otherwise Specified) (DSM-IV) As of May 2013, ASD is no longer characterized by the 5 disorders, but by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. (DSMV) Children can be anywhere from mildly impaired to being severely disabled where they aren't able to live independently.

Symptoms of ASD

Have obsessive interests Delayed speech and language skills Avoid eye contact Sleep disturbances Difficulties in motor coordination Non responsive to their name Gastrointestinal disturbances Get upset by minor changes Excel in visual skills, music, math, and art The most obvious signs of ASD tend to emerge between the ages of 2 to 3 years old.

Possible Causes of ASD

Environmental factors Autism risk genes Events before and during pregnancy (Advanced parental age at time of conception both mom and dad) Maternal illness during pregnancy Certain difficulties during birth (esp. involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the babys brain) There is no one cause of ASD

Treatments of ASD

There are NO medications that can cure ASD, but there is some that can help individuals function better Medications can help manage high energy levels, the inability to focus, depression, seizures, tantrums, aggression, self-injurious behaviors, etc. Early intervention with proven behavior therapies can help improve the outcome

Teaching Strategies

Become familiar with the students IEP Use a curriculum that focuses on language, communication, social skills, self-help skills, cognitive skills, and typical school readiness skills Have a good partnership with the parents or guardians Provide a high degree of structure, routine, and visual cues Have small class sizes and/or small group activities

Statistics of ASD

1 in 88 children are affected with ASD ASD is 5 times more common in boys than girls 1 out of 54 boys are affected 1 out of 252 girls are affected ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups

ASD affects over 2 million individuals in the US, and tens of millions worldwide 40% of individuals affected by ASD have average to above average intellectual abilities 25% of individuals affected by ASD are nonverbal

Family and Community Resources

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger 443-923-7680 www.card.kennedykrieger.org

Trellis Services 102 Lakefront Dr., Hunt Valley, MD 21030 410-785-3845 www.trellisservices.com

Shafer Center Business Center Dr., Reistertown, MD 21136 410-517-1113 www.shafercenter.com

References

Autism Society. (2013). Resources for Families. Retrieved from http://www.baltimoreautismsociety.org/resources-for-families/ Autism Speaks. (2013). What is Autism?. Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism Centers for Disease Control Prevention. (2012). Autism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html National Institute of Mental Health. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrumdisorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml