Autism

Spectrum
Disorders
By: Eboni Banks
What is Autism
Spectrum Disorder
• According to the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) this
disorder is:
-a neurodevelopmental disorder
-impacts cognitive functions
-often appears before the age of 3
-impairs social interaction
-may include problems communicating
-repetitive behaviors
Categories of Autism Spectrum
Disorders
• Autism
• Asperger Syndrome
-similar to autism
-child has normal language
development
• Rett Syndrome
-only appears in girls
• Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder
-rare
-child loses skills by age 10
Comorbid Conditions
may include:
• Allergies
• Epilepsy
• Digestive disorders
• Viral infections
• Feeding disorders
• Sleeping disorders
Signs of ASD
• Avoidance of eye contact
• Social impairments
• Cognitive impairments
• Difficulties communicating
• Repetition of words or phrases
• Resistance to physical contact
• Little or no safety awareness
Treatment for Autism
• Early intervention is key!
• Autism has no cure
• Coordinated therapies for
autism include:
-Applied Behavior Analysis
-Family therapy for parents
and siblings
-Occupational therapy
-Physical therapy
-Speech/Language therapy
Interventions
• Picture Exchange
Communication System (PECS)
• Pivoted Response Training
• Social Stories
• Facilitated Communication
• Structured Teaching
Laws Protecting Autistic Students
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
-enacted in 1990
-protects those with disabilities from being discriminated against
-requires reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities
-ensures disabled Americans have access to accommodations in public facilities
IDEA
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
-states provide all students with free and appropriate education
-parents treated as equal partners

Free and Appropriate Education

-education tailored to meet the needs of the student
-students with disabilities have the right to receive needed services from the
school
IDEA continued...
• Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• -document explaining student's needs, goals, objectives and how these goals will be
met
• -Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
-students have the right to interact with non-disabled students and participate in general
education classrooms
-parents help determine if inclusion is best for their child
• -Eligibility for Early Intervention Services (EI)
• Any child under the age of 3 who has developmental delays is eligible to receive early
intervention services at no cost. (http:/autismspeaks.org)
Resources
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and
statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC:
Author.
• https://www.autismspeaks.org
•http://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/autism-fact-sheet/
•https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fac
t-Sheets/Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Fact-Sheet

•Autism Speaks About Autism.pdf