Autism

EDSP 439
November 6,
2014

What is Autism?
a complex developmental
disability that typically appears
during the appears during the first
three years of life and affects a
persons ability to communicate
and interact with others.
Incidence (according to CDC)
1-68 births in the U.S.
Almost 1 in 54 boys (5x more
common in boys)

Autism, Aspergers
and PDD

Prior to DSM-5:
Pervasive Developmental Disorders umbrella
Categories within Autistic Disorder, Aspergers, Childhood
Disintegrative Disorder, Rett Syndrome,
PDD-Not Otherwise Specified
DSM-5: (released May 2013)
No more umbrella with categories
Autism, Aspergers and PDD-NOS all fall under
the same diagnosis of Autism Spectrum
Disorder
New criteria for diagnosis established
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder removed
Rett syndrome becomes own category (only in
girls and it happens over time)

Characteristics
Criteria for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum
Disorder:
Qualitative impairments in social communication
Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of
behavior, interests and/or activities
Symptoms must be present in early childhood
(diagnosis may come later)
Symptoms limit or impair everyday functioning.
www.autismspeaks.org side by side video glossary

Signs to look for

Lack of or delay in spoken language
Repetitive use of language and/or motor
mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
Little or no eye contact
Lack of interest in peer relationships
Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
Persistent fixation on parts of objects

Causes
no known single cause for autism
generally accepted
known abnormalities in brain structure or
function
tends to be patterns of autism or related
disabilities in families
possible irregular segments of genetic
code? (inherited)
Environmental toxins may be contributing to
the rise autism
some children may be born with a
susceptibility to autism, but a single "trigger
that causes autism to develop has not yet
been identified
scientific evidence available points towards various combinations of factors causing autism

Treatments and
Strategies
Early diagnosis and intervention has a dramatic
impact on reducing the symptoms of autism
Steps to diagnosis
Developmental Screening
Pediatrician
Modified Checklist of Autism in ToddlersRevised (MCHAT-R)

Comprehensive Evaluation
Developmental Pediatricians
Child Neurologists
Child Psychologists

Autism is treatable
No single treatment will be effective for all people
medications; ABA; TEACCH; Visual Strategies;
special diet; SI therapy; Communication
intervention; auditory training; vision training;
social skills training

Sources of Stress for

Parents
Deficits and behaviors of autism
difficulty communicating needs, frustrations,
etc

behavior may be challenging and hard to

understand
overstimulation in social settings (family
reunion, vacation, grocery store)
Reactions from society and feelings of
isolation
Concerns over future caregiving
Finances the ongoing costs of treatment
Affect on family relationships (spouse,
siblings, extended family)

Support for Families

Support groups
In person and social media based

State and local education

agencies
Therapeutic Services
Physicians who specialize in
autism
Conferences
Respite care