Communication Forms of Autism

By: France Goulard APSY 523

Communication Forms of Autism

What is autism The Autism Spectrum Diagnosing autism Delayed Language and Communication Types of Characteristics in Language

Communication Development Communication & the family Communication & School Discussion

Development and

What Is Autism?
A group of neurodevelopmental disorders The defining characteristics are: 1. Failure to socialize 2. Deficiency in language 3. Limited repertoire of behaviors, interests and activities.

The Autism Spectrum

ADD/ADHD ASPERGERS AUTISM FRAGILE X RETT LANDAUKLEFFNER Usually diagnosed at age 3-7. Symptoms similar to those of autism; poor language skills. Often: allergic to dairy products, unable to focus on tasks, gifted, artistic, and hyperactive. Often: bursts of temper, poor social skills, obsessions; very artistic, curious, and intelligent. Often: lack of eye contact; tactilely defensive, nonverbal, observant, and intelligent. Most common inherited cause of mental impairment. Adverse to sound, socialization, and touch. Mostly girls. Cessation or regression of development at 6-18 months. Small head; difficulty walking.

Diagnosing Autism
Here are a list of tools and screening tests that help with the diagnosis of Autism:

DSM-IV (Diagnostic And Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) M-CHAT (The modified-Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) Medical Tests: -EEG (Electroencephalogram) -Metabolic Screening -MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) -CATSCAN (Computer Assisted Axial Tomography) -Genetic testing

Delayed Language and Communication Development

3 categories are present:

Speech Language Communication

Delayed Language and Communication Development cont

Mild Impairment Can speak in complete sentences Language may be rigid or inflexible Conversational skills may be limited by perseverance Moderate Impairment Verbalize with combination of functional speech, jargon, echolalia Pronoun reversal Purpose of communication is to satisfy some need rather than social interaction Severe Impairment No functional speech at all Nonverbal communication may be limited to using others hands as tools

Poor understanding of nonverbal cues Difficulties with abstract concepts

Types of Characteristics in Language and Communication Development

Children

with autism and other related disabilities may have problems with a few or many of the following needed skills:
Sparse

oral language or mutism Joint attention Lack of strong connections between the level of joint attention skills and language abilities Connections between imitation and language development. Language expression Echolalia

Communication & the Family

Create a need to communicate Do not make challenge too difficult Reward the child for making a reasonable effort to communicate Create choice-making opportunities Look at the childs progress periodically and set new goals Make sure the child finds his communication efforts successful

Communication & School

The key factors for communication-enabling classroom management are as follows:

Effective training and deployment of staff Effective management of time Engage children in activities they find enjoyable Provide children access to an adult who is using communication-enabling strategies

Autism Treatments, Strategies and Interventions

Examples:
TEACCH

(Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children) PICTURES WORTH AND PECS (Picture exchange Communication System)

AT

(Assistive Technology)

Discussion
Diagnosis

is very difficult at the earliest age is key.

Intervention There

is no cure for autism

Professionals The

and parents need to be well informed of the symptoms

disorder can be controlled

Communication

is key and will improve the childs quality of life significantly!

Thank you !

Questions

or Comments?