Special Education Resource Guide Disability Fact Sheet

Autism and Related Disorders

1. Define autism spectrum disorders (Also known as pervasive developmental disorders-
PDD).
A developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and
social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a childs educational
performance. This federal definition then proceeds to name traits commonly related to the
condition: Other characteristics often associated with autism are engaging in repetitive activities
and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and
unusual responses to sensory experiences. The term autism does not apply if the childs
educational performance is adversely affected primarily because the child has an emotional
disturbance, as defined in [IDEA].

2. Describe learning characteristics of students with autism spectrum disorders.

May not imitate others
May avoid eye contact
May prefer to be alone
May not understand social cues
May have unusual or odd speech patterns

3. Describes the various disorders involved with autism.(Rhett Syndrome, Aspergers

Syndrome)
Aspergers syndrome- children with Aspergers dont have a problem with language.
They score in the average or above average range on intelligence tests. But they have
the same social problems and limited scope of interests as children with autistic
disorder.
Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)- also known as typical autism. This is a
category for children who have some autistic behaviors but they dont fit inti other
categories.
Childhood disintegrative disorder- Children with this disorder develop normally for at
least two years and then lose some or most of their communication and social skills.
This disorder is extremely rare and its existence as a separate condition is matter of
debate among many mental health professionals.
Rhett Syndrome- this syndrome was previously under ASD spectrum but it is now
confirmed that Rhetts cause is genetic, so it no longer falls under ASD guidelines.
Children with Rhetts, primarily girls, start developing normally but then begin losing their
communication and social skills. Beginning at the age of 1 to 4 years, repetitive hand
movements replace purposeful use of the hands. Children with Rhett syndrome are usually
severely cognitively impaired.
 4. Describe Federal (IDEA) or state criteria that must be met for a child to be eligible to
receive support for autism spectrum disorders. Note: MUST cite source of information.
Autism, as defined by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), refers to a
developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social
interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child's educational
performance. The term autism does not apply if the childs educational performance is
adversely affected primarily because the child has an emotional disturbance, as defined in
[IDEA]. http://www.specialeducationguide.com/disability-profiles/autism/

5. Discuss cause(s) of autism and/or related disorders and disabilities.

Genetic problems or syndromes
Severe infections that affect the brain (meningitis, celiac disease, encephalitis, etc.)
Exposure to toxins or illness during pregnancy (rubella, chemicals, etc.)

6. List and describe at least one resource specific to autism and/or related disorders and
disabilities. Note: A resource is not an article on the Internet, but an organization specific
to this disability category would be appropriate.

The National Autism Centers mission is to provide leadership and comprehensive evidence-
based resources to families, practitioners, and policymakers, to programs and organizations,
and to the national community by adhering to the following commitments:
Provide unparalleled resources to individuals and families affected by autism
Support best practice models for nationwide implementation
Shape the national dialogue through the transfer for expertise and knowledge
http://www.nationalautismcenter.org