Autism Spectrum Disorder KidsPeace Community Program & KidsPeace Autism Services Rob Harvey & Chris Ferry, August 2018

Agenda: The Autism Spectrum Diagnosis Common Questions How do we treat Autism? Questions

What does Autism look like?

Prevalence CDC: Appears in 1/68 children, 1/42 boys and 1/189 girls (4.5 times more prevalent in boys)

Diagnosis Initial signs: Usually the most telling signs show up between age 2 and 3 Lack of eye contact, not responding to their own name, repetitive and/or odd play, self-stimulatory actions, delay in language, lack of interactive play and cuddling Diagnostic tests can be provided by Psychologists, Developmental Pediatricians, etc. No blood or verified genetic testing

Diagnostic Criteria: DSM V Autism Spectrum Disorder: 1. Deficits in social communication and interaction Social/emotional reciprocity Non-verbal communication Developing, maintaining and understanding relationships

Diagnostic Criteria: DSM V Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): 2. Restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects and speech Insistence on sameness, difficulty with routines, or ritualized patterns of behavior Highly restricted interests Hyper or Hyporeactivity to sensory input

Diagnostic Criteria: DSM V Autism Spectrum Disorder: 3. Symptoms must be present during early developmental stages But not necessarily caught 4. Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment 5. Not better explained by another diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria: DSM V Autism Spectrum Disorder: Previously broken into Autism, PDD/NOS, Asperger’s Syndrome, etc. Now given levels: Level I: Impaired and requiring support Level 2: Significantly impaired and requiring substantial support Level 3: Very significantly impaired and requiring very substantial support

Autism Co-occurence AutismSpeaks.org Rates of individuals with Autism and Epilepsy range between 20 and 40% 3.5% more likely to have chronic stomach issues At least 30% of individuals with Autism also have an anxiety disorder AutismSpeaks.org Also see increased rates of sleep problems, depression, OCD, ADHD and allergies

What does Autism look like?

Common Questions: What causes Autism? Why is Autism so much more prevalent now than in the past? Can an individual with Autism recover/be cured?

What we do to help Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) A science and a discipline devoted to understanding and improving human behavior. Focuses on objectively defined, observable behaviors. Concerned with socially significant behavior Applies the basic behavioral principles to learning and teaching - Examines the relationship between behavior and what happens in the environment

Basically . . . We look at the ABC Contingency: Antecedent Behavior Consequence And try to modify the behavior through intervening during the antecedent and consequence. We add REINFORCEMENT to see more of the behaviors we want to see Using a process called “Shaping” We use PUNISHMENT to decrease the behaviors we want to see less of

ABA does not . . . Utilize mind control Focus on shaping all behaviors It creates more choices! Focus on shaping all behaviors Socially significant! Turn children into robots Creates freedom and possibilities! Make children reliant on reinforcement No more than the rest of us!

ABA does . . . Teach individuals to communicate and interact with peers and community members effectively Teach individuals to express their wants and needs effectively Focuses on reinforcement to influence behavior Make safety and dignity a first priority

Other things we teach: Perspective Taking Cognitive Flexibility Knowledge of popular culture Turn taking/following directions Coping Skills Cultural Awareness Invisible Social Rules Understanding & use of nonverbal language

Behind the Curtain

Services Available BHRS(Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services)/Wraparound 0-21, all functioning levels Afterschool/STAP 6-21, higher functioning Outpatient Group Individual Medication Management Speech/OT/PT

KidsPeace BHRS (Behavioral Health Rehabilitative Services) 610-799-8222 One on one service in the home or community, for children birth to 21 yrs. Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Mobile Therapist (MT) Early Intervention BHRS: Version of BHRS that serves children 2-5 More intensive in nature, has on-site component

Afterschool and Summer Therapeutic Autism Programs: 610-799-8617 Ages 16-21 Targets children with the ability to communicate and self-reflect Works on social, communication and coping skills in a group setting Four days a week, 2-3 hours per day Summer is five days a week, 9-12, for 5 weeks

KidsPeace Outpatient Counseling: 610-799-8000 Individual and Group Therapy Available to children and parents Adults seen in Sacred Heart and Allentown sites Therapy and Medication management Walk-ins available M-F, 9-5 Sites in Bethlehem, Allentown and Tobyhanna.

Want to learn more? My email address: Robert.Harvey@KidsPeace.org We offer free trainings and presentations! KidsPeace BHRS Services: 610-799-8222 KidsPeace Afterschool and Summer Therapeutic programs for children with Autism: 610-799-8617 KidsPeace Outpatient Therapy: 610-799-8600 Autism Speaks: www.AutismSpeaks.org Magellan Behavior Health: Lehigh County: 866-238-2311 Northampton County: 866-238-2312