1 An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Presented by Nomi Kaim With Personal Accounts by Nomi Kaim and Abram Kelly, Adults with Asperger Syndrome

2 What is a Spectrum? A “spectrum” is a continuum – something that varies gradually across a wide range. ExampleTheElectromagnetic Spectrum Example: The Electromagnetic Spectrum What varies is the wavelength.

3 The Autism Spectrum What varies is how severely a person is affected. “SEVERE” “MILD” Severe Autism Asperger Syndrome Absent LANGUAGE Normal-Superior Low IQ Average-High People on the autism spectrum range from being as helpless as infants to being world-famous intellectuals!

4 ASD is a “Pervasive Neuro- Developmental Disorder” Pervasive “Pervasive” = it affects many different areas of your life (school, relationships, leisure…) Neuro “Neuro” = “Neurological” = it affects the physical structure of your brain Developmental Disorder “Developmental Disorder” = you are born with it; you have it your whole life; and it affects the way your brain develops – as well as the way you yourself develop and mature ASD is caused by having a brain that processes information differently.

5 Facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Affects about 1 in 100 people (but many people don’t know they have it) At least 4 times as common in males as in females A “heterogeneous” disorder: People with ASD can be very different from one another Most people with ASD come across as unusual, odd immature, eccentric, or different in some way A neurological or brain disorder, but not a mental illness – just as ADHD and dyslexia are not mental illnesses

6 Part I: Social- Communication Problems All People with ASD have difficulty communicating effectively. This may include: Not being able to look people in the eye Not understanding when someone is joking or being sarcastic Saying things that are very inappropriate Talking too much and not listening Only talking about yourself or topics that interest you Poor communication causes problems in a wide range of social settings (school, work, friendships, dating…)

7 Part II: Inflexible Repetitive Behaviors People with ASD have repetitive routines that they are inflexible about changing. These may include: Flapping arms, rocking body, or other movements Doing the same activities, eating the same foods, and/or wearing the same clothes according to a rigid schedule Engaging in the same hobbies over and over Talking about the same topics over and over Not wanting to try new things – even fun things

8 Part III: Other Common Problems for People with ASD Most people with ASD (but not all) have difficulties in at least some of the following areas: (1) Over-Sensitivity to Sound, Touch, Light, etc. (2) Poor Motor Coordination (3) Poor Independent Living Skills (4) Poor Organization (physical and mental) (5) Learning Problems (6) Anxiety (and sometimes depression)

9 Part IV: Good Things About ASD! (1) Special Interests, Talents, and Expertise Over-focusing on a specific topic of interest can lead to becoming an expert in it! (2) Truthfulness People with ASD generally do not lie, deceive, or manipulate people. (3) Diligence and Conscientiousness People with ASD are very reliable workers.

10 The End! Thoughts? Questions? Wondering about someone you know? Feel free to contact me: