Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder November 2011

What is Autism?  A behavioral syndrome present from early life  Cause is still unknown Genetic Better identification Immunizations environment  Increase in over 200%

What is Autism?  Spectrum disorder  DSM IV –Pervasive Developmental Disorder Aspergers PDD-NOS Autism Rhett syndrome Childhood disintegrative disorder

Spectrum Disorder  Social Withdrawn…passive….active but odd  Communication Nonverbal………………verbal  Repetitive Behavior Simple…..complex  Measured intelligence Mental retardation……………gifted  Motor Skills Uncoordinated…………………..agile

Sensory Integration  The neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s own body and from the environment to use the body effectively  Normal processing vs. processing dysfunction

Sensory System  Five basic senses Vision, auditory, smell, touch, taste  Hidden senses Vestibular system; body in space (swinging) Proprioceptive system; joint muscle input (jumping)  Hypersensitive (over) and Hyposensitive (under)

Programs with High Expectations  Family centered; not professional centered  Student centered; not diagnostic centered  Solution oriented  Approach challenging behaviors with open mind  Follow behavior plans- sometimes they take time

Teaching Strategies  Identify other students to facilitate appropriate social interaction  Eliminate adult prompts and dependency  Avoid verbal overload (wright story)  Avoid lecture

Teaching Strategies  Use concrete methods to teach  Use redirection  Wait for a response- 5 seconds  Modify work  Be consistent

Teaching Strategies  Use interruption strategy  Use reinforcement- what is student working for?  Use more positives than negatives  Students engaged 100% of time

Teaching Strategies  Relate behaviors to natural environment Teach self-management skills Teach social skills Promote cognition Expand communication  Prepare student for environment Use visual or written schedule Organization and predictability provide security

Overview of Behavior  Stay calm and try not over react  Review students behavior plans  Keep data  Students should not be able to use behavior to get out of work

Basic Functions of Behavior  Escape  Attention  Sensory input  Communication

Low Expectations Lead to Disabling Students…..  Behavior problems  Adult dependency  Inability to communicate  Inability to progress academically  Loss of social and community acceptance