AUTISM Sarah Sullivan Introduction to Teaching Students with Disabilities SPED 602 ON Dr. Levy August 1, 2010

Purpose Provide an understanding of autism Identify students with autism Instructional approaches

Process Define autism Characteristics Teaching methods Success story Dedicated organizations and resources

Payoff Educators will be provided with the tools required to assess their students’ abilities and implement approaches best suited to the learning needs of these individuals.

“Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non- verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees.” ~The Autism Society of America (ASA)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) Autism Asperger syndrome Rett syndrome Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) Pervasive development disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) Smith, 2007

History Development Early stages Modern day

Prevalence of Autism

Key Facts An estimated 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder Four out of five autistic children are boys Autism has an annual cost of $90 billion worldwide, which is expected to rise to $200-$400 billion by the year 2014 Autism fast fact, n.d.

Causes and Risk Factors Genes Heredity Underlying medical condition Prescription medication taken during pregnancy Vaccines Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Facts, n.d.

Characteristics of Autism

Teaching Methods Positive praise and reinforcements Age appropriate material and difficulty Discrete trial methods Visual approaches –Picture exchange communication Teaching Students With Autism: A Resource Guide for Schools, 2000

Example of Picture Exchange Communication

Success Story

Dedicated Organizations and Resources Autism Society of America (ASD) – Autism Speaks – First Signs – Organization for Autism Research (OAR) – MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and PDD – CDC’s Resources on Vaccines and Autism – Centers of Disease Control (CDC) – Resources, n.d.

Conclusion Spectrum disorder Strengths and abilities range Theories about the cause Treatments Challenges The need for help and support Rudy, 2009

References Smith, Deborah Deutsch (2007). Introduction To Special Education: Making A Difference (6th ed). Pearson Education, Inc. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Retrieved July 27, 2010, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Resources. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from Autism fast facts. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2010, from WebMD. (n.d.). History of autism. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2000). Teaching students with autism: A resource guide for schools. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from Rudy, L. J. (2009, July 17). Top 10 facts about autism. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from Slade Helwig - DynaVox: Autism AAC success story. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2010, from Summer, a child with autism. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2010, from

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