1. What we will learn today:  Definition of autism  Ranges of autism  Causes  Symptoms  Diagnosis  Treatment  Facts Vs. Myths At the end of this lesson you will hopefully gain some new awareness about Autism.

2. What is Autism? By: Brittni yocum Edu 280

3. Definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder:  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. What is Autism? Youtube.com

4. Ranges of Autism  Autistic disorder, sometimes called autism or classical ASD, is the most severe form of ASD, while other conditions along the spectrum include a milder form known as Asperger syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

5. Causes  There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorder, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism compared to in neurotypical children. Researchers do not know the exact cause of autism but are investigating a number of theories, including the links among heredity, genetics and medical problems.

6. Symptoms  Early indicators include:  no babbling or pointing by age 1  no single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age 2  no response to name  loss of language or social skills  poor eye contact  excessive lining up of toys or objects  no smiling or social responsiveness.  Later indicators include:  impaired ability to make friends with peers  impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others  absence or impairment of imaginative and social play  stereotyped, repetitive, or unusual use of language  restricted patterns of interest that are abnormal in intensity or focus  preoccupation with certain objects or subjects  inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals. Symptoms of ASD AND Non- ASD Children Youtube.com

7. Diagnosis  Any of these “red flags” does not mean your child has autism. But because the disorder’s symptoms vary so widely, a child showing these behaviors should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. This team might include a neurologist, psychologist, developmental pediatrician, speech/language therapist, learning consultant or other professionals who are knowledgeable about autism.

8. Treatment  There is no cure for ASDs.  Educational/behavioral interventions : Therapists use highly structured and intensive skill- oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis. Family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with an ASD often helps families cope with the particular challenges of living with a child with an ASD.  Medications : Doctors may prescribe medications for treatment of specific autism-related symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Antipsychotic medications are used to treat severe behavioral problems. Seizures can be treated with one or more anticonvulsant drugs. Medication used to treat people with attention deficit disorder can be used effectively to help decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity.  Other therapies : There are a number of controversial therapies or interventions available, but few, if any, are supported by scientific studies. Parents should use caution before adopting any unproven treatments. Although dietary interventions have been helpful in some children, parents should be careful that their child’s nutritional status is carefully followed.

9. Facts and Statistics  About 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder.  Prevalence in the United States is estimated at 1 in 68 births.  More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.  Prevalence of autism in U.S. children increased by 119.4 percent from 2000 (1 in 150) to 2010 (1 in 68). Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability

10. Myths and Misconceptions  Myth: Autism is caused by vaccines. There is no evidence that childhood vaccination causes autism. A 1998 study linking autism with vaccines has since been retracted.  Myth: Individuals with autism are unable or unwilling to form meaningful social relationships. Though many individuals with autism have difficulty with social interaction, they can have close social relationships, fall in love and have children.  Myth: All individuals with autism have mental disabilities. Individuals on the autism spectrum are unique, with a wide range of intellectual abilities that easily can be under- or over-estimated. Tests designed to include language and interpersonal analyses may misrepresent the intelligence of people with autism, who struggle with social skills, and individuals with autism may have difficulty with tasks considered simple, but quickly master complex tasks and concepts. Individuals on the autism spectrum have also earned college and graduate degrees and work in a variety of professions. Conversely, it may be assumed that an individual with autism has a higher level of understanding than they do, based on their behavior, language skills or high-level of ability in a specific area.

11. Autism Song Youtube.com Can You Spot Autism? Youtube.com Activity