1. Autism in the Early Years: Early Identification
What is Autism?
Early Warning Signs
Talking to Parents
The Summit Centre Preschool for Children with Autism
Resources – look on our website!
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 1

2. What is Autism? “Sticky” Behaviour Communication difficulty change
no/delayed speech
2-way conversation
not reciprocal
weak nonverbal
weak play
difficulty change
intense interests
repetitive
Social
low social interest
friendships for level
not reciprocal
weak sharing
eye contact
weak nonverbal
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 2

3. Autism: Associated Features
What is Autism?
Autism: Associated Features
Not needed for Diagnosis…
cognitive; deficits, strengths & weaknesses
motor behaviours
sensory behaviours
eating, sleeping, drinking
attention; joint, shifting, focus
mood; anxieties & fears
other medical conditions
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 3

4. Autism: A Spectrum Disorder
What is Autism?
Autism: A Spectrum Disorder
range of autistic symptoms
range of cognitive & adaptive levels
Autistic Disorder
Asperger’s Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS)
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 4

5. Causes of Autism neurological (brain) disorder 4.3 boys to every girl
What is Autism?
Causes of Autism
neurological (brain) disorder
4.3 boys to every girl
genetic vulnerability
environmental triggers?
not related to parenting or learning
not related to MMR vaccine
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 5

6. More Children with Autism?
What is Autism?
More Children with Autism?
30 to 60 per 10,000 children (Fombonne, 2003)
more children identified now
better public awareness
wider definition
misdiagnoses?
increased prevalence, incidence?
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 6

7. Early Diagnosis of Autism
Why?
early intervention  better prognosis
parents
connect to autism community
How?
good screening tests now
good diagnostic tests
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 7

8. Red Flags no babbling by 12 months no gesturing by 12 months
Early Diagnosis
Red Flags
no babbling by 12 months
no gesturing by 12 months
no single words by 16 months
no two word phrases by 24 months (not just echolalic)
any loss of any language or social skills at any age
Filipek et al, Amer. Acad. Neurology, 2000
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 8

9. Early Diagnosis Who? reliable diagnosis by age 2
signs seen in 80—90% of children with autism under 2 years
Baby Sibs research (Toronto/Hamilton,
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 9

10. Baby Sibs findings 25% of baby sibs show some difficulty by 12 mo.
Early Diagnosis
Baby Sibs findings
25% of baby sibs show some difficulty by 12 mo.
more early markers  autism more likely by 2
lack of social smiling
lack of response to name calling
abnormal eye gaze and visual tracking
decreased social responses
sensory overreactivity
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 10

11. Early Diagnosis
Earlier Diagnosis
professionals recognize significance of early signs & symptoms of autism
decrease professionals’ reluctance to diagnose young children
professionals listen to parents
bring best practices to our community
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 11

12. Talking to Parents about Autism: Prepare
If you suspect autism, take action!
observe child’s behaviour
make notes
consult with co-workers, supervisor
gather information about supports
timing
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 12

13. Talking to Parents about Autism: Discuss
listen to the parents
start with their concerns
always be supportive
avoid jargon
keep it positive; emphasize 'ruling out' anything serious
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 13

14. The Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 14

15. We invite referrals for children who;
Summit Centre
We invite referrals for children who;
live within a 1 hour drive of our site
are 48 months or younger
have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder OR
are suspected of having a diagnosis by a qualified Psychologist or Physician
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 15

16. The Summit Centre Program
intensive early intervention services to preschool children with autism
up to 31.5 hours/week of 1-on-1 Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) treatment at home and in centre
50 weeks per year
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 16

17. Additional Activities
Summit Centre
Additional Activities
encourage group interaction
circle time & structured play
enhance social skills
promote generalization
teach how to learn in a group
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 17

18. Individualized Written Treatment Programs
Summit Centre
Individualized Written Treatment Programs
enhancing language & communication
social skills & play
cooperative behaviour
daily living skills
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 18

19. Transitions at first, in-home visits flex schedule at the centre
Summit Centre
Transitions
at first, in-home visits
flex schedule at the centre
age 4 or 5, often part-time in preschool or kindergarten
age 6, in school
we join with preschools, schools & agencies to promote smooth transitions
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 19

20. Family Involvement parent meeting once a week
Summit Centre
Family Involvement
parent meeting once a week
participate in developing programs
involved in teaching daily living skills
monthly parents group
parent on Board of Directors
other parent, family volunteers
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 20

21. Our Contact List anyone interested may tour our centre
Summit Centre
Our Contact List
anyone interested may tour our centre
long waiting list right now
for parents committed to enrolling their child, we provide a diagnostic assessment if needed
enrolled children start treatment as spaces become available
modest user fees based on family’s ability to pay
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 21

22. For Further Information
Summit Centre
For Further Information
Feel free to contact us;
Phone (519)
Fax (519)
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 22

23. “Even the smallest footsteps can cross great distances.”
All drawings by enrolled children
All photos with consent of parents and staff
“Even the smallest footsteps can cross great distances.”
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Oct. 21, 2004 p. 23