1. Autism By: Danielle Earley danielle.earley@smail.astate.edu

2. What is Autism (ASD)  Autism is a complex group of disorders that affect how the brain functions.  Autism can cause difficulties in motor coordination, intellectual disabilities, physical and health issues and gastrointestinal disturbances.

3. How common is Autism?  Autism effects a large number of people in America. Statistics state that Autism is identified in about 1 in every 88 children.  About 1 in every 54 boys and 1 in 225 girls are diagnosed with Autism.

4. Causes of Autism  Since there are multiple types of Autism, they are followed by multiple types of causes.  Some of the causes are…  Gene changes  Early brain development  Environmental Stresses

5. Problems that may follow with Autism  Non-verbal communication problems  Trouble with pertaining a wide range of social communication/interactions.  Issues with activities that include play or /or banter.

6. Social Skills  A child with autism may come off offensive, not be able to hold strong conversations, and may seem off from everyone else in the classroom.  Some people with Autism show no interest in other people at all.

7. Physical Contact, Noises, Smells, and Lighting  Many people with Autism do not like to be touched, they enjoy their own space.  Some children may find bright lighting shocking and too cold or hot temperatures as well.  Children with Autism tend to not deal with sudden changes very well. EX: If the fire alarm goes off at school, a child with Autism may find this very intense and panic. A child with Autism will most likely handle sudden changes better if they are warned ahead of time.

8. Tips for teaching a child that has been diagnosed with Autism  1.Define specific teaching spaces  2.Plan a daily set schedule easy to follow  3.Use closed captions on T.V.  4.Allow children to absorb lesson plans  5.Social Modeling  6.Use fixation when teaching  7.Avoid long verbal commands

9. Rights!  Students with Autism have rights just like everyone else. These right include…  Public Education  Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)  Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)  Special Education Services

10. Educational/Behavioral Interventions  Student can take medications to help them deal with Autism. Symptoms medications may help with include depression, anxiety, or OCD.  Therapy is available to children with Autism in school to help them develop social and language skills with their peers and adults.

11. How do we diagnose Autism?  Children who are diagnosed with Autism usually show signs such as  No babbling or pointing to objects by age of 1 years old  No single word use by 16 months  Loss of language or social skills  No expression of the face such as smiling, frowning, etc.  Have trouble keeping eye contact

12. References  http://www.autismspeaks.org/what- autism http://www.autismspeaks.org/what- autism  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/ autism/ http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/ autism/  http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/defaul t/files/sctk_educating_students_with_autis m.pdf http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/defaul t/files/sctk_educating_students_with_autis m.pdf