1. Pervasive Developmental Disorders

2. PDD Severe impairment in several areas of development

3. Autism AKA ?

4. Prevalence Autism is the most common PDD Numbers on rise – growing at 10-17 % per year (U.S. Dept. of Ed.) Translation – over the next decade numbers could reach 4 million Americans

5. Most prevalent in boys Fastest growing developmental disability

6. Early Diagnosis ( National Institute of Child Health & Human Development) May/not be apparent by 18-24 months: – Does not babble/coo by 12 m. – Does not gesture/wave by 12 m. – Does not use single words by 16m – Does not say 2 word phrases by 24 m.

7. No racial, ethnic, social, SES or educational boundaries Autism is a spectrum disorder – wide variety of combinations from mild- severe

8. Some Characteristics:

9. Myths about Autism

10. Causes No known single cause

11. Asperger’s Syndrome What is it?

12. Egocentric Only officially included in Medical Manuals since 1994

13. Rett’s Syndrome * Misleading to parents during first several months of life Caused by mutations found on the X chromosome ( gene identified in 1999)

14. No cure Females can expect to reach adulthood surviving into their 40’s

15. Teaching Strategies Sensory overload in gymnasium – major problem Transitions – signal preparation Pictorial representations What have you observed at your clinical sites?

16. – Elementary – Junior/ HS -Develop sport, recreation, leisure skills -“Transferable, useful skills”