Slide 1
Autism ~ Grant D. Hall
The significance of the logo is to demonstrate the multi-faceted characteristics of autism and the
diversity of the people that it affects.
Slide 2
Autism is a disorder that was first identified by Doctor Leo Kanner in 1943. Autism was
considered its own disorder, separate from other disorders such as childhood disintegrative disorder,
pervasive development disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. In 2013
the National Institutes of Health developed new criterial and has now put Autism and all of its distinct
subtypes under one umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD.
Slide 3
ASD appears to have its roots in early brain development. The obvious signs of ASD do not
really manifest themselves until children are between 2 3 years of age, however there are earlier
indicators which can become apparent as early as 2 months. Some of the indicators of ASD are
characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Many
symptoms overlap across these core areas and may include other physical challenges as well.
Slide 4
Early indicators of autism can include the following:
Social Communication and Interaction
1. Failing to respond to his or her name and appears to not hearing you
2. Resists cuddling and holding; seems to retreat into their own world
3. Poor eye contact and lacks facial expression
4. Delayed speech and or loosing previously acquired speech
5. Speaks with a sing-song or robot like voice
6. Does not express emotion and is unaware of others emotions
7. Inappropriate social interaction
Slide 5
Patterns of Behaviors
1. Repetitive physical movements or actions that could be self-harming
2. Routines and rituals that cause disturbance at the slightest change
3. Constant movement
4. Resistant to change
5. Coordination problems or odd movements
6. Sensitive to light, sound, and touch but oblivious to pain
7. Does not participate in make believe play
8. Odd food preferences
Slide 6
The spectrum of ASD is quite varied. Some children are slow to gain knowledge or develop
skills, and some have signs of lower intelligence. Other children learn very quickly, show signs of high
intelligence, yet have difficulties in communication and interaction in social situations. Some children
also display exceptional skills in a specific area, such as art, math, or music, yet still have difficulties
applying what they know in everyday life.
As people with ASD mature and develop, many of the symptoms mellow or become less
pronounced. However, the teen years can also bring on a pattern of worsening behaviors, primarily
because of the onset of puberty.
Slide 7
The range of symptoms and behaviors for children with ASD are extremely varied and diverse.
As educators we may interact with a number of students who have indicators within the ASD spectrum.
Some of these students will have been diagnosed and others will not. Once of the most beneficial
resources we have is with the students parents. Opening clear and direct lines of communication with
parents will enable us to help accommodate the students needs.
Slide 8
There are also different ways we can accommodate the ASD student into our classrooms. Some
of them are as follows:
Respond to Behavior
Provide a structured and predictable learning environment. ASD students function better in
environments that are relatively stress free and pattern oriented. Structure and routine help ASD
students participate in the classroom. In conjunction with this structure, switching from task to task can
be easier if there are visual cues in addition to verbal instructions. The visual communication can be
more effective with a student that has communication development issues. The need for alone time and
quiet study time is also important. Being able to provide a quiet space, separate from the main
classroom environment will also help moderate behavior.
Slide 9
Social Interactions
Social interactions in the classroom, with students, and other adults needs to be addressed.
Understanding the ASD students ability to interact or not interact with other students should be
assessed so that you know how they will function in groups. Helping them learn certain behaviors can
be accommodated in small groups in the classroom. Some of these include waiting their turn,
negotiation, changing topics, flexibility, be quiet, and monitoring their own behavior.
Slide 10
Each student that we have in our classroom with ASD will be different and unique. No two
children will have the same needs or challenges when it comes to their education. Working with
parents, special education professionals, and with the student directly will help make their classroom
experience positive and productive.
Slide 11
Asperger Syndrome
Asperger Syndrome is also considered to be on the high functioning end of the autism
spectrum. Adults and children often have difficulty with social interactions and demonstrate repetitive
behaviors. Unlike autism, people with Asperger do not have significant delays in language or cognitive
development. Some of the following are associated with Asperger but are seldom all present in any one
person and vary to a wide degree:
Limited or inappropriate social interactions
Robotic or repetitive speech
Challenges with nonverbal communications
Lack of eye contact or reciprocal conversation
Tendency to discuss self rather than others
One-sided conversations
Awkward movements and/or mannerisms
Slide 12
PDD-NOS Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified
Term used as the diagnosis applied to children or adults who are on the autism spectrum but do
not fully meet eh criteria for another ASD such as autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome. Studies
indicate that there are three primary sub-categories of PDD-NOS:
1. High-functioning whose symptoms overlap with Asperger syndrome but differ in terms of
having a lag in language development and mild cognitive impairment
2. Symptoms more close resemble those of autistic disorder but do not meet all of the
diagnostic signs and symptoms of autism.
3. Those who meet all of the diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder but whose stereotypical and
repetitive behaviors are noticeably mild.
Slide 13
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
A rare condition where a child would develop autism after a prolonged period of normal
development (usually 3 to 4 years). A regression of language, social interaction and environment, and
self-care abilities become manifest. There is also a dramatic decline in cognitive abilities accompanied
by high levels of anxiety. This development results in a clinical presentation of autism without the
history of its development.
Slide 14
Currently there is no cure for ASD but intensive, early treatment can make a big difference in the
lives of many children
Slide 15
This page provides some links to a few videos I felt were compelling and really put a personal tough to
ASD.
Video Page
Slide 16
These are the sources I used for my presentation.
Reference Page
http://www.mayoclinic.org
http://www.autismspeaks.org
http://www.autism-society.org
http://medicine.yale.edu
Friend, M., & Bursuck, W.D. (2012). Including Students with Special Needs: A Practical Guide for
Classroom Teachers. Boston, MA: Pearson
Slide 17
Dylans video
Slide 18 - 30
Faces of ASD
Slide 31
Temple Grandin I am different, not less.
Additional resources and information:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
http://www.autism-society.org/
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/videos/whatisautism.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/autism
http://time.com/40918/autism-children-1-in-68/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2011/11/30/living-life-with-autism-asperger-has-anything-
changed/
http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8761-22-tips-for-teaching-students-with-autism-spectrum-
disorders
http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/autism-awareness-month-6-strategies-for-teaching-students-
with-autism/
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/?pageId=601
http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/pdf/boston_parents_paper_puzzling_through.pdf
http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/sctk_educating_students_with_autism.pdf
Video resources for a more personal perspective on ASD.
Wyatt - 2:30 video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_XRVwRFPKk&list=PL4956948281757D86
Wyatt - part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBjw5vgnqy8
http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/autism-the-musical/synopsis.html#/
Available on Netflix DVD
Normal People Scare Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYu-s8VVCKk
A Young adult talks about his life journey with Autism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXC0xmdAE1E
My Life with Autism & ADD ~ a 17 yr. old explains what its like. A
Very good video - he explains a lot of different aspects of Autism and ADD, eye contact, nervousness, clumsy
like behavior, difficulty in providing quick answers
18 min video took over a week to put his information together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciBCvssKLHc
Published on Feb 25, 2013
Dylan is a 19 year old boy with Autism. This is his explanation to a family friend what it means to him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKWuzklXUk0
A different side to ADS these videos are disturbing but show a wonderful side to autism and the
people that love those with ASD
MELTDOWN
The Dad - very impressive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgfZ8jFxvvw
I like the way the Dad worked with Weston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZIQzKHyqGQ
Jamey - Inside Mysterious World of Severe Autism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R0bPdY0gsA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWHZ9NvmTRE
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEZSoxYVQFAZqDDa1BqVHAg
Temple Grandin
http://www.templegrandin.com/faq.html
http://www.biography.com/people/temple-grandin-38062
