Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Rhonda Landwehr PESS 369-Adapted Aquatics 6/20/2006

General Information • Prevalence: • New case occurs approx. every 21 minutes. (Cure Autism Now) • Estimated 1 of every 166 births. (Cure Autism Now) • Affects 4x’s more males than females. • Common Characteristics: • Difficulties with social interactions • Problems with communication (verbal & nonverbal) • Repetitive behaviors or obsessive interests

General Information Cont. • Other problems that may accompany ASD: • Sensory problems, mental retardation, seizures • Onset usually before age of 3 • Other syndromes associated with ASD • Fragile X, Williams, Tuberous Sclerosis • No affect on normal life expectancy

Common Types • Autistic Disorder (aka Classical Autism) • Characteristics • Significant delays in language • Delays in cognitive development • Delays in development of age-appropriate self-help skills • Lack of curiosity about the environment • Poor social skills • Repetitive motor behavior (twisting, rocking, etc.) • Onset • Prior to age 3

Common Types Cont. • Asperger’s Disorder(aka High Functioning Autism) • More prevalent in males • Diagnosed between ages 5 and 9 years • Characteristics: • Conversation revolves around self • Obsessed with complex topics (weather, music, numbers, etc.) • Normal verbal ability • Exceptional rote memory skills • Difficulty with nonverbal communication

Other Types • Rett’s Disorder • Extremely rare • Only affects females • Normal development then, severe degeneration of body functions between 6 and 18 months • Characteristics: social withdrawal, regressed language skills, and hand wringing

Other Types Cont. • Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) • Affects more males • Normal development until 3 or 4 years, then progressive degeneration of bodily functions. • PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) • Does not fit into a categories

Diagnosis • There are no neurological, chromosomal, or blood test • Use checklists and questionnaires to diagnose or rule out autism

Causes • Uncertain at this time, but scientist think environment & genetics both play a role • Study Suggestions: • Irregularities in several regions of the brain • Abnormal levels of serotonin & other neurotransmitters • Defect in genes that control brain growth

Signs & Symptoms • Children do not always experience the same symptoms. The symptoms depend on the severity of the disorder. Early signs of autism are: • Loss or lack of speech by 18 months. • Little or no eye contact. • Loss or lack of gestures, such as pointing or waving. • Repetitive speech or actions. • Unusual reactions to the way things look, feel, smell, taste or sound. (Cure Autism Now Foundation)

Treatments • NO CURE • Early Intervention • Applied Behavior Analysis has been widely accepted • Reduces inappropriate behavior and in increases communication, learning, and appropriate social behavior. (NIMH website) • Medications to treat behavior problems • Dietary Interventions

Aquatic Teaching Techniques • Assistive Technology • Pictographs, Whiteboard, etc. • Remove distractions • May be sensitive to lights, noises, touch, etc. • Use simple terms when instructing • 1-on-1 instruction • Use gradual transitions between skills • Use reinforcement

Aquatic Techniques Cont. • Use the swimmer's name • Always pair the same demonstration with the same cue • Have a "home base" in every setting • Each lesson should begin and end with the same greeting, using the swimmer's name, and expecting a response. • Each phase of the program should be introduced the same way. Show the symbol/task card and give the activity the same name every day. • Use equipment of the same type, color, and texture to work on the same skills.(Texas Women’s University website) • ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE

General Teaching Techniques • Same as Aquatic Techniques • Monitor activities because may not know they are injured • Function best at individual activities • Use stations

Eliminating Inappropriate Behavior(Texas Women’s University website) • Redirect their attention • Simplify the task • Reduce the stimulation

Misc. Facts • 1 in 250 births • 1 to 1.5 million Americans • Fastest-growing developmental disability • 10 - 17 % annual growth • Growth comparison during the 1990s: • U.S. population increase: 13% • Disabilities increase: 16% • Autism increase: 172% • $90 billion annual cost • 90% of costs are in adult services • Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention • In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion

References • Autism Society of America http://www.autismsociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=PDD#AutisticDisorder • Cure Autism Now Foundationhttp://www.cureautismnow.org/site/c.bhLOK2PILuF/b.1311643/k.98D1/FAQs_About_Autism.htm • Kids Health (Nemours Foundation) http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/autism.html • National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm • Texas Women’s University-Adapted Aquatics Programhttp://www.twu.edu/inspire/Aquatics/AutAqu.htm • Power Points from PESS 312

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)