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Autism. Julie Williams Special Education Teacher Autism Specialist for MSD November 2010. What is Autism?. Autism is a Spectrum Disorder that interferes with speech, learning, and social skill development . . What is Educational Autism?.
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Autism Julie Williams Special Education Teacher Autism Specialist for MSD November 2010
What is Autism? Autism is a Spectrum Disorder that interferes with speech, learning, and social skill development.
What is Educational Autism? • A developmental Disability significantly affecting a child’s social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication, generally evident before age 3, that adversely affects learning and educational performance. -Wisconsin Eligibility Criteria -IDEA 2004
Know the signs • Lack of or delay in spoken language • Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects) • Little or no eye contact • Lack of interest in peer relationships • Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play • Persistent fixation on parts of objects • Resistance to change or change in daily routine -Autism Society of America
Difficulties for individuals with Autism • Transitioning • Changes in routine. • Small range of interest • Level of fixation on one object or activity. • Communication
What we can do to help • Increase predictability of the day • Increase independence • Decrease inappropriate behavior • Decrease anxiety and frustrations • Follow Rules • Clear beginnings and Clear endings
Strengths of Individuals with Autism • Understand concrete concepts well. • Think in a visual way. • Recall visual images and memories easily. • Understand better when see it vs. hear it. • Understands concrete rules and sequences. • Be extremely focused if it is a desired task.
What Causes Autism? No one is really sure and there may be a number of different causes. Many people are studying to try to find out what causes autism.
How is Autism diagnosed • Autism must be diagnosed by a medical expert. (As stated earlier, just because you have a medical diagnosis for autism, doesn’t automatically mean you qualify for educational services.) • filling out questionaires about your child's development. • careful observation. • Some professionals prefer to ask you the questions. • Some use more than one way. • Some professionals will ask for complicated medical tests in order to rule out other causes for your child's behavior.
Is there a cure for Autism? • There is no known cure, however taking action and getting treatment for your child as early as possible gives your child the best chance for a better outcome. • Here are some suggestions: • occupational therapy • behavior modification • speech and language therapy • medications if needed.
Sensory Processing Disorders • Most ASD individuals either under react or overreact to sensory stimuli(sight, sound, touch, taste, smell). Under react Not realizing how hot/cold something is. Overreact Humming of lights sounds like a freight train.
Sensory Adaptations • Natural lighting, lamp lighting. • Green is one of the most calming colors. • Allow the use of headphones when music is playing or the volume of the room is too loud. • Be aware of smells in your home(cologne, perfume, air fresheners, etc.) • Have a variety of different types of seating (bean bags, rocking chairs, balls, single leg stools, wiggle seats, pompazon chairs, etc.)
What you can do at home to support your ASD child. • Use communication that is less direct (e.g. puppets, funny voice, microphone, video yourself giving directions) • Be clear and precise (e.g. “pick your clothes up off the floor.” Instead of “Go clean your room.”
More helpful strategies….. • Incorporate visual supports (e.g., sign language, written language, visual timers) • Give as many communication opportunities as possible • Teach Alternative Communication to all individuals in your home. (e.g., yes/no cards, sign language ,picture cues, writing down communication etc..)
And Finally……….. • Questions and Answers (hopefully!) • Video: The Power of Words by Judy Endow
Applied Behavior Analysts, LLC, ABA Autism Treatment Program1639 Deckner AveGreen Bay, WI 54302Telephone: 920-857-9041www.wiaba.com Professional Family Resources, Inc., Oconto, WI Autism Resources and Services, Green Bay, WI Innovative Counseling 2339 Cedar Ridge Rd, Green Bay, WI, (920) 497-6161 or toll free (866) 460-8848. Email: specialkids@itol.com Katie Broderick Woody, Psy.D., Autism Intervention Milwaukee, LLC – (414) 256-0077 American Foundation of Counseling Services, Green Bay, WI