Autism Spectrum Disorders

1. Autism Spectrum Disorders

2. Autism Spectrum Disorders • Characterized by varying degrees of impairment in three areas: Communication skills, Social interactions, and Repetitive and Stereotyped patterns of behavior • Includes: Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder

3. Autism Definition Characteristics Defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as a : Developmental disability affecting verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and is generally evident before age 3. Engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements Resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines Unusual responses to sensory experiences

4. Asperger Syndrome Higher intelligence and communication skills than those with Autism Display all or most of the other characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders Primary difficulties are in social interactions

5. Prevalence 6 % of the population has an Autism Spectrum Disorder Some students may not be receiving special education because they are diagnosed as intellectually disabled or learning disabled instead of autistic Unclear how many of these individuals have Autism, Asperger Syndrome, or one of the other rarer forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

6. Myths Facts Bad parenting, especially cold, nonresponsive mothering (“refrigerator moms”) can cause autism All people with Autism are impaired in some cognitive areas but are highly intelligent or geniuses in other areas There is no evidence that bad parenting can cause Autism Only a few people with Autism have extraordinary skills. Those with extraordinary skills are called Autistic Savants, they are not geniuses. Autistic Savants possess very highly developed skills that are in isolation from functional skills

7. Carla’s desire for independence as a young adult • Her social interaction and development of new relationships • Her pursuit of higher education

8. Survival Strategies for People on the Autism Spectrum. By: Marc Fleisher • A compilation of skills that Marc has developed through his own experience as an adolescent/adult living with Asperger’s Syndrome. • Describes in detail how to develop skills for independent living. • Breaks down social interaction into steps that facilitate the development of a comfortable social life. • Advocates higher education for people on the spectrum in order to increase options for creating a fulfilling future.

9. YouTube - the other sister part 2 • Higher Education 6:37-7:34 YouTube - the other sister part 6 • Socializing 4:58-7:25 YouTube - the other sister part 7 • Transition to Independent Living 0:00-2:00 • Choosing Courses • Finances • Making Staff Aware of your condition • Dress appropriately to the occasion • Respect people’s boundaries • Attempt progress at a sensible pace • The “worry check book” • Shopping/Organization • Finances • Housework • Transportation

10. Arnie has to have total care at all times • He is unable to be left alone • He has to have a constant support group from his family to do everyday life tasks • Lack of transition into independent living and functioning due to the severity of his exceptionality • He is at a child’s mentality at the age 18 • Has repetitive outbursts with his use of words

11. First-Hand Account of living with Autism “I have missed you. With Autism, I don’t say much, but I’m glad your listening”. • No social skills to complete a two-way conversation. • Communicating is a learned skill that depends greatly on the individual and the amount of practice with social skills • Talking about something that has been researched extensively is different from having an ordinary conversation • When people interrupt it is harder for them to not feel insulted • Even throughout the years talking with someone about personal issues and feelings can be extremely difficult al

12. “Looking in as an outsider with Autism”. • “The last thing I want to do is push him away or make him feel different.” With such social difficulties, he has known for a long time that he has felt different from other people; it’s like being in the world, but not a part of it.” • Autistic individuals are more likely to read and research than verbally communicate. • Can’t understand why people have the conversations that they do • Like to be alone and left to explore their “own world” • Didn’t understand why people wanted to be social instead of learning, researching, and studying fascinating material

13. You know if you have Autism or Asperger’s if you… By: Eileen Parker

14. 1. You can’t have two things on the dinner plate at the same time. Once you are done with the first food, you get a fresh plate. • 2. You understand why the X-men are persecuted…because they are different. • 3. Fashion is irrelevant. • 4. You butter your toast all the way to the edges with an even layer of butter, but only if the toast is freshly out of the toaster. If it gets hard, you have to throw it out. • 5. You figure you would be great on a jury because you won’t be swayed by facial expressions or blathering outbursts of emotions. • 6. Sensual experiences are rapturous or make you freak out. • 7. High-pitched noises hurt. • 8. You look at the floor while listing to someone intensely. • 9. You look at the floor while thinking how to answer intensely. • 10. Foods have to be eaten in order of temperature. • 11. When your partner says, “Let’s go out,” you pause, stare at the wall then say, “Why?” • 12. Eating the same thing for a week is delightful. • 13. Facts ‘R Us • 14. “What did you say? I wasn’t listening” • 15. “I should change instead of wearing my very soft fleece pajama bottoms to the store??” • 16. “When the company comes over, what should I say?” “Be yourself.” “Oh good, I don’t have to talk.” • 17. Animals make more sense than people. • 18. Why do NTs (neurotypicals) waste their time on small talk when there are so many real things to talk about? • 19. I’m frantic when I can’t find my earplugs. • 20. I’m waiting for grandchildren so I can love them, educate them on everything, then send them back. I hope my grandkids are aspies and autties so we can really relate.

15. Conclusion/Discussion Wide range of differences in Autism Spectrum Disorders An individuals success depends largely upon availability of resources and family support Communication depends solely on the individual experiencing the exceptionality.

16. Recent Second-Hand Accounts are more accurate due to increased awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders.