Autism

1. Autism EEC 4731Health, Safety, and Nutrition Elizabeth Cruz January 2011

2. What is Autism? • Autism is a developmental disability that affects a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others. • One of it’s characteristics is behavior that is repetitive. • The signs are usually apparent during the first three years of life.

3. Signs/symptoms • Inability to interact socially. • Fixation with objects. • No eye contact. • Delay motor skills. • Blank expression. • Has few interests. • Appears to be in the own world. • Resistant to change.

4. Teaching modifications • Structure-establish a routine; what will happen 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. and be consistent. • Schedules-list daily activities in blocks of time, and provide pictures to demonstrate each activity. • Visuals-they provide interest and help students remain focused. • Transitions- use a timer to indicate when students need to change from one activity to the next. • Communicate-use short, precise directions. • Minimize distractions-store toys in bins or closets. Seating should be away from windows and doors.

5. Should Autistic children be treated differently than other children? • It is a fact that children with autism work best in a highly structured environment. It is also true that those children that are not autistic would also benefit from the same type of structured environment.

6. resources • http://www.autismepicenter.com/what-is-autism.shtml • http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/ • http://www.specialed.us/autism/structure/str10.htm • http://kendrik2.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/12-tips-to-setting-up-an-autism-classroom/ • http://www.nwresd.k12.or.us/autism/ChallengingBehavior.html