Autism

1. Autism

2. What is Autism? • Disorder that usually develops by the age of three. • It is characterized by: -impaired verbal and non-verbal communication -impaired social interaction -some form of repetitive and restricted stereotyped interest ritual • Often have difficulty developing normal relationships with people. • Have some impairment in language and some may not speak at all. • Autistic children pick up on emotions very easily. • Premature babies are more likely to develop autism.

3. Symptoms of Autism • The symptoms vary but normally follow a general pattern. Not all symptoms are present in all autistic children. • Infants: • At first they may act relatively normal during the first few months of their childhood but then they become less responsive to their parents and others • They may have difficulty with feeding or toilet training • They may not smile in acknowledgement of their parents' faces • They show resistance to being cuddled.

4. Toddlers: • it becomes apparent that these children have a world of their own • They do not play with other children or toys in the normal manner, rather they remain aloof and prefer to play alone • Verbal and nonverbal communication skills, develop abnormally • Being mute or lingering use of echoing or pretentious language • Extreme resistance to change • Has poor judgment • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7kHSOgauhg

6. Treatments • Parents are encouraged to take care of the child at home. • Special education classes • Behavioral treatment programs include: • clear instructions to the child • Immediately praise and reward the child for performing specific behaviors • Medication can be recommended to treat certain symptoms such as hyperactivity and extreme mood changes

7. Teaching Strategies • Create a focused environment eliminating possible distractions. • Keep a consistent daily routine • Use picture schedules • Present the student with fewer choices • Exercise repetitive motions • Speak in a low calm voice • Limit physical contact • Allow the child to move around vs. sitting still all the time

9. Encourage social skills • Frequently use signs and pictures along with lessons • Eliminate open ended questions • Give extra time for answering questions

10. Work Cited • http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/317/main.html • http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer • http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/493009/teaching_strategies_for_autistic_children.html?cat=4 • https://health.google.com/health/ref/Autism