Autism
Causes:
(There is no single cause to autism but researchers believe it could be caused from):
Sam Passer
Characteristics:
Sam Passer
What autism looks like:
(There is no single cause to autism but researchers believe it could be caused from):
- Abnormalities in brain structure or function
- Heredity
- Genetics
- Medical Problems
- A group of unbalanced genes could have disturbed brain development
- Possible problems during pregnancy or delivery
- Environmental factors: viral infections, metabolic imbalances, or exposure to chemicals
Sam Passer
Characteristics:
- Social Interaction Impairments:
- Difficult time making eye contact
- During interaction, doesn't show much body language or facial expressions
- Hard time developing relationships with peers
- Not as interested in sharing different experiences
- Not engaging as much in social interactions with family members - Speech, Language, and Communication Impairments:
- Hard time communicating through speech or with gestures
- Hard time understanding what others are saying
- Hard time using dominant language to communicate with others
- Hard time when starting conversations and keeping them going - Stereotyped or repetitive behavior:
- Only interested in a few objects/activities and plays with them in repetitive ways
- Routines are repetitive and has a hard time with changes in routines
- Time is spent in repetitive movements (thumbs up in front of face)
Sam Passer
What autism looks like:
How it feels to have autism:
Sam Passer
Accommodations:
Sam Passer
Modifications:
(Bailey - Health Guide, 2011)
Sam Passer
Resources for parents:
Children books on autism:
Little Rainman (Autism - through the eyes of a child) by- Karen Simmons
Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes by- Jennifer Elder
Russell's World: A story for kids about autism by- Charles A. Amenta III
Sam Passer
Accommodations:
- School day should have a set routine:
- Younger children should be provided with a picture schedule
- Schedule could be posted for every student to see or teacher could tape smaller ones on desks
- Provide plenty of time for changes in schedule - Use literal language when stating clear and concise directions
- Have an area where student can go when overwhelmed or struggling with high stimulation
- Be cautious of different noises in classroom
- Visual cues/Visual learning strategies
- Notes can be taken on a laptop
Sam Passer
Modifications:
- Dropping the number of questions on tests and in-school assignments
- Grading could be adjusted
- Calculator may be used during math tests
(Bailey - Health Guide, 2011)
Sam Passer
Resources for parents:
- http://autismweb.com/
- http://www.autismspeaks.org/early-access-care/parents
- http://autismbeacon.com/home
- http://autismhwy.com/
- http://autismnow.org/
Children books on autism:
Little Rainman (Autism - through the eyes of a child) by- Karen Simmons
Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes by- Jennifer Elder
Russell's World: A story for kids about autism by- Charles A. Amenta III
Sam Passer