Introduction to Autism What is Autism Autism is

Introduction to Autism

What is Autism? • Autism is a group of disorders. • People with autism have problems with – Communication – Relationships – Behavior • Symptoms of autism may be mild or severe

The Autism Spectrum • This is a range of disorders ranging from mild to severe, including: – Autistic Disorder – Asperger’s Syndrome – Rhett Syndrome – Childhood Disintegrative Disorder – Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Causes • Researchers have identified two causes – Genetic mutation – Environmental toxins • There is no link between vaccines and autism.

Frequency • Before the 1990 s, 4 -5 per 10, 000 live births • 1990 s, 1 in 1, 000 • 2007, 1 in 150 – Better diagnosis – Genetic research

Church Impact • • Communication problems Social functioning Emotional control Daily living skills Behavior Sensory problems Ability to read and write

Communication Problems • People with autism may be nonverbal • Some children might struggle with eye contact • Others may have trouble with non-literal language such as idioms • Participating in a conversation could be difficult • Those on the spectrum may have a preferred topic

Communication Interventions • Use a visual communication system • Realize that these children may be listening without eye contact • Speak in concrete terms and avoid idioms and slang • Give prompts for replies in conversations • Relate lessons to preferred topics, or use this as a reward

Social Functioning • People on the spectrum may notice other people • They may struggle to carry on a conversation • Those with autism are brutally honest • Eye contact is difficult • New situations are especially challenging

Social Interventions • These children can’t learn through observation • Proper behavior must be directly taught • Social skills lessons must be repeated often • Reminder cards may be used to teach social behavior • Social rules must be clear

Emotional Control • • • Change may be very upsetting Sensory issues may cause outbursts Anticipate triggers Teach peers how to act Know when to call parents

Emotional Interventions • • • Taking a walk Distractions Sensory interventions such as brushing Preferred toy or object Working through a prearranged coping plan • Quiet area to calm down

Daily Living Skills • Hygiene is a big concern • Sensory issues may impact wardrobe • May not understand simple skills such as fixing a snack • May not process up to 60% of a conversation • Can take things very literally

Daily Living Skills Interventions • Clear rules – How to dress for church – Greetings – Church behavior • Routines for leaving the house • Visual schedule • Visual reminders

Behavior • Ask parents for behavior triggers • Reactions to sensory challenges can be mistaken for behavior problems • Preteaching is essential to prevention – Social stories – Reminders (cards, pictures, signals) • Look for reasons behind behaviors

Behavior Interventions • • • Prevention is the best intervention Calming down place Positive self-talk Sensory interventions Consistency and routine

Sensory Problems • • • Flickering fluorescent lighting Echoing from microphone Loud noises Motion of others Too many people Clothing (tags, scratchy thread, etc. )

Sensory Interventions • • • Quiet dark room Headphones/hat/sunglasses Brushing away from the heart Squeeze balls Weighted lap pad or vest Wrap in a blanket

Cautions • Consistency is important. • Final goal should be inclusion, not exclusion. • Use technology as a support and reinforcer for personal interactions. • Don’t rely on technology as a babysitter. • Overuse of technology can lead to social withdrawal.

Questions? • http: //lds. org/disability • http: //www. ldsability. org • http: //lynndparsons. com