Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is Autism?
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm#3082_1
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. The symptoms are present from early childhood and affect daily functioning.
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm#3082_1
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. The symptoms are present from early childhood and affect daily functioning.
Symptoms of ASD In Different Domains
Social :
- poor eye contact
- unaware of others feelings
- prefers playing alone
- does not like to be too close, resists being held, and does not like cuddling
- lack of responsiveness to others
Behavior:
- can typically be seen performing repetitive behaviors (rocking, hand flapping, spinning)
-sensitive to light, sounds, smells, taste, textures, touch
-known for being experts on a specific topic
-has specific routines/rituals and becomes very upset if those routines and rituals become changed
- lack of make believe play or spontaneous play
Langauge:
-individuals can be heard speaking in abnormal tone of voice
-repeats words, phrases- verbatim
- starts a conversation about one topic of interest and can continue conversation for an extended period of time
-delayed or not age appropriate language development
The characteristic behaviors of autism spectrum disorder may begin to show in between 18-24 months, but usually become quite clear around 24 months to 6 years of age.
Social :
- poor eye contact
- unaware of others feelings
- prefers playing alone
- does not like to be too close, resists being held, and does not like cuddling
- lack of responsiveness to others
Behavior:
- can typically be seen performing repetitive behaviors (rocking, hand flapping, spinning)
-sensitive to light, sounds, smells, taste, textures, touch
-known for being experts on a specific topic
-has specific routines/rituals and becomes very upset if those routines and rituals become changed
- lack of make believe play or spontaneous play
Langauge:
-individuals can be heard speaking in abnormal tone of voice
-repeats words, phrases- verbatim
- starts a conversation about one topic of interest and can continue conversation for an extended period of time
-delayed or not age appropriate language development
The characteristic behaviors of autism spectrum disorder may begin to show in between 18-24 months, but usually become quite clear around 24 months to 6 years of age.
Screening and Diagnosis
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult, since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis.
ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable.[1] However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with an ASD might not get the help they need.
Diagnosing an ASD takes two steps:
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult, since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis.
ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable.[1] However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with an ASD might not get the help they need.
Diagnosing an ASD takes two steps:
- Developmental Screening
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
Types of Treatment
There are no medications that will cure ASD or the core symptoms, but there are several treatment options to help the development of ASD individuals:
Early Intervention
Early intervention is a system of services that helps babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Early intervention focuses on helping eligible babies and toddlers learn the basic and brand-new skills that typically develop during the first three years of life, such as:
There are no medications that will cure ASD or the core symptoms, but there are several treatment options to help the development of ASD individuals:
Early Intervention
Early intervention is a system of services that helps babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Early intervention focuses on helping eligible babies and toddlers learn the basic and brand-new skills that typically develop during the first three years of life, such as:
- physical (reaching, rolling, crawling, and walking);
- cognitive (thinking, learning, solving problems);
- communication (talking, listening, understanding);
- social/emotional (playing, feeling secure and happy); and
- self-help (eating, dressing).
- Assistive technology (devices a child might need)
- Audiology or hearing services
- Speech and language services
- Counseling and training for a family
- Medical services
- Nursing services
- Nutrition services
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Psychological services
TEACCH
TEACCH Autism Program provides clinical services such as diagnostic evaluations, parent training and parent support groups, social play and recreation groups, individual counseling for higher-functioning clients, and supported employment.
Mission: To create, cultivate and disseminate the development of exemplary community-based services, training programs, and research to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan.
Vision: To be the global leader in developing, cultivating and disseminating community-based services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
TEACCH Core Values
TEACHING. We share our knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and increase the skill level of others through innovative education, teaching, and demonstration models.
EXPANDING. We are committed to expanding our own knowledge and that of others to ensure that we offer the highest quality, evidence-based services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and for their families across the lifespan.
APPRECIATING. We understand and appreciate the unique strengths of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
COLLABORATING AND COOPERATING. We embody a spirit of collaboration and cooperation in our interactions with colleagues, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families, and members of the larger community.
HOLISTIC. We stress the importance of looking at the whole person, their families and their communities throughout the lifespan.
TEACCH Autism Program provides clinical services such as diagnostic evaluations, parent training and parent support groups, social play and recreation groups, individual counseling for higher-functioning clients, and supported employment.
Mission: To create, cultivate and disseminate the development of exemplary community-based services, training programs, and research to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan.
Vision: To be the global leader in developing, cultivating and disseminating community-based services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
TEACCH Core Values
TEACHING. We share our knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and increase the skill level of others through innovative education, teaching, and demonstration models.
EXPANDING. We are committed to expanding our own knowledge and that of others to ensure that we offer the highest quality, evidence-based services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and for their families across the lifespan.
APPRECIATING. We understand and appreciate the unique strengths of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
COLLABORATING AND COOPERATING. We embody a spirit of collaboration and cooperation in our interactions with colleagues, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families, and members of the larger community.
HOLISTIC. We stress the importance of looking at the whole person, their families and their communities throughout the lifespan.
Autism Resources
Reaching My Autistic Son Through Disney: www.nytimes.com/2014/03/09/magazine/reaching-my-autistic-son-through-disney.html?_r=0
Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org
3LPlace: www.3lplace.org
Autism Society
Temple Grandin
Disabilityinfo.org
RDIconnect
DIR Floortime
Autism Now
AUTREATS
Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org
3LPlace: www.3lplace.org
Autism Society
Temple Grandin
Disabilityinfo.org
RDIconnect
DIR Floortime
Autism Now
AUTREATS