Transcript Autism Spectrum Disorder

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
A Guide for Families Served By DCFS
Presented By Susan Hamre, MA, SLP/CCC , Director
Autism Training Center at Giant Steps
Basic Facts
Basic Facts
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Autism occurs in 1 in 88 children
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Autism is 4x more likely to occur in boys than in girls
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Autism is found in all racial, ethnic, economic and social groups
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Autism is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined
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While there is no known cause nor cure for autism, research suggests that genetics appears
to play a strong role. Additionally, a great deal is now known about appropriate training
and management of all levels of ASD.
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Early intervention is known to be extremely helpful in managing symptoms
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Autism has increased tenfold in the last decade
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Autism is NOT caused by bad parenting
The American Psychiatric Association….
Defines autism spectrum disorder as the “presence of markedly
abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and
communication and a markedly restricted repertoire of activity
and interests”
(APA 2000)
Autism
Rett ‘s
Ratio: 4 to 1
Boys to Girls
Prevalence: 1 in 88
(in girls)
Childhood
Disintegrative
Disorders
Aspergers
Syndrome
PDD-NOS
Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Not Otherwise Specified
Ranges from severe form called Autistic Disorder to a milder form called Asperger
Syndrome. Listed below are some outstanding characteristics:
May occur as aloof
May engage with toys/activities in an unusual
manner
May have altered auditory comprehension
system
May be echolalic (repeats what you say)
May respond differently to sensory input
(shield eyes from light, ears from noise,
may not want to be touched)
May experience aggressive behaviors in attempt
to communicate something
May have missing, minimal or altered social
skills
May demonstrate an unusual interest/skill in one
particular topic or area
May demonstrate little to no interest in personal
hygiene
Types of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism: represents a more severe form of ASD with approximately 40% exhibiting
cognitive delay…some are nonverbal or minimally verbal…typically altered sensory
and behavior aspects may be present
Asperger Syndrome: may have high or relatively high intelligence and are verbal but
typically demonstrate missing or altered social and pragmatic skills. They are VERY
literal thinkers and often occur as argumentative when in fact, they are simply responding
to how their brain puts concepts together. They may also have sensory and behavioral
challenges. They often lack the ability to take any one else’s perspective
Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): diagnosis for
individuals who do not meet specified criteria of either Autistic Disorder or Asperger
Syndrome but share many of the known ASD characteristics
Rett Syndrome: found in females and represents a severe form of autism. Typical skills
develop when the girls are young but degenerate as they mature
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder : resemble symptoms of Rett Syndrome but can
include the male population
Autism Spectrum Disorder is Diverse
When you have met one person with autism,
you have met one person with autism
Possible Impact on Families
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For years there was an 80% divorce rate however, recent
research suggests that this percentage is slowly reducing
Denial, Frustration, Guilt, Doctor Shopping, Blame, Anger,
Fear, Depression, Anxiety, Sadness, Curiosity are just some
of the feelings that a parent can experience
Some schools are minimally equipped to adequately teach
individuals with ASD, creating more frustration in the home
Be aware that parents may also have ASD…this may impact
your communication success with them
Don’t be alarmed if a home looks something like a fortress.
Most likely the locks on doors, windows, etc. are an attempt
to keep the child safe…but it is always a good idea to ask
10 Things to Know when Dealing with a
Person with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Affected individual may look like any other individual
They may not understand what you are saying or may
have a very delayed response – count to 20 slowly before
you ask your question again
Individuals with ASD are generally are more responsive to
visual input than verbal input. It is good idea to have a
white erase board nearby
Locate family member to obtain additional information if
possible
Stay calm at all times, speak softly and slowly, make every
attempt to reassure the individual that they are okay and
you are here to help
10 Things to Know when Dealing with a
Person with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Try to remove your jewelry and/or any other shiny objects if
possible
Find out what their interests/skills are – figure out a way to
GET IN RELATIONSHIP with them. This will increase your
chances of obtaining the information you need. With
Aspergers, the rule is ….”can be very helpful”
Biting, hitting, slapping, hair pulling, yelling and pinching are
common reactions when in an escalated state including
occasional vomiting or urination – keep yourself as safe as
possible
Consider this a medical call by possibly calling for EMT support
Continue to increase your awareness of the characteristics of
ASD and always remember, they are doing the best they can
with the tools they have to work with
How Can You Support?
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Let the family know you are there to help them in any way possible
Build a trusting relationship with the family as well as the individual
with ASD
Ask what they feel they need.
Talk with all family members as well as neighbors, school personnel,
etc. to gain their perspective on what is happening
Give families this site as a place to communicate with other parents
www.meetup.com/autismmoms
Contact any of the following support systems for more information
on ASD:
www.mygiantsteps.org
www.autismspeaks.org
www.rush.edu/autism