AUTISMNatasa StolevskiColleen VictorTristin Fisher

DIAGNOSIS- must be made before age 3- based on behavior- at least 6 symptoms total - at least 2 impairments in social interaction - at least 1 impairment in communication - at least 1 symptom of restricted and repetitive behavior- exact mechanism of disease is unknown - alters how neurons and synapses are organized and connected- highly variable- steady course without remission- one of the five Pervasive Developmental Disorders- Asperger syndrome is closely related, but without substantial delay in language

Biological Factors• explained by either rare mutations or by rare combinations

of common gene variations

• prevalence: 1-2 per 1000 people worldwide

• strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects

• controversial environmental causes

• brains of autistic children tend to grow faster just after birth, then slow down to normal or below growth in childhood

Many Theories• empathizing-systemizing theory: can develop

internal rules of operation to handle events inside the brain, but are less effective at empathizing by handling other events

• theory of mind approach: autistic behavior arises from an inability to ascribe mental states to oneself and others

• executive dysfunction theory: autistic behavior results from deficits in working memory, planning, inhibition, and other forms of executive function

• weak central coherence theory: central disturbance in autism is underlied by a limited ability to see the big picture

Social Development• social impairments, lack intuition to understand others

• infants show less attention to social stimuli, do not smile or look at others as often, and do not respond as much to their name

• toddlers do not express themselves with normal simple movements, like pointing

• older children and adults perform worse on tests of face and emotion recognition

• more intense and frequent loneliness

• difficult to make and keep friendships

Communication• 1/3 to 1/2 of individuals do not develop enough speech to meet daily

needs

• unusual pattern of language development in infants

• echolalia: simply repeat others’ words instead of using their own

• deficits in joint attention affect speech

• ex. look at hand instead of object it points to

• difficulty with imaginative play and developing symbols into language

• people are likely to overestimate what individuals with autism can comprehend

Repetitive Behavior

• stereotypy: repetitive movement

• hand flapping, making sounds, head rolling, body rocking

• compulsive behavior: intended and follows rules

• arranging objects in lines

• sameness: resistance to change

• refusing to be interrupted

Repetitive Behavior• ritualistic behavior: unvarying pattern of daily

activities

• dressing rituals

• restricted behavior: limited in focus, interest or activity

• preoccupation with a TV show

• self-injury: movements that injure or harm the person

• eye poking, skin picking, hand biting, head banging

Other Symptoms

• 0.5-10% show unusual abilities: superior skills in perception and attention

• over 90% have sensory abnormalities, such as distress from loud noises

• 60-80% have motor signs (poor muscle tone, toe walking)

• 75% have unusual eating behavior (selectivity, refusal, rituals)

Familial Symptoms

• parents have higher levels of stress

• siblings have greater admiration of and less conflict with their siblings when compared to those with unaffected siblings

• but, siblings have a greater risk of negative well-being and poorer sibling relationships as adults

People with autism face many issues...

People with autism face many issues, involving problems, on a day to day basis

They may find it difficult to communicate with other people or to socialize with them, and they may have additional conditions, such as epilepsy, which bring their own issues.

They may simply feel frustrated at trying to cope with other people’s ignorance and prejudice about autism and what it actually means.

Prejudice

Many people believe that people with autism are:

mentally retarded

unsafe

stupid

mean

These are NOT true!!!

Discrimination

Abused in classrooms

Called names

Harassed

Bullied

Excluded

Forced into sterilization

Integrating into SocietyMost people on the autism spectrum find it hard to integrate into society. for example, they may struggle to :

Find of keep a job

Run a home by themselves

Begin or maintain a relationship

Communicate effectively

Discrimination

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN7LV7OhVnM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LZGfe-BeOA&feature=related

Americans with Disabilities ActMeant to protect the disabled - and the unique problems presented by the increasing number of those on the autism spectrum,

Helps people with autism thrive and feel accepted as part of society, rather than be subjected to blanket discrimination and exclusion stemming from widespread ignorance.

Three fundamental areas in which progress must be made are:

Education - Students with autism are entitled to appropriate instruction. Teachers do not have adequate training to teach these students and many of them are marginalized by school systems.

Healthcare - The insurance industry must end its financial discrimination against these families, by allowing GI and other medical treatment to be covered rather than excluded.

Government Assistance Programs- Most communities offer few or no services as autistic children become young adults. Governments should create programs aimed at helping young adults with job training, special living situations, and general help so these individuals can become productive, independent members of society.

What can YOU do...Urge and promote awareness, education and sensitivity.

Individuals with autism can never fulfill their maximum potential if they are excluded and ignored. Society must re-evaluate its perception and treatment of individuals on the autism spectrum, and provide them with the same respect, services and opportunities given to everyone else.

Advocacy Plan

April 2nd

World Autism Awareness Day

Raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis and intervention

Light it up blue

http://lightitupblue.org/Markslist/home.do

AdvocacySupporting Michigan legislation

March 29, 2012

Insurance companies offer coverage for autism treatments:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): behavior therapy that’s the evidence-based treatment of choice

Occupational therapy (OT): sensory based interventions and speech therapy

They want coverage for more intensive and costly behavioral therapies for autism

AdvocacyVolunteer

Autism clubs

Autism camps

Job placement

Donate

Be a spokesperson

Get Involved!!!

Bullying Campaign

Set up a bullying campaign at a local school

Weekly meetings with kids with Autism and kids w/o disabilities

Free Pizza

Teach peers to advocate for kids with Autism. “Peer support group”

Activities for Kids with AutismThere are many social skills activities for kids with autism that parents and caregivers can develop on their own. They can cater activities to suit the child's specific needs and interests. Games and stories are excellent selections, and it isn't always necessary to purchase special activities. Some great ideas to consider include the following:

Relational Activities

Peek-a-boo, Facial Expressions

Songs and Poems

Art Activities

Sensory Integration Activities

Playgrounds, Textured Blocks, Running Games

Everyday Activities

Model Appropriate Behavior

Your Turn!

Activity: Fill in the Blank!!Teens with ASD may...

Follow certain _________, such as taking the same route to class

Have a hard time ______ with everyday challenges

Not able to make ______ ______

Become overwhelmed by _______ things

May ______ too close while talking

Not able to interpret _____ expressions

May make _________ comments

How can I be a friend?_____ their differences

_____ in a manner that’s age appropriate.

Be _____ and give extra time if needed

_____ your friend from bullies

Join activities ____ like

____ others about autism and how to accept it

ANY QUESTIONS?