WHAT İS AUTİSM?

Autism is known as a complex developmental disability.

Experts believe that Autism presents itself during the first three years of a person's life.

The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function, affecting development of the person's communication and social interaction skills.

People with autism have issues with non-verbal communication, a wide range of social interactions, and activities that include an element of play and/or banter

CAUSES

Autism has no single, known cause. Given the complexity of the disease, and the fact that symptoms and severity vary, there are probably many causes. Both genetics and environment may play a role.

Genetic problems Several genes appear to be involved in

autism. Some may make a child more susceptible to the disorder. 

 Others affect brain development or the way that brain cells communicate. 

Environmental factors. Researchers are currently exploring whether such factors as viral infections, complications during pregnancy and air pollutants play a role in triggering autism.

HOW IS AUTİSM DİAGNOSED?

 Presently, we don’t have a medical test that can diagnose autism. Instead, specially trained physicians and psychologists administer autism-specific behavioral evaluations.

Often parents are the first to notice that their child is showing unusual behaviors such as failing to make eye contact, not responding to his or her name or playing with toys in unusual, repetitive ways. For a description of early indicators of autism, see Learn the Signs.

HOW TO TEACH AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Although each autistic child is an individual who responds to teaching methods differently, there are a few strategies that are generally applied to help autistic children succeed in educational goals.

STEPS

Delineate the teaching space. This is because autistic children often have trouble coping with different environments or chaotic spaces.

Construct your teaching area with separate and defined stations such as toys, crafts and dress up.

Create a predictable schedule. Many autistic children thrive on a predictable schedule, so giving them the security to know what to expect each day is beneficial.

Place a clearly-visible analog clock on the wall and tape images that represent the day's activities and the times they occur.

Refer to this clock while mentioning the time that activities are to take place.

Use closed captions on a television to promote reading.The closed captions on a television allow the child to simultaneously associate printed words with spoken words.

If a child has a favorite television show, record the show with the closed captions and incorporate the show as part of the reading lesson.

Allow the children to their lesson plans. Autistic children are just as capable of learning as non-autistic children.

They simply need to find a strategy for proper information absorption.Observe what objects the children gravitate toward.

Do they need to walk to list the alphabet? Does holding a blanket help them to read aloud? Whatever it may be, allow the children to learn within their own framework.

Teach autistic children social modeling. Many autistic children have difficulties being attuned to emotion, motivations and other social cues that are instinctive among non-autistic children.Read stories to show proper behavior in different situations.

For example, read a story about a child who is sad and point out a frown or tears as examples of sadness to help an autistic child learn how to pick up on emotions. The child can learn by memorization.

Use fixations to facilitate the learning process. Many autistic children fixate on certain items and this can be used as an advantage when teaching.

For example, if a child is fixated on cars, use the cars to teach geography on a map by "driving" the car to different states.

Avoid long verbal commands. This can be confusing, as autistic children often have trouble understanding sequences.If the child can read, write down the instructions.

Give instructions in small steps.

TREATMENTS & THERAPİES

How is Autism Treated?Treatment for autism is usually a very intensive, comprehensive undertaking that involves the child’s entire family and a team of professionals. Some programs may take place in your home.

These may be based in your home with professional specialists and trained therapists or may include training for you to serve as a therapist for your child under supervision of a professional.

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TREATMENT FOR THE CORE SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM

Most families use one type of intensive intervention that best meets the needs of their child and their parenting style. The intensive interventions described here require multiple hours per week of therapy, and address behavioral, developmental, and/or educational goals.

They are developed specifically to treat autism. During the course of treatment, it may be necessary to reevaluate which method is best for your child.

 

Before we get into the types of therapies available, it is helpful to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Although research and experience have revealed many of the mysteries surrounding autism, it remains a complex disorder that impacts each child differently.

However, many children with autism have made remarkable breakthroughs with the right combination of therapies and interventions. Most parents would welcome a cure for their child, or a therapy that would alleviate all of the symptoms and challenges that make life difficult for them. Just as your child’s challenges can’t be summed up in one word, they can’t be remedied with one therapy.