What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is

caused by difficulties in the brain
(CDC, 2021). This developmental
disorder affects the individual's
communication and behavior. ASD
can be diagnosed in any stage of
life, with signs and symptoms
Introduction starting to appear in the first few
Early
According to research from (Data and years of life.
Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder | Intervention
CDC, 2020), about 17% of children ages
ranging from 3-17 years of age have been Strategies for
diagnosed with a developmental disability children with
from a study conducted from 2009-2017. 1
in 54 children have been identified with Autism
ASD.

This brochure informs parents, adults, and

families about Autism Spectrum Disorder
and how you can implement different
strategies to address the needs of the
children with this disability.

Latoya Wharton
GCU SPD-500
Professor Dr. Bassanya Bryant
September 1, 2021
 Family Intervention
Instructional
Strategies
Strategies • Look into Applied Behavioral
Analysis Therapy (ABA) to
• Introduce a welcoming and
incorporate goals and other
comfortable learning
skills you want to implement
environment
at home
• Be calm, understanding, and
• Incorporating "floor time" or
positive.
play time. This encourages
• Pair the students with
back and forth
positive role models who are
communication whether it
going to be patient and
be verbal or non-verbal
helpful • Play therapy could be a
• Implement First, Then charts helpful resource to build
to help students who may social interaction and
need structure and visual communication skills
cues throughout the day
• Avoid sensory overload
• Establish a rountine that you
will do daily
• Give opportunities for one-
on-one instruction and small
group work
Communication/ Local Organizations to
Collaboration Support Autism
• The "Autism Society" is a non-profit
Strategies organization that advocates with for
individuals with autism. Frederick County –
• Motivation is key. Finding something that http://www.asafrederickmd.org/, (301) 746-
motivates the student and keeps them 8080
interested in focused on learning difficult • Pathfinders for Autism was created by
skills can help them become more parents of students with autism. Their
successful in academics and development. mission is to support individuals and their
families living with autism. PATHFINDERS FOR
• Collaborating with the team to develop an AUTISM 235 Schilling Circle, Suite 103
IEP. The IEP is written to allow parents and Hunt Valley, MD 21031 Phone: 443.330.5370
teachers to grasp a better understanding of • The Center for Communication and Learning
what the child needs to be successful is a center that works with individuals on
communication skills. 6208 Montrose Road
• Implement communication technology Rockville, Maryland 20852 301-468-9343
devices to allow students the ability to info@ccl-md.com
communicate with their teachers,
family, and peers. Communication
devices are an excellent tool to help
References
students participate and learn more
effectively Autism Prevalence Update (2020) – Pathfinders for Autism. (2020). Pathfinders for Autism - I
Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder | CDC. (2020, September 25). Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
Improving the Lives of Individuals with Autism and the People Who Care for Them.
https://pathfindersforautism.org/autism-prevalence-update-2020/
Rudy, L. J. (2020b, September 2). 6 Easy, Lower-Cost Ways to Become Your Child’s Autism Therapist.
Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/low-cost-autism-therapies-parents-can-provide-at-
home-4172365
Signs & Symptoms | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | NCBDDD | CDC. (2021, March 29). Centers fo
Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html