AUTISM

SPECTRUM
DISORDER
A complex neurodevelopmental disorder
affecting behavior, communication, and
sensory experiences
WHAT IS AUTISM?
• A complex neurodevelopmental
disorder that affects how a person
perceives the world, communicates,
and interacts with others
• Causes difficulties in social
communication, behavior, and
sensory experiences
• Spectrum disorder – each individual
has a unique combination of
strengths and challenges
Five Types within ASD
• Autistic Disorder
• Impaired functioning across cognitive, social and communication domains
• Asperger Syndrome
• Difficulty with social interaction, but not with intelligence
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Late onset of developmental delays in language, social function & motor skills
• Rett Syndrome
• Progressive loss of motor skills and language
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder
• Delays in development of social and communication skills
 Common Symptoms and Behaviors

Social Challenges Communication Differences Repetitive Behaviors

• Difficulty understanding • Delayed speech or language • Engaging in repetitive
social cues and gestures development movements or activities
• Struggle with making • Repetitive language patterns • Insistence on sameness and
and maintaining (echolalia)
friendships routines
• Limited eye contact or • Difficulty starting or • Intense interests in specific
preference for solitary maintaining conversations subjects
activities • Lack of expression of emotions
Onset and Prevalence
• Children affected are born with the
disorder
• Typically becomes apparent in
early childhood (age 2 or 3 years)
and lasts throughout a person's
lifetime
• According to WHO, approximately
1 in 100 children suffer with ASD
worldwide
CAUSES
• A combination of genetic and
environmental factors (family history
and traits, prenatal and natal
exposures)
• Differences in brain development,
neural connections, and
neurotransmitter levels
Other Treatments
• Special educational support – Individual
Educational Plans (IEPs) to meet each child’s
needs

• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) to use

positive reinforcement and specific
techniques to teach skills

• Parent and family training to cope with

stress and support the child
 • Ignoring their needs
• Comparing them to other kids
Behaviors to • Yelling or hitting
Avoid as a • Not communicating enough
Parent • Isolating yourself and child
• Lack of routine
• Insulting, demotivating or calling names
THANK YOU! ANY
QUESTIONS?