Autism & Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism & Autism Spectrum Disorder

Rogelio O. Daniel Jr.

American InterContinental University

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Conditions• The Affected• Signs & Symptoms

Conditions

• Autistic Disorder– Most associated with “Autism”– Significant Language Delays– Social and Communication Challenges– Unusual Behaviors and Interests– Intellectual Disability

Conditions

• Pervasive Developmental Disorders - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)– AKA Atypical Autism– Not All are Diagnosed PDD-NOS– Fewer & Milder Symptoms– Only Social and Communication Challenges

Conditions

• Asperger’s Syndrome– Symptoms are milder– Social Challenges– Unusual Behavior and Interests– Do not Have Language or Intellectual Disabilities

The Affected

ASDs occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but are four times more likely to occur in boys than in girls (CDC.gov, 2012).

The Affected

•About 1 in 150 people are ASD (CDC.gov, 2012)

The Affected

• More people than ever before are being diagnosed with an ASD.

Signs and Symptoms

• Auditory/Visual• Tactile

Signs and Symptoms

• Auditory/Visual– No BIG Smiles– No Joyful expressions– No “cooing” back and forth– No Babbling

Signs and Symptoms

• Tactile– No Back and Forth Gestures• Pointing• Showing• Reaching

– Hypersensitive– Repetitive Movements

Treatment

• Behavior Treatments• Medicine

Treatment

• Treating the Core Symptoms– Applied Behavior Analysis, Early Start Denver

Model– Floor time, Pivotal Response Therapy– Verbal Behavior Therapy

Conclusion

• Cause?• Genetic• Environmental• Cure?• Treatment Therapy Medication

To learn more about Autism and the Autism Spectrum Disorder visit www.autismspeaks.org

References

• Yeargin, M. Dr. (2010). In What is Autism? Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/NCBDDD/autism/videos/whatisautism.html

• CDC.gov. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

• Autismspeaks.org. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment