An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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An Introduction toAn Introduction to

Autism Spectrum DisorderAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)(ASD)

Presented by Presented by Nomi KaimNomi Kaim

With Personal Accounts With Personal Accounts by by Nomi KaimNomi Kaim and and Abram KellyAbram Kelly,,

Adults with Asperger SyndromeAdults with Asperger Syndrome

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What is a Spectrum?What is a Spectrum?

A “spectrum” is a continuum – something that varies gradually across a wide range.

ExampleExample: TheThe Electromagnetic SpectrumElectromagnetic Spectrum

What varies is the wavelength.

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The Autism SpectrumThe Autism Spectrum

What varies is how severely a person is affected.

“SEVERE” “MILD”

Severe Autism Asperger Syndrome

Absent LANGUAGE Normal-Superior

Low IQ Average-High

People on the autism spectrum range from being as helpless as infants to being world-famous intellectuals!

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ASD is a ASD is a “Pervasive Neuro-“Pervasive Neuro-Developmental Disorder”Developmental Disorder”

• “PervasivePervasive” = it affects many different areas of your life (school, relationships, leisure…)

• “NeuroNeuro” = “Neurological” = it affects the physical structure of your brain

• “DevelopmentalDevelopmental DisorderDisorder” = you are born with it; you have it your whole life; and it affects the way your brain develops – as well as the way you yourself develop and mature

ASD is caused by having a brain that processes information differently.

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Facts about Autism Spectrum Facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Disorder (ASD)

• Affects about 1 in 100 people (but many people don’t know they have it)

• At least 4 times as common in males as in females

• A “heterogeneous” disorder: People with ASD can be very different from one another

• Most people with ASD come across as unusual, odd immature, eccentric, or different in some way

• A neurological or brain disorder, but not a mental illness – just as ADHD and dyslexia are not mental illnesses

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Part I: Social-Part I: Social-Communication ProblemsCommunication Problems

All People with ASD have difficulty communicatingeffectively.

This may include:

• Not being able to look people in the eye

• Not understanding when someone is joking or being sarcastic

• Saying things that are very inappropriate

• Talking too much and not listening

• Only talking about yourself or topics that interest you

Poor communication causes problems in a wide rangeof social settings (school, work, friendships, dating…)

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Part II: Inflexible Part II: Inflexible Repetitive BehaviorsRepetitive Behaviors

People with ASD have repetitive routines that they are inflexible about changing.

These may include:

• Flapping arms, rocking body, or other movements

• Doing the same activities, eating the same foods, and/or wearing the same clothes according to a rigid schedule

• Engaging in the same hobbies over and over

• Talking about the same topics over and over

• Not wanting to try new things – even fun things

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Part III: Other Common Part III: Other Common Problems for People with ASDProblems for People with ASD

Most people with ASD (but not all) have difficultiesin at least some of the following areas:

(1) Over-Sensitivity to Sound, Touch, Light, etc.

(2) Poor Motor Coordination

(3) Poor Independent Living Skills

(4) Poor Organization (physical and mental)

(5) Learning Problems

(6) Anxiety (and sometimes depression)

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Part IV: Part IV: GoodGood Things About ASD! Things About ASD!

(1) Special Interests, Talents, and Expertise

Over-focusing on a specific topic of interest can lead to becoming an expert in it!

(2) Truthfulness

People with ASD generally do not lie, deceive, or manipulate people.

(3) Diligence and Conscientiousness

People with ASD are very reliable workers.

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The End!The End!

Thoughts?

Questions?

Wondering about someone you know?

Feel free to contact me:[email protected]