Autism is one of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) Characterized by: Impaired communication.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is one of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD)

Characterized by: Impaired communication Impaired reciprocal social interaction; and Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors or

interests.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?There are 5 PDD as listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , DSM(4th Ed) and the International Classification of Diseases (10th Ed.)

Autistic Disorder (Classic Autism) Asperger Syndrome Rett disorder Childhood disintegrative disorder Pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-

NOS)

New inclusion: Social Communication Disorder

(http://www.autismspectrumcenter.org/Frequent_Questions.html)

Causes and CharacteristicsCausesResearch suggests that ASD could be genetic and environmental. ASDs are lifelong chronic disabilities with no cure for the core symptoms.

Characteristics – General Be overly sensitive in sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste Be very distressed when routines are changed Perform repeated body movements Show unusual attachments to objects Communication problems may include: Cannot start or maintain a social conversation Communicates with gestures instead of words Develops language slowly or not at all Does not adjust gaze to look at objects that others are looking at Does not refer to self correctly Does not point to direct others' attention to objects Repeats words or memorized passages, such as commercials

Causes and CharacteristicsCharacteristics – Social Interaction Does not make friends Does not play interactive games Is withdrawn May not respond to eye contact or smiles, or may avoid eye contact May treat others as if they are objects Prefers to spend time alone, rather than with others Shows a lack of empathy

Characteristics – Response to sensory information: Does not startle at loud noises Has heightened or low senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste May find normal noises painful and hold hands over ears May withdraw from physical contact because it is over-stimulating or

overwhelming Rubs surfaces, mouths or licks objects Seems to have a heightened or low response to pain

Causes and CharacteristicsCharacteristics – Play Does not imitate the actions of others Prefers solitary or ritualistic play Shows little pretend or imaginative play

Characteristics – Behaviors: Acts up with intense tantrums Gets stuck on a single topic or task Has a short attention span Has very narrow interests Is overactive or very passive Shows aggression to others or self Shows a strong need for sameness Uses repetitive body movements

Autistic Disorder

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001526.htm

Other Disorders in ASD

Asperger Syndrome When autistic symptoms are present with no significant general delay in language or cognitive development

Characteristics – General May be over-focused or obsessed on a single object or topic,

ignoring all others Will present many facts about their subject of interest, but there will

seem to be no point or conclusion Do not recognize that the other person has lost interest in the topic Areas of interest may be quite narrow Do not withdraw from the world and will often approach other

people Have problems with speech and language in a social setting often

lead to isolation

Other Disorders in ASD

Asperger Syndrome

Characteristics – Communication may speak in a monotone may not respond to other people's comments or emotions may not understand sarcasm or humor, or take a figure of speech

literally do not recognize the need to change the volume of their voice in

different settings have problems with eye contact, facial expressions, body postures,

or gestures (nonverbal communication)

Other Disorders in ASD

Asperger Syndrome

Characteristics – Social Interaction may be singled out by other children as "weird" or "strange." have trouble forming relationships with children their own age or

other adults, because they: Are unable to respond emotionally in normal social interactions Are not flexible about routines or rituals Have difficulty showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of

interest to other people Do not express pleasure at other people's happiness

Other Disorders in ASDAsperger Syndrome

Characteristics – Motor Development may show delays in motor development, and unusual physical

behaviors, such as: Delays in being able to ride a bicycle, catch a ball, or climb play

equipment Clumsiness when walking or doing other activities Repetitive finger flapping, twisting, or whole body movements

Asperger Syndrome

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001549.htm

Other Disorders in ASDPervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)A child may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS if he or she shows some behavioural features of autistic disorder but does not meet the full criteria.

For Example:

A child may begin with a diagnosis of PDD-NOS, develop more autistic features with age, and be re-diagnosed with autism or another pervasive development disorder; conversely, a child with autism may improve and be re-diagnosed with PDD-NOS

PDD-NOS is a distinct developmental disorder and is a term used to describe individuals who exhibit differences with personality, language and social behaviour at a higher than average level but lower than that required to meet the diagnostic criteria for PDD.

PDD-NOS

http://www.autism.org.uk/About-autism/Related-conditions/Pervasive-developmental-disorder/PDD-NOS-whats-in-a-name.aspx

Other Conditions ASD Children May HaveSleep Problems Problem falling asleep, staying asleep or others Leads to:

Attention issues; Reduced ability to function Poor behavior Poor health Family stress

Seizures Caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain Can result in:

Short-term loss of consciousness Convulsions Staring spells

Other Conditions ASD Children May HaveTuberous Sclerosis Rare genetic disorder causing growth of noncancerous tumors in the

brain (1 in 4) Linked to:

Epilepsy Physical and mental health problems

Fragile X Syndrome Defective gene that makes a protein for brain development (1 in 3; 1

in 25) Results in:

Intelligence problems, ranging from learning disabilities to severe intellectual disabilities

Social and emotional problems, e.g. aggression in boys Speech and language problems, especially in boys

Fragile X Syndrome

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/fragilexsyndrome.html

Other Conditions ASD Children May HaveGastrointestinal ProblemsChildren with ASD seem to have more GI symptoms, but these findings may not apply to all children with ASD. Children with ASD may not have underlying GI problems, but that their behavior may create GI symptoms.

Co-occurring Mental Disorders People with ASD are at a higher risk of having:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Anxiety disorders Obsessive-compulsive disorder  Tic disorder such as Tourette syndrome 

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml

Treatment for ASD Provide focused and challenging learning activities at the proper

developmental level for the child for at least 25 hours per week and 12 months per year

Have small classes to allow each child to have one-on-one time with the therapist or teacher and small group learning activities

Having special training for teachers, parents and family Encourage activities that include typically developing children, as

long as such activities help meet a specific learning goal Measure and record each child's progress and adjust the

intervention program as needed Provide a high degree of structure, routine, and visual cues, such

as posted activity schedules and clearly defined boundaries, to reduce distractions

Guide the child in adapting learned skills to new situations and settings and maintaining learned skills

Treatment for ASD

Use a curriculum that focuses on: Language and communication Social skills, such as joint attention (looking at other people to

draw attention to something interesting and share in experiencing it)

Self-help and daily living skills, such as dressing and grooming Research-based methods to reduce challenging behaviors, such

as aggression and tantrums Cognitive skills, such as pretend play or seeing someone else's

point of view Typical school-readiness skills, such as letter recognition and

counting.

Treatment for ASDApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Intensive 1 on 1 up to 40 hours per week Goals are to shape and reinforce new behaviors

Verbal Behavior: Focus on teaching language in a sequenced curriculum from simple

to functional communication

Pivotal Response Training Aimed at pivotal skills such as initiation and self-management so

that children can function in inclusive settings

Interpersonal Synchrony: targets social development and imitation skills focuses on teaching children how to establish and maintain

engagement with others.

Treatment for ASD

Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based(DIR)/Floortime Model: aims to build healthy and meaningful relationships and

abilities by following the natural emotions and interests of the child

Uses developmental and relationship-based approaches in natural settings

TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children): emphasizes adapting the child's physical environment and

using visual cues Uses individualized plans for each student

What Does This Mean For PE?

Pick one of the types of ASD given below: Autistic Disorder Asperger Syndrome

Discuss how you may provide a lesson on dribbling in Soccer for a group of 6 students with your selected type.

Share at least 2 strategies you would use

What Does This Mean For PE? Nature of group:

Range of disorders related to the core disorder Not just a grouping of difficulties Strong genetic base but requires psychological level of

understanding

Pedagogy: Approaches may benefit wider group but not necessarily all students Group-specific needs and individual needs to consider

Curriculum Goes beyond the Universal Curriculum Design Model with special

adaptations Teachers’ knowledge , skills and attitudes important Education as therapy rather than curricular adaptations or programs

ReferencesLewis, A. & Norwich, B. (2005). Special Teaching For Special Children?: A

Pedagogies for Inclusion. Berkshire, England: McGraw-Hill Education

National Institute of Mental Health. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Retrieved from: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml

Faras, H., Al Ateeqi, N. & Tidmarsh, L. (2010). Autism Spectrum Disorders. Annals of Saudi Medicine. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2931781/

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Overview. Retrieved from: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/Pages/default.aspx

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