AUTISM JULIE METZNER
2. PREVALENCE Autism is becoming more prevalent in todays society. Prevalence is estimated in 1 in 110 births. Fastest growing developmental disability. Growth rate: 1,148% (Autism Society.org) The prevalence of Autism is four times higher in boys than girls. 3. CAUSES There is no single cause for Autism Spectrum Disorders, but rather several different theories. Vaccines Genetics and Heredity Neurological disorder rather than interpersonal Environmental factors 4. CHARACTERISTICS People with Autism Spectrum Disorders struggle with communication and interpersonal interactions. Impaired Social Interaction Communication Deficits Low vocabulary at a young age Slower language development Repetitive and Stereotyped Behaviors Cognitive Deficits Deficits similar to those with Intellectual Disabilities 5. APPLICATIONS FOR THE CLASSROOM Strengths Weaknesses Splinter Skills Self-Directed Behaviors Spatial Skills Environment Perception Perception of Others 6. INTERVENTIONS Direct Instruction of Skills Provide an environment that is highly structured Uses Positive Reinforcement to reward desired behaviors Utilize Instruction in Natural Settings Provide students with settings that students without disabilities enjoy. These settings provide students with opportunities to learn the natural social interactions with other students their age. Instruction in Natural Settings also provide opportunities for students to work on their language skills. 7. SOURCES www.autism-society.org www.autismspeaks.org Kauffman, James, Daniel Hallahan, and Paige Pullen. Exceptional learners: introduction to special education. ed. Boston: Pearson, 2012. Print.