Autism Spectrum, Socialization Problems, and Communication Disorders Elyssa Baker Courtney Reinhold Elizabeth Staab Amanda Woloshin
Autism Spectrum, Socialization Problems, and Communication Disorders
Autism Spectrum, Socialization Problems, and Communication Disorders
Elyssa BakerCourtney Reinhold
Elizabeth StaabAmanda Woloshin
Elyssa BakerCourtney Reinhold
Elizabeth StaabAmanda Woloshin
Kuder, 2003
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Includes: Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett’s Syndrome, and PDD-NOS
Disorders are distinguished from each other based on Age of onset Presence of language or cognitive delay Presence of co-morbid factors Specific neurological features
Includes: Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett’s Syndrome, and PDD-NOS
Disorders are distinguished from each other based on Age of onset Presence of language or cognitive delay Presence of co-morbid factors Specific neurological features
Communication Disorders and Socialization Problems
Communication Disorders and Socialization Problems
Communication disorder- condition that partially or totally prevents human communication. The defect can be in producing, receiving or understanding the communication.
Socialization problem- an inability to perform social skills other than language. (ex. Eye contact, respond appropriately to others, initiate interactions)
Kauffman, 2005
Communication disorder- condition that partially or totally prevents human communication. The defect can be in producing, receiving or understanding the communication.
Socialization problem- an inability to perform social skills other than language. (ex. Eye contact, respond appropriately to others, initiate interactions)
Kauffman, 2005
Kauffman, 2005
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
Distortion of or lag in all or most levels of development
Includes Autism, Rett's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, Aspergers, PDD-NOZ
Distortion of or lag in all or most levels of development
Includes Autism, Rett's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, Aspergers, PDD-NOZ
Kauffman, 2005
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise
Specified (PDD-NOS)
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise
Specified (PDD-NOS) Pervasive delay in development
that does not fit into any of the other diagnostic categories
Doesn’t fit classification of other PDD disorders, placed here
Pervasive delay in development that does not fit into any of the other diagnostic categories
Doesn’t fit classification of other PDD disorders, placed here
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
Rare condition characterized by late onset (greater than 3 years of age) of developmental delays in 3 areas
Language Social Function Motor Skills
Similar to Autism, but an apparent period of fairly normal development is noted before regression in skills
Children already experience some delay, but delay is not always obvious in young children
Kauffman, 2005/wikipedia.com
Rare condition characterized by late onset (greater than 3 years of age) of developmental delays in 3 areas
Language Social Function Motor Skills
Similar to Autism, but an apparent period of fairly normal development is noted before regression in skills
Children already experience some delay, but delay is not always obvious in young children
Kauffman, 2005/wikipedia.com
Rett’s SyndromeRett’s Syndrome Normal development for 5 months to 4 years, then regression and
mental retardation
Similar to Autism, especially behavior characteristics
X-linked dominant: affecting most exclusively girls, mutation
Affects 1/12,500 girls by the age of 12
Girls are very prone to gastrointestinal disorders and about 30% have seizures
Typically have no verbal skills, and about 50% of females are not ambulatory
Kauffman, 2005/Wikipedia.com
Normal development for 5 months to 4 years, then regression and mental retardation
Similar to Autism, especially behavior characteristics
X-linked dominant: affecting most exclusively girls, mutation
Affects 1/12,500 girls by the age of 12
Girls are very prone to gastrointestinal disorders and about 30% have seizures
Typically have no verbal skills, and about 50% of females are not ambulatory
Kauffman, 2005/Wikipedia.com
AutismAutism
Kauffman, 2005
AutismAutism A Pervasive Development Disorder Onset before age of 3 Qualitative impairment of social
interaction and communication Restricted, repetitive, stereotyped
patterns of behavior, interests, and activities
A Pervasive Development Disorder Onset before age of 3 Qualitative impairment of social
interaction and communication Restricted, repetitive, stereotyped
patterns of behavior, interests, and activities
Kuder, 2003
Symptoms of AutismSymptoms of Autism
TRIAD OF IMPAIRMENTS Communication
In young children, language delay is a strong indicator of Autism (RISK FACTOR)
Social Reciprocity Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors
TRIAD OF IMPAIRMENTS Communication
In young children, language delay is a strong indicator of Autism (RISK FACTOR)
Social Reciprocity Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors
Autism SpectrumAutism Spectrum
Autism Spectrum Disorders
PDD-NOS
AUTISM
ASPERGER SYNDROME
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Rett’s Disorder
PrevalencePrevalence 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with
autism 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum 67 children are diagnosed per day
http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/facts.php
1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum 67 children are diagnosed per day
http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/facts.php
FactsFacts Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year,
a figure expected to double in the next decade Boys are four times more likely than girls to have
autism Autism is the fastest-growing serious
developmental disability in the U.S. More children will be diagnosed with autism this
year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/facts.php
Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/facts.php
EtiologyEtiology There is no real cause of autism. Recent studies suggest a strong genetic basis for
autism -- up to 20 sets of genes may play a part in its development.
Studies are also looking at possible environment origins and triggers.
Movie Cliphttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4uGWiQgRYs
http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/faq.php
There is no real cause of autism. Recent studies suggest a strong genetic basis for
autism -- up to 20 sets of genes may play a part in its development.
Studies are also looking at possible environment origins and triggers.
Movie Cliphttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4uGWiQgRYs
http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/faq.php
AssessmentAssessment
Most children are diagnosed by observation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE9zN1OSKdE
Most children are diagnosed by observation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE9zN1OSKdE
IDEA/EBD QualificationsIDEA/EBD Qualifications
IDEA defines autism as “a developmental disability that primarily results in significant deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication and social interactions, generally evidenced before the age of 3 years and adversely affects the child’s educational performance.”
(Dowdy, Patton, Polloway, and Smith, 2006)
IDEA defines autism as “a developmental disability that primarily results in significant deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication and social interactions, generally evidenced before the age of 3 years and adversely affects the child’s educational performance.”
(Dowdy, Patton, Polloway, and Smith, 2006)
IDEA/EBD Qualifications (cont.)IDEA/EBD Qualifications (cont.)
Fits under IDEA if… Adversely effects the student’s educational
performance. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory
interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.
Inappropriate types of behavior of feelings under normal circumstances
(Kauffman, 2005)
Fits under IDEA if… Adversely effects the student’s educational
performance. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory
interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.
Inappropriate types of behavior of feelings under normal circumstances
(Kauffman, 2005)
Comorbidity IssuesComorbidity Issues
anxiety and depression ADHD mental retardation a behavior disorder problems with hearing odd and eccentric behavior(Autism Society of America, 2000)
anxiety and depression ADHD mental retardation a behavior disorder problems with hearing odd and eccentric behavior(Autism Society of America, 2000)
Prevention StrategiesPrevention Strategies There are two types of prevention
according to Kauffman:1. Primary
-involves physiological prevention strategies that include genetic counseling and prenatal care
2. Secondary -consists of early identification and intervention-educational programs play an important role in secondary prevention
(Kauffman, 2005)
There are two types of prevention according to Kauffman:
1. Primary-involves physiological prevention strategies that include genetic counseling and prenatal care
2. Secondary -consists of early identification and intervention-educational programs play an important role in secondary prevention
(Kauffman, 2005)
InterventionIntervention Importance of intensive early intervention for
young children across the autism spectrum These children share a common diagnostic label,
each has own individual needs. Intervention should address the core deficits that
the ASD share communication social problems sensory problems academic difficulties
(Autism Society of America, 2000)
Importance of intensive early intervention for young children across the autism spectrum
These children share a common diagnostic label, each has own individual needs.
Intervention should address the core deficits that the ASD share communication social problems sensory problems academic difficulties
(Autism Society of America, 2000)
Intervention (cont.)Intervention (cont.) For effective intervention, parents and
professionals should consider the following: 1. A curriculum which addresses deficit
areas Deficit areas include: Inability to attend to relevant aspects of the environment, to shift attention, and to imitate language and the actions of others;
2. Difficulty in social interactions;
For effective intervention, parents and professionals should consider the following: 1. A curriculum which addresses deficit
areas Deficit areas include: Inability to attend to relevant aspects of the environment, to shift attention, and to imitate language and the actions of others;
2. Difficulty in social interactions;
Intervention (cont.)Intervention (cont.)
3. Difficulty with language comprehension and use, and functional communication
4. Programs that focus on routines, schedules, and predictability
5. Coordinated transitions between early intervention/preschool programs, and kindergarten environments
3. Difficulty with language comprehension and use, and functional communication
4. Programs that focus on routines, schedules, and predictability
5. Coordinated transitions between early intervention/preschool programs, and kindergarten environments
Intervention (cont.)Intervention (cont.)
6. Family involvement, including coordination between home and involved professionals, an in-home training component, and family training and support
(Autism Society of America, 2000)
6. Family involvement, including coordination between home and involved professionals, an in-home training component, and family training and support
(Autism Society of America, 2000)
Treatment OptionsTreatment Options There is no one symptom or behavior that
identifies individuals with ASD which leads to having no single treatment that will be effective for all people on the spectrum
Treatment must begin as early as possible and be tailored to the child's unique strengths, weaknesses and needs.
Treatments may be obtained through either the medical or educational community, depending on the nature of the treatment
There is no one symptom or behavior that identifies individuals with ASD which leads to having no single treatment that will be effective for all people on the spectrum
Treatment must begin as early as possible and be tailored to the child's unique strengths, weaknesses and needs.
Treatments may be obtained through either the medical or educational community, depending on the nature of the treatment
Medical TreatmentMedical Treatment There are no drugs, vitamins or special diets that can
correct underlying neurological problems associated with autism
Changes to diet and the addition of certain vitamins or minerals may also help with behavioral issues that occur with Autism
Stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine, used to treat hyperactivity in children with ADHD have also been prescribed for children with ASD due to the behavior problems that are common in children with ADHD
(Autism Society of America, 2000)
There are no drugs, vitamins or special diets that can correct underlying neurological problems associated with autism
Changes to diet and the addition of certain vitamins or minerals may also help with behavioral issues that occur with Autism
Stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall and Dexedrine, used to treat hyperactivity in children with ADHD have also been prescribed for children with ASD due to the behavior problems that are common in children with ADHD
(Autism Society of America, 2000)
Aspergers SyndromeAspergers Syndrome
Aspergers SyndromeAspergers Syndrome “Children with Asperger syndrome do not show
clinically significant general delay in language, nor do they show significant delay in cognitive development or the development of age appropriate self-help skills or adaptive behavior. Thus, although they have significant problems in socialization and manifest some of the peculiarly obsessive or repetitive behaviors of children with autism, their language and cognitive development are much more normal than is typical for autism.”
(Kauffman, 2005)
“Children with Asperger syndrome do not show clinically significant general delay in language, nor do they show significant delay in cognitive development or the development of age appropriate self-help skills or adaptive behavior. Thus, although they have significant problems in socialization and manifest some of the peculiarly obsessive or repetitive behaviors of children with autism, their language and cognitive development are much more normal than is typical for autism.”
(Kauffman, 2005)
Aspergers Syndrome Characteristics
Aspergers Syndrome Characteristics
Marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatis_asperger
Marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatis_asperger
Intervention and TreatmentIntervention and Treatment Aspergers syndrome can be treated
and can take the same intervention methods as a person with autism
People with Aspergers syndrome need special attention with socialization problems when intervening
Aspergers syndrome can be treated and can take the same intervention methods as a person with autism
People with Aspergers syndrome need special attention with socialization problems when intervening
ASD Spectrum PrognosisASD Spectrum Prognosis
Because of such a wide spectrum, there are not any certain characteristics that can be applied to each person with autism
No two children will have the same outcome later in life living with autism
Because of such a wide spectrum, there are not any certain characteristics that can be applied to each person with autism
No two children will have the same outcome later in life living with autism
Case StudyCase Study Charlie’s parents noted something different about their child
when he was about 2 years old. Up until that time he had developed perfectly. He walked at 13 months, started babbling at about 15 months, and loved to play with adults and other children. Then things began to change. His babbling stopped, he developed sort of a blank stare, his early success at toilet training seemed to be reversed, and he stopped paying attention to other children and adults. When he was about 3 years old, his parents took him to the state children’s hospital, and the diagnosis was autism. What a shock! Charlie was placed in a preschool program and has been in special education services ever since. Now at the age of 7 he is enjoying being in a regular second grade classroom. In his kindergarten and first grade experience he was placed in a self-contained special education classroom. During these two years Charlie seemed to regress. He actually started picking up some of the other children’s stereotypical, self-stimulating behaviors. His parents convinced the school to give Charlie a try in the regular second grade, with some special education support. Now, in December, Charlie seems to be doing very well. While he has very little oral language, he seems to enjoy being with his nondisabled peers and is able to do most of the academic work with the assistance of a paraprofessional.
(Dowdy, Patton, Polloway, and Smith, 2006)
Charlie’s parents noted something different about their child when he was about 2 years old. Up until that time he had developed perfectly. He walked at 13 months, started babbling at about 15 months, and loved to play with adults and other children. Then things began to change. His babbling stopped, he developed sort of a blank stare, his early success at toilet training seemed to be reversed, and he stopped paying attention to other children and adults. When he was about 3 years old, his parents took him to the state children’s hospital, and the diagnosis was autism. What a shock! Charlie was placed in a preschool program and has been in special education services ever since. Now at the age of 7 he is enjoying being in a regular second grade classroom. In his kindergarten and first grade experience he was placed in a self-contained special education classroom. During these two years Charlie seemed to regress. He actually started picking up some of the other children’s stereotypical, self-stimulating behaviors. His parents convinced the school to give Charlie a try in the regular second grade, with some special education support. Now, in December, Charlie seems to be doing very well. While he has very little oral language, he seems to enjoy being with his nondisabled peers and is able to do most of the academic work with the assistance of a paraprofessional.
(Dowdy, Patton, Polloway, and Smith, 2006)
Case Study QuestionsCase Study Questions1. Where on the ASD would you place Charlie and
why?2. Is there a preferred placement for children with
autism?3. What kinds of supports should be available for
Charlie to facilitate his success in the regular classroom?
4. Is a child ever ready for inclusion, or does the school have to make the placement decision and provide the necessary supports to make it work?
5. As a parent where would you want Charlie placed, and what could you do to ensure Charlie is receiving supports at home as well as school?
1. Where on the ASD would you place Charlie and why?
2. Is there a preferred placement for children with autism?
3. What kinds of supports should be available for Charlie to facilitate his success in the regular classroom?
4. Is a child ever ready for inclusion, or does the school have to make the placement decision and provide the necessary supports to make it work?
5. As a parent where would you want Charlie placed, and what could you do to ensure Charlie is receiving supports at home as well as school?