What is Autism Awareness Month?

Autism Awareness Month, celebrated every year in April, provides an opportunity for families, friends, and local communities to raise public awareness about autism. It is sponsored by the Autism Society of America (ASA). Individuals and communities can get involved by participating in activities sponsored by their local ASA chapter or by promoting services related to autism.

What is autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual's social interaction and communication. It is known as a spectrum disorder, because it affects each individual in different ways and to varying degrees. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2001), autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 2 to 6 of every 1,000 individuals. Overall, the incidence of autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls and typically appears during the first 3 years of life. Children and adults with autism tend to have difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communications, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

What causes autism?

There is no single known cause for autism. However, it is generally agreed that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans have shown differences in the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism when compared to those without the condition. Researchers are investigating a number of theories, including a link between heredity, genetics, and birth-related medical problems. Psychological factors are not believed to be the cause of autism.

How is autism treated?

Experts agree that early intervention is important in addressing the symptoms associated with autism. Most professionals also agree that individuals with autism respond well to highly structured, specialized education programs that are designed to meet the individual's particular needs. In any treatment plan, it is important for family members and treatment providers to address areas of social skill development, communication, behavior, and sensory integration.

Autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder is a significant neurological disorder that affects behavior, the ability to communicate and interact socially. Children with autism do not develop mental, social or physical skills in typical sequence. Some PDD children may sit for hours by themselves and appear to be engrossed in some mindless task, or repetitive self stimulating activity. Both the severity and the range of disordered thought and behaviors vary greatly from one child to the next.

Students with autism or PDD benefit from an individualized program that is predictable, structured and consistently focuses on improving, verbal and nonverbal communication, social and behavior development, self awareness, and self help lifeskills. Whenever possible programming should be age appropriate, interactive and functional.

Best Practices

·         Use social stories for transitional times, try to keep transitions minimal.

·         Provide a predictable and consistent activity classroom schedule.

·         Provide a quiet area and frequent relaxation time.

·         Use visual pictorial prompts.

·         Provide opportunities for sharing and turn taking experiences.

·         Encourage choice making.

·         Use concrete materials when presenting new material.

·         Provide immediate and consistent feedback.

·         Be patient and allow extended response time.

·         Provide alternate modes of communication (pictorial boards).

·         Avoid over stimulating activities.

·         Utilize technology and appropriate software.

·         Provide instruction in small sequential steps.

·         Maintain communication between school and home