Autistic Spectrum Disorder

A. Autistic Spectrum disorder:

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, along with restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Autism is an enigmatic disorder of unknown etiology that affects almost all areas of development and is present from birth. Across the country, states are reporting increases in the number of children with this disorder being served each year in the education system, with an average increase of more than 800% since 1992 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], ). Autism Spectrum Disorders, sometimes called Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), are a range of neurological disorders that most markedly involve some degree of difficulty with communication and interpersonal relationships, as well as obsessions and repetitive behaviors. As the term "spectrum" indicates, there can be a wide range of effects. Those at the lower-functioning end of the spectrum may be profoundly unable to break out of their own world and may be described as having Kanner's autism. Those at the higher-functioning end, sometimes diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (AS), may be able to lead independent lives but still be awkward in their social interactions. Other, more rare autism spectrum disorders include Rett Syndrome (RS), which affects mostly girls, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), which affects mostly boys; in both cases, there is a period of normal development before the onset of autistic symptoms. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified may be diagnosed when a child has autistic symptoms but does not fit into another Autistic Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. (tp://specialchildren.about.com)

B. Implication of teaching in each area of disability and modifications of teaching approaches-

Characteristics that I should look for as an elementary regular education teacher are as follows.
Impaired social relationships
Many children with Autism do not speak, Echolalia is common among those who do talk
Varying levels of intellectual functioning uneven skill development.
Unusual responsiveness to sensory stimuli
Insistence on sameness
Ritualistic and stereotypic behavior
Aggressive or self injurer behavior
Autism spectrum disorder can be diagnosed at 18 months of age. With recent estimates being 1 in 150 people having autism. Boys are affected about four times more often than girls. Autism is the fastest growing category in special education. The cause of Autism is unknown. As a kindergarten regular educator I will look for certain signs of in children if they have not already been diagnosed. Parents are usually the ones who first notice signs of Autism. The ways I am going to implement these children into my classroom are as follows. As a kindergarten regular education teacher I will providing a very clear structured lesson and a set daily routine (including for play). Ensuring the pupil knows the days programmed at the start of each day and can make frequent reference to this throughout the day, e.g. providing a “picture board” with the day's activities “laid out.” The child can move the activity picture to the finished section on the board before moving on to the next activity. Placing this board in a neutral area (i.e. area not linked with specific activities), creating a transition area to enhance the understanding of finish and moving on to the next activity. Teaching what "finished" means and helping the pupil to identify when something has finished and something different has started. Making sure I providing a warning of any impending change of routine, or switch of\activity throughout the day. I will also make sure I use clear and unambiguous language. Avoiding humor/irony, or phrases like “my feet are killing me or it’s raining cats and dogs”, this may cause bewilderment, and confusion in the child. As a kindergarten regular educator I am going to make sure that I allow the students to avoid activities which the student may not like or understand, and supporting the student in open-ended group tasks. By using these approaches in my classroom I feel my students will be successful in learning.

C. Technology used to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

· Palm pilots- used for means of expression, understand text, and pictures for learning.
· Voice-recognition software and assistive-writing devices-language or fine motor deficits
· Audio text software and graphic organizers-highlights sections of text
· Palm T/X- good for the visually oriented picture taking and audio and video features.
· "Big Mack": A single switch/button device available from AbleNet (1) which allows for 20 seconds of record time. Approximate cost is $89.00.
· Talk Pad: A 4-message/button battery operated device available, which allows for 15 seconds of record time per button. Available from Frame Technologies (6) for approximately $99.00.
· "Voice in the Box": Multi-message battery operated communication devices available in 16, 24 or 40 messages/buttons from FrameTechnologies 6) for approximately $195.00.
· "Cheap Talk 4": A 4 message/button device which allows for 5 seconds of record time per button available from Enabling Devices (5) for approximately $69.00.
· "Step-by-Step Communicator": A battery operated device which allows for prerecording a series of unlimited sequenced messages up to a total of 75 seconds of record time. Available from AbleNet (1) for $129.00.
· Language Master: The Language Master is a "mid" tech piece of equipment that has been used for more than 20 years (25). The Language Master is an electronic device about the size of an old tape recorder
· Tape recorder: Any easily operated tape recorder can be effective in addressing various skill areas in children with autism spectrum disorder.

D. References

American Psychiatric Association, 2000- information on the definition of Autism
www.autism-resources.com/papers/LINK.htm
www.cs.northwestern.edu
Including All Students By Ben Clay
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA]- supporting the ideas associated with Autism
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism
http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst14.htm -for the technology information
(tp://specialchildren.about.com)