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and CharacteristicsCharacteristics – Social Interaction Does not make friends Does not play interactive games Is withdrawn May not respond to eye contact or smiles, or may avoid eye contact May treat others as if they are objects Prefers to spend time alone, rather than with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