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Introduction to ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that creates challenges in social communication, learning, and behaviors. 

Some behaviors of a person with autism are repetitive behaviors, intense interest in specific topics or items, having difficulties expressing themselves to others or understanding others, being sensitive to sound, smell, taste, feel, or look, and needing consistency and a routine in their everyday life.

Some physical symptoms are stemming, little to no eye contact, extremely anxious, causing self-injury, meltdowns, and unusual eating or sleeping habits. 

Each person with autism is different. Some people have developmental delays, non-verbal, and need constant support (low-functioning). Some may need assistance in academics in school and learn at a slower pace than their peers. Some may just need assistance in how to socialize with peers and organize their days, they excel at academics and can be fully inclusive in school and society (high-functioning).  

History and Major Events Related to ASD

1920s

 

1926: Autistic traits in 6 children recognized in a published journal.

1930s

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1938: research on childhood schizophrenia was conducted. Symptoms were similar to autism.​

1940s

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1943: The term "infantile autism" was coined.

1944: Asperger's Syndrome was named after Hans Asperger.

1949: "refrigerator moms" wer blamed for autism.​

1950s

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1952: DSM-I identified children with autistic traits as having childhood schizophrenia.​

1960s

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1964: "Refrigerator moms" challenged.

1964: ABA theory

1965: The Sybil Elgar School opens.

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1970s

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1970s: Autism spectrum disorder is named

1975: The Education for All Handicapped Children Act is enacted.

1980s

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1980- DSM-III

1990s

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1990: IDEA

1996- Temple Grandin writes Emergence- Labeled Autistic

1998- Andrew Wakefield blames vaccinations for autism.

1999: The Autism Puzzle Ribbon is chosen to represent autism awareness.

2010s

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2010: Andrew Wakefield loses his medical license​

2013: DSM-5

2014:  (CARES) Act of 2014

2020s

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2023: The CDC estimates 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

DSM & IDEA

DSM & IDEA were created and revised to ensure that children with autism are diagnosed correctly and are provided with appropriate services.

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DSM- testing is performed in a clinical or school setting and results are considered a medical diagnosis.

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IDEA- is used so that the child will receive appropriate services and needs in a school and/or social setting.

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This graph represents the similarities and differences between DSM and IDEA.

White Structure

Possible Causes of Autism

Causes

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There is no single cause of autism, however genetics and environment may have contributing factors.

Genetic Factors

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Genetic factors contribute an estimate of 40-80% to the risk of ASD.

Environmental

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Environmental factors could be exposure to toxins or pollution during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, or geriatric pregnancy.

Is Autism and epidemic?

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No

​Factors of the growing autism population:

​autism awareness, changes in diagnostic criteria, medical advances, IDEA, changes in special education expectations

Leaf Pattern Design

Characteristics of Autism

Communication

 

Difficulty communicating socially

Making eye contact

Responding to their name

 Participating in conversations​

Unusual reactions

 

Having strong reactions to minor changes in routine or surroundings 

Having unusual reactions to lights, tastes, smells, sounds, colors, or textures

Repetitive behaviors

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Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)

Rocking

Spinning

Hand flapping

Other repetitive movements

Delayed development

 

Delayed language, movement, or cognitive skills

Intense interests

 

 Having a strong interest in specific topics, like numbers or details 

Unusual behaviors 

 

Having difficulty adjusting to social situations

Having trouble sharing in imaginative play

Evidence-Based Practices

Evidence-based practice is a theory of teaching methods, strategies, and interventions which are proven and researched through scientific studies.

Examples of evidence-based practices are:

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication

  • Modeling

  • Direct Instruction

  • ​Functional Behavior Assessment

  • Prompting

  • Reinforcement

  • Visual Supports

Fads

The following treatments are not scientifically proven to cure or improve autism symptoms and are considered "fad" treatments.

  • Drama therapy

  • Gluten-free/Casein Free diet

  • Lego therapy

  • Sensory integration training

  • Snake oil

  • Swimming with dolphins

  • Vitamin supplements

Resources

Autism Speaks Inc. is a non-profit autism awareness organization. It is the largest autism research organization in the United States. It sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public.

Parents as Teachers is a combination of research, education and empowerment. PAT helps caregivers connect with their child’s early development and can help guide families find resources for needs of the child to promote academic success in the future.

A website designed to provide you with ideas, inspiration and resources for educating children with autism and related special needs.

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a non-profit organization that is founded and led by parents and grandparents of autistic children. They provide grants to teach students about Autism.

The National Autism Center at May Institute is dedicated to serving autistic children and adolescents by providing reliable information, promoting best practices, and offering comprehensive resources for families, practitioners, and communities.

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