I N T R O D U C T I O N F O R T H E L I O N H E A RT S C H O O L

AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S

QUESTIONS

•Define Autism.•How would someone diagnosed with Autism act?

PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

• Autism and Asperger’s are both types of PDDs• Disorders concerning delays in the

development of socialization and communication

• Autism is more severe than Asperger’s• Autism: “disorder of neural development, social

interaction, and communication”• Asperger’s: “disorder in cognitive development

and language”• Diagnosis in early childhood• Symptoms become apparent before a child is 3

years old• Early intervention is crucial for improvement

SOME SYMPTOMS

• Impairments in social interaction, and communication• Restricted interests and repetitive

behavior• Lack of eye contact (in some cases)• Dependent on routines• Trouble in making and maintaining friends

ASPERGER’S

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywnHFLpMVIo

DIAGNOSIS CRITERIA

• Recent changes in diagnosis criteria because of the increase in diagnosis• Change from DMS-IV criteria to DSM-5 criteria

THE LIONHEART SCHOOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVtOGdFU4KU

THE LIONHEART GARDENS

THE LIONHEART GARDENS

THE LIONHEART GARDENS

THE LIONHEART GARDENS

http://georgiaorganics.org/2013/10/organic-farming-as-classroom-therapy-at-lionheart-gardens/