Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Presented by:Shawnee Mission School District

Autism Specialists

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to effectively communicate and interact with others.

Autism Spectrum Disorders…. is a life long disability

presents itself differently in each individual

occurs across all *socio-economics *intelligences *cultures

Autism Spectrum DisordersCharacteristics and Symptoms

Difficulty with socialization

Difficulty with communication – both receptive and expressive

Need for predictability and routine

Sensory processing differences

Autism Spectrum DisordersSocialization

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders may have difficulty:

understanding others’ perspectives

understanding the impact of their behavior on others

Autism Spectrum DisordersSocialization

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders may:

have difficulty fitting in because of eccentric behaviors

have an interest in social contact but lack understanding of rules governing social behavior

Autism Spectrum DisordersCommunication

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders may:

have difficulty communicating wants, needs, and concerns

use other means to communicate, such as through the use of repetitive words and/or challenging behaviors

Autism Spectrum DisordersCommunication

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders may:

have difficulty understanding nonverbal communication, such as use of gestures and eye gaze

have difficulty processing spoken and written information

have difficulty understanding abstract concepts

Autism Spectrum DisordersPredictability and Routine

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders may:

be rigid in routine and have difficulty with change and transitions

have obsessions, perhaps with complex issues, such as electronic equipment, weather, history

Autism Spectrum DisordersSensory Processing

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders may:

be over and/or under sensitive to sensory information

appear clumsy and awkward

move too fast or slow or need to move around a lot

Autism Spectrum DisordersSensory Processing

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders may:

be sensitive to touch and recoil or become defensive if touched

have a high tolerance to pain

engage in repetitive motor movements or mannerisms, such as hand flapping

Autism Spectrum DisordersStrategies

Keep routines as consistent, structured, and predictable as possible

Prepare the student in advance for changes and transitions, including things such as scheduled breaks, fire/emergency drills, field trips, assemblies

Autism Spectrum DisordersStrategies

As much as possible, pair verbal language with visual cues, such as schedules, charts, lists, pictures, modeling, pointing

Break down and simplify more abstract language concepts

Autism Spectrum DisordersStrategies

State things clearly, slowly, and literally. Avoid language that may be misunderstood, such as sarcasm and idioms.

Autism Spectrum DisordersStrategies

Allow the student time to process (10-15 seconds). If necessary, rephrase and/or supplement with visuals

Ask only one questions or state one directive at a time.

Autism Spectrum DisordersStrategies

Apply rules carefullyStudents with Autism Spectrum Disorders can be fairly rigidabout following rules. While clearly expressed rules andguidelines, preferably presented visually to the student,are helpful, they should be applied with some flexibility.Since their needs and abilities are different, the rules do nothave to automatically be the same as for other students.

Autism Spectrum DisordersStrategies

Avoid power strugglesStudents with Autism Spectrum Disorders often do notunderstand displays of authority or anger and if forcefullyconfronted may become rigid and stubborn. Their behaviorcan then become rapidly out of control. At that point it isoften better to back off and let the situation cool down.

Autism Spectrum DisordersStrategies

Take full advantage of the student’s special talents and in interests and connect to the teaching process. Use special interests as a reward for task completion and adherence to rules and behavioral expectations.

Autism Spectrum DisordersStrategies

Become familiar with and follow student specific accommodations and modifications as outlined on the Individual Education Plan and/or Behavior Intervention Plan.

Do not hesitate to contact the student’s special education case manager or autism specialist for more information.

Autism Spectrum DisordersResources

Please visit the district’s website below for more information regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders

www4.smsd.org/autism/