Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Science
• 2nd Grade

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

by Kelsea Casabar

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

• Definition: A developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life (National Institute of Mental Health).
• Guide for diagnosis (DSM-5): 

- Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
- Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
- Symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life

Repeating certain behaviors or having unusual behaviors

Having a lasting intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details, or facts

Getting upset by slight changes in a routine

Having overly focused interests, such as with moving objects or parts of objects

Being more or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, noise, clothing, or temperature

Restrictive /
repetitive behavior

Making little or inconsistent eye contact

Tending not to look at or listen to people

Rarely sharing enjoyment of objects or activities by pointing or showing things to others

Failing to, or being slow to, respond to someone calling their name or to other verbal attempts to gain attention

Tending not to look at or listen to people

Having difficulties with the back and forth of conversation

Having facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said

Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions

Social communication /
interaction behaviors

https:

Teaching Strategies

Differentiating instruction for students with ASD

Teaching Techniques

1. Use simple, concrete language
2. Give limited, clear choices
3. Be gentle in criticism
4. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
5. Solve sensory problems
6. Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)

What are other instructional strategies that might help students with ASD?

Assistive Technology

• Visual scene display apps: students get to take part in their education, build visual aids, help with verbal skills
• STEM-based technology: builds social skills, allows students to learn through experience
• Digital tools that increase confidence and allow students to explore outside their comfort zones

Creating Positive Relationships with Families

• Parents know best
• Be patient with the child
• Give praise to the parents for doing a good job
• Include families, keep up communications

What is one thing you will take away from this presentation?

References

30 Things Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum Want You to Know. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/things-parents-of-children-on-the-autism-spectrum-want-you-to-know

Autism Spectrum Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml#part_145441

Cortez, M. B. (2016, August 30). 3 Ways Assistive Technology Can Help Students with Autism. Retrieved from https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2016/08/3-ways-technology-can-help-students-autism

Lofland, K. B. (n.d.). The Use of Technology in Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/the-use-of-technology-in-treatment-of-autism-spectrum-disorders

Techniques for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (2018, February 16). Retrieved from https://online.sju.edu/graduate/masters-special-education/resources/articles/techniques-for-teaching-students-with-autism-spectrum-disorder