What is Autism?

Early Signs o Rocking, hand flapping,

Very early indicators that require evaluation spinning in circles.
by an expert include:
Behaviors
 no babbling or pointing by age 1 Come because of:
 no single words by age 16 months or
two-word phrases by age 2  Overstimulation
 no response to name  Basic needs are not being met
 loss of language or social skills  Not being able to self-regulate
previously acquired  Sleep problems
 poor eye contact
 excessive lining up of toys or objects Outward Display of Behaviors:
 no smiling or social responsiveness
 Aggression
How is it diagnosed?  Physical
“Children should be screened for o Biting, hitting, throwing,
developmental delays during periodic kicking
checkups and specifically for autism at 18-  Verbal
and 24-month well-child visits”.  Self-injury

*taken from the National Institute of Neurological

Disorders and Stroke website.
Strategies
 Early intervention is key!
Characteristics  Sensory breaks.
 Lack of social communication and  Exercise.
interaction  Educational and behavioral
 Avoids eye contact interventions:
 Language delays o Applied Behavior Analysis
 Sensory o TEACCH model
 Lack of motor skills, especially fine o DIR/Floortime model
motor skills  Let your child know what will
 Unusual interests and behaviors happen next.
o Lines toys or objects up  Use a schedule, whenever possible.
o Does not like a change in  Make directions clear, short and
their routine concrete.
 Repetitive behaviors  Implement and use the ABC model
to track behaviors:
 o Antecedent or Triggers o Consequences-Positive or
o Behavior Negative

Websites for More Information:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-

causes/syc-20352928

2. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html

3. https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/autism-behavior-problems.htm

4. https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-are-symptoms-autism

5. https://iancommunity.org/challenging-behaviors

6. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Autism-

Spectrum-Disorder-Fact-Sheet

7. https://ibcces.org/blog/2016/07/15/behavior-strategies/

8. https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/behaviour/understanding-behaviour/challenging-

behaviour-asd