Autism
General Overview
Information from the National Institute of Mental Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that between 2 to 6 per 1,000 children (from 1 in 500 to 1 in 150) has some form of autism or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). These disorders are four times more common in boys than in girls, although Rett’s Disorder has only been reported and diagnosed in girls. The causes of autism or PDD are unknown. Currently, researchers are investigating areas such as brain development, structure, genetic factors and biochemical imbalance in the brain as possible causes. These disorders are not caused by psychological factors.
Children with autism/PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. Some children do not speak; other have language that often includes repeated phrases or conversations. Children with more advanced language skills tend to use a small range of topics and have difficulty with abstract concepts. Repetitive play skills, a limited range of interests, and impaired social skills are generally evident as well. Unusual responses to sensory information-for example, loud noises, lights, certain textures of food or fabrics- are also common. One of the distinguishing characteristics of children with Asperger’s syndrome is an observable developmental imbalance. On the one hand, they can be of average or superior intelligence; on the other, they are years behind in social development.
Some or all of the following characteristics may be observed in mild to severe forms:
- Communication problems (using and understanding language)
- Difficulty relating to people, objects, and events
- Unusual play with toys and other objects
- Difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings
- Repetitive body movements or behavior patterns
Characteristics
Primary
Communication: Deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication
Examples include poor language skills, range of communication abilities (a small percentage are non-verbal, while some are competent communicators); limited eye contact; range of communication
Single Message Communication- Communication Devices
- Communication Mobile Apps
- Talking Word Processors
Cognitive: Inadequate information processing
Examples include problems in thinking skills such as problem solving, executive functioning, reasoning and evaluation, memory and classification; language skills
Emotional: Emotionally volatile
Examples include high rates of behavioral problems such as tantrums, and self- stimulatory and aggressive behavior; resistant to environmental change or change in daily routines;
- Technology and Emotions
- Visual Strategies
- Timers
- Time Management Smart Watch
Social: Difficulties in social interaction
Examples include need for adult guidance to attract and sustain social exchanges; lack of typical friendships and peer relationships affects motivation and the meaning of experiences; social isolation; memory and classification information in a social context is difficult; poor social skills
- Social Stories - Autism
- Social Stories - Disability
- Virtual 3D Worlds
Sensory: Sensory integration dysfunction
Examples include hyper and hyposensitivity to stimulation in the environment, and sensitivity to touch -
http://www.autism.org.uk/VR
- Soothing Sounds
- Stress Management
- Immersive Reality
- Sensory Calming Apps
Secondary
Motor: Functional motor skills difficulties
Examples include gross, fine and motor planning difficulty; running and moving one’s body in a space; quality of movements can appear stiff or clumsy; weak motor skill response and motor imitation
- Touch Screens
- On Screen Keyboards
- Mouse Alternatives
- Keyboard Alternatives
Additional Information
