Autism Facts
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What is Autism?
- 3rd most common developmental disability in the U.S.
- Affects communication, social interaction, play and leisure skills, and behavior
- Affects 1 in 110 nationwide
- Autism is a spectrum disorder - Individuals have varied issues and require differing levels of assistance
- Affects the brain's functioning across all developmental areas
- Affects individuals throughout the lifespan
- The exact cause is unknown
Warning Signs for Autism: If you notice these signs, seek professional assessment.
- Children may prefer to play alone
- Children may engage in repetitive patterns during play
- Lack of spoken language
- For children who develop language, challenges with conversations
- Lack of response to name
- Little or no eye contact
- Lack of shared interest with adults or peers
- Resistance to change, especially change in routines
- Repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, rocking, spinning
- Inappropriate attachment to objects
For a free assessment: For 0-2 yrs old, contact Help Me Grow 216-736-4300. For 3 and above, contact local school district.
How to Speak to a Person with Autism
- Make sure you have the person's attention (body language or fleeting eye contact)
- Make comments or directions clear and short. Write out directions for a reader or draw pictures for a non-reader.
- Give the person choices in the conversation (ex. "Would you like a sandwich or pizza?")
- Have the person repeat important information to confirm understanding (ex. Ask them "where are we going?" after you've shared that information)
- Use pictures or drawings to help them communicate (ex. pictures of food or activity choices)
Elements of a Behavioral Treatment Program
**Behaviors include: Talking, playing, brushing teeth, eating, coloring, reading, laughing
- Break down difficult tasks into teachable steps
- Provide clear instructions to the child
- Prompt or show child the way to perform specific behaviors
- Immediately give praise and rewards for doing those appropriate behaviors
- Shape a response by rewarding positive behaviors and slowly increasing the standard that you expect
- Teach when and where to perform the learned behaviors
- Practice positive behaviors in various settings and with a variety of individuals
How to Adapt an Environment for Success
- Reduce distractions (less lighting, noise, uncluttered area...)
- Provide a schedule for each activity with a clear beginning and end
- Use visual supports (pictures, objects, written words) for instructions and rules
- Use timers to provide limits and closure
How to Address Inappropriate Behavior
- Prioritize and deal with behaviors that interfere most with child's learning
- Find socially acceptable replacements, such as clapping hands instead of flapping, saying "this is fun" instead of squealing
- Redirect child when they are doing inappropriate behavior
- Immediately reward positive behavior
Although autism is not curable, it is treatable. Early and intensive intervention can ensure the brightest possible future for people with autism.
Free guides from the Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
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