exactly what causes these differences for most people with

Annotation ASD. However,

Summary some people with ASD have a known
difference,
34 annotations suchField
on 8 pages by Michael as a genetic condition. There are multiple x34

causes of ASD, although most are not yet known.

There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that
sets them apart from other people, but they may
communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are
different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and
problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from
gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a
lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.

#1
What is Autism? p.2

New Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder

(DSM-V)

A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that

used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder,
pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified
(PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions
are now all called autism spectrum disorder. Severity is
based on social communication impairments and
#2
restricted, Developmental
repetitive patterns ofMilestones
behavior. p.3

Children with ASD might:

not point at objects to show interest (for example, not point at an airplane flying over)
not look at objects when another person points at them
have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
avoid eye contact and want to be alone
have trouble understanding other peoples feelings or talking about their own feelings
prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to
appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds
be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language
have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
not play pretend games (for example, not pretend to feed a doll)
repeat actions over and over again
have trouble adapting when a routine changes
#3 have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound p.6
lose skills they once had (for example, stop saying words they were using)
Symptoms of Autism CDC.gov

Symptoms of Autism
Social symptoms
Communication
Social symptomsdeficits
Sensory issues deficits
Communication
#4 Challenges
Sensory with time with lights/sound/textures
issues p.8

Behavioral Concerns
Challenges with orlights/sound/textures
time with issues
Repetitive
BehavioralBehaviors
Concerns or issues
StereotypicBehaviors
Repetitive Behaviors (Physical. Object, Vocal)
Stereotypic Behaviors (Physical. Object, Vocal)

#5 p.8

Which Intervention do I use?

Seek Research based interventions

#6 Talk to providers and ask them to explain what they p.14

do What is ABA??

Individualized
Applied to your
Behavior child
Analysis

YOU know your child best

APPLIED
Focuses on Behaviors that are meaningful and significant, or
are bridges to those behaviors
BEHAVIOR
Identifies SPECIFIC behaviors for change
ANALYSIS
Through the use of objective data, changes are tracked to
assess growth

#7 p.15

How will ABA help?

Increase communication and social behavior

Teach self help skills to promote independence
Help maintain new behaviors
Help generalize or transfer behaviors
Help identify and modify conditions that may
prevent learning or behavior change
Reduce problem behavior
#8 p.16
First Steps After an Autism
Diagnosis

CHAPTER 1
EASTER SEALS SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN
START EARLY, START STRONG PROGRAM
 What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability

caused by differences in the brain. Scientists do not know yet
exactly what causes these differences for most people with
ASD. However, some people with ASD have a known
difference, such as a genetic condition. There are multiple
causes of ASD, although most are not yet known.

There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that
sets them apart from other people, but they may
communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are
different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and
problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from
gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a
lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.
 What is Autism?

New Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder

(DSM-V)

A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that

used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder,
pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified
(PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions
are now all called autism spectrum disorder. Severity is
based on social communication impairments and
restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior.
 How Common is Autism?

Current estimate is 1 in 68 children

ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and

socioeconomic groups.

ASD is almost 5 times more common among boys (1

in 42) than among girls (1 in 189).

CDC.Gov
 What Causes Autism?

Research is currently in progress no known specific

cause
Many theories

Different levels of severity

Different variables
Genetic components

Environmental Factors
 Developmental Milestones

Children with ASD might:

not point at objects to show interest (for example, not point at an airplane flying over)
not look at objects when another person points at them
have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
avoid eye contact and want to be alone
have trouble understanding other peoples feelings or talking about their own feelings
prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to
appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds
be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language
have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
not play pretend games (for example, not pretend to feed a doll)
repeat actions over and over again
have trouble adapting when a routine changes
have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
lose skills they once had (for example, stop saying words they were using)
CDC.gov
 Developmental Milestones

Resources:

CDC.gov - Developmental Milestones

Pediatrician: Developmental screening and checklists

Developmental Screening Tools: Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)

- Available free online Makethefirstfivecount.com

Local Early Intervention Providers ( Birth to Three Program)

 Symptoms of Autism

Social symptoms
Communication deficits
Sensory issues
Challenges with time with lights/sound/textures

Behavioral Concerns or issues

Repetitive Behaviors
Stereotypic Behaviors (Physical. Object, Vocal)
 How is Autism diagnosed?

Usually parent, teacher or pediatrician has concerns

Based on observed behavior, educational &
psychological testing
A visit with a Developmental Pediatrician,
Neurologist, Psychiatrist or License Psychologist
 How do I Deal With This?

Parents often report experiencing stages of grief:

Shock
Not ready to accept even if you were initially the one with
concerns
Sadness and Grief
Time of mourning but not depression
Crying is okay

Anger
Can be directed at ones you love, perhaps not directly over
Autism
Express how you are feeling to those who care about you!!
 How do I Deal With This?

Denial
Natural part of coping, but dont lose focus

Try not to shoot the messenger

Loneliness
Dont be afraid to reach out you are not alone

Acceptance
Ready to advocate and learn about Autism

Your child is still the same child they were before the
diagnosis.
 How do I Deal With This?

Take care of yourself

Try to get rest and nutrition help yourself
Use your support system, or find one online can be
a great start
Use a journal or blog
Whatever you are feeling is OKAY
 The Internet

Can be a great tool to reach out and to educate

yourself but be careful

Ask:
Is what Im reading relevant to MY child?

Is this new information?

Is this a reliable source?

Is this someones theory, or is there evidence?

 Which Intervention do I use?

Seek Research based interventions

Talk to providers and ask them to explain what they

do

Individualized to your child

YOU know your child best

 What is ABA??

Applied Behavior Analysis

APPLIED
Focuses on Behaviors that are meaningful and significant, or
are bridges to those behaviors
BEHAVIOR
Identifies SPECIFIC behaviors for change

ANALYSIS
Through the use of objective data, changes are tracked to
assess growth
 How will ABA help?

Increase communication and social behavior

Teach self help skills to promote independence
Help maintain new behaviors
Help generalize or transfer behaviors
Help identify and modify conditions that may
prevent learning or behavior change
Reduce problem behavior
 Why ABA?

50+ years of sound research

Rigorous monitoring of professional credentials

Each program customized for the individual