Embedded Files
Post Falls School District Elementary Counseling Program
Fact Sheet: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
Information for Home
About Autism
Spectrum Disorder
Symptoms/Behaviors
What you may see
at home
How to help your child
ASD has an underlying biological/genetic cause
ASD affects the neurodevelopment system (the brain)
ASD affects individuals uniquely, and in varying degrees throughout their lifetime
The areas affected by ASD are:
-Communication
-Social Skills
-Restricted Interests
-Sensory Integration
-Behavior
Under the new mental health guidelines, Asperger’s Syndrome is now referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder
All Autism diagnoses are placed on a continuum of severity
Early Indicators:
Lack of eye contact
Often not on the same topic as those around him/her
Lack of reciprocal conversation
Atypical sensory/motor processing
Additional Indicators:
Difficulty identifying important concepts
Difficulty processing auditory information (Understanding, retaining, and retrieving)
Difficulty with sequencing information or steps in a task
Difficulty transitioning between different activities
Difficulty with concept of time
Atypical academic, social, or emotional development (high functioning in some areas, low in others)
Struggling to understand and display empathy
Easily upset when objects in their environment or time schedules changeMay overreact to certain stimuli (sounds, smells, touches, sights)
May put objects in mouth
Difficulty making and keeping friendships.
May withdraw, become belligerent, have a blow up or tantrum
May appear to be not listening or ignoring
May seem driven to only talk about his/her own interests
May exhibit ritualistic or compulsive behaviors
May not respect others’ personal space
Echolalia (uncontrollable repetition of words)
May not understand figurative language (idioms, metaphors, similes, and irony)
Struggle with abstract and inferential thinking
Lack reciprocity and perspective-taking during conversations
View Autism as a ‘different ability’ rather than a ‘disability’
Have a quiet and safe area for your child to retreat when he/she becomes upset or over stimulated
Use consistent & concrete routines. Prepare child if routines are going to change
Provide visual/picture chart for rules, schedules, and expected behaviors
Model and pre-teach expected behavior
Practice playing games and talking with your child
Invite peers over for adult supervised play
Try to identify triggers to meltdowns so they can be prevented. Be alert to high anxiety
Partner and communicate with your child’s teacher and school counselor
Seek professional assistance if struggling with behavior/emotions at home
Additional AUTISM SPECTRUM Resources
You may always contact the school counselor for additional resources/information
Websites:
www.AutismSpeaks.org (Autism Speaks)
www.naar.org (National Alliance for Autism Research)
www.autism-society.org (Autism Society of America)
www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger (Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support)
Books:
“The Puzzle of Autism” – Free PDF download - http://www.nea.org/home/18459.htm
“Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Teachers” by Val Cumine
“Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Educators & Parents” by Brenda Myles & Richard Simpson
“Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage and
Meltdowns” by Brenda Smith Myles & Jack Southwick
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