Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a developmental disability that significantly affects verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, is general evident before the age of 3, and adversely affects a student’s educational performance. The regulations further provide that the following characteristics are often associated with autism: repetitive activities and stereo-typed movements, resistance to change environmentally and in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory stimulation.

Autism spectrum disorder refers to a developmental disability resulting in and characterized by persistent impairments in social interactions and communications, and stereotyped or repetitive movements, including inflexibility in routines or patterns.

Autistic Disorder is a pervasive developmental disorder beginning before age three, called also autism and infantile autism. Characteristics include impairment in reciprocal social interaction. An example would include a lack of awareness of the existence of feelings in others), in verbal and nonverbal communication, and in capacity for symbolic play, as well as by a restricted repertoire of activities and interests.There may also be a cognitive impairment, abnormally increased or decreased reactivity to certain stimuli, stereotypic behaviors, neurological abnormalities such as seizures or altered muscle tone. Often children are self-absorbed, inaccessible, and unable to relate to others, including parents. They may play happily alone for hours but have temper tantrums if interrupted.

Autism Diagnosis Criteria

Autism Disorder

Allow the student more time to complete tasks.

Provide opportunities for peer tutoring with visual images and music.

Teach peers to write social stories to include ALL students.