MODULE 3

Description of ASD

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is called a spectrum disorder because the symptoms and severity can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals with ASD may have difficulty with social interactions and communication, while others may have repetitive behaviors and intense interests in specific topics. Symptoms usually appear in early childhood and can impact daily functioning throughout the lifespan. There is no cure for ASD, but early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with the disorder.

Characteristics of students with ASD

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may exhibit a wide range of characteristics, including:

1. Difficulty with social communication: Children with ASD may have difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations, understanding nonverbal cues, and using appropriate gestures and facial expressions.

2. Repetitive behaviors: Children with ASD may engage in repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, rocking, or spinning objects. They may also have strict routines and become upset if their routines are disrupted.

3. Sensory sensitivities: Children with ASD may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory input such as sounds, textures, or smells.

4. Intense interests: Children with ASD may have intense interests in specific topics or activities and may become upset if they are unable to engage in these activities.

5. Difficulty with transitions: Children with ASD may have difficulty transitioning from one activity to another or from one environment to another.

6. Delayed language development: Children with ASD may have delayed language development or may not develop language at all.

7. Difficulty with social relationships: Children with ASD may have difficulty making and maintaining friendships and may prefer to play alone.

8. Unusual reactions to stimuli: Children with ASD may react in unusual ways to stimuli such as laughing at inappropriate times or becoming upset by seemingly minor changes in their environment.

Strategies for teaching students with ASD

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may exhibit a wide range of characteristics, including:

1. Difficulty with social communication: Children with ASD may have difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations, understanding nonverbal cues, and using appropriate gestures and facial expressions.

2. Repetitive behaviors: Children with ASD may engage in repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, rocking, or spinning objects. They may also have strict routines and become upset if their routines are disrupted.

3. Sensory sensitivities: Children with ASD may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory input such as sounds, textures, or smells.

4. Intense interests: Children with ASD may have intense interests in specific topics or activities and may become upset if they are unable to engage in these activities.

5. Difficulty with transitions: Children with ASD may have difficulty transitioning from one activity to another or from one environment to another.

6. Delayed language development: Children with ASD may have delayed language development or may not develop language at all.

7. Difficulty with social relationships: Children with ASD may have difficulty making and maintaining friendships and may prefer to play alone.

8. Unusual reactions to stimuli: Children with ASD may react in unusual ways to stimuli such as laughing at inappropriate times or becoming upset by seemingly minor changes in their environment.