Autism

Mini Paper 2

Autism

Prepared by: Jacqueline Boily Course: 0801-670-01

What is Autism?

Autism is a developmental disability that affects all areas of behavior and perception. Approximately 10 out of every 10,000 children are diagnosed with autism and four out of five are males. Autism is the third most common developmental disability, more common than Down Syndrome. Children with Autism are characterized by impairment in several areas of development such as: Cognitive, Language, Play/Socialization skills and exhibit many challenging behaviors. Behavior Patterns of Autism:

п‚* Difficulty mixing with other children

п‚* Acts as if deaf- may have normal hearing but not comprehend language.

п‚* Resists learning- about 75% measured IQs below 70.

п‚* No fear of real danger- their sense of touch may not register pain, many are unable to speak and are oblivious to pain.

п‚* Resists change in routine- any break in the routine can be overwhelmingly distressful for the child.

п‚* Uses people as “tools” to satisfy needs

п‚* Inappropriate laughing and giggling

п‚* Not cuddly, resists being held

п‚* No eye contact- may have normal vision but not understand what they see.

п‚* Inappropriate attachments to objects

п‚* Spins objects, sustained odd play- spinning objects, rocking or hand flapping may occur for hours.

п‚* Destructive and aggressive at times

п‚* May be self-injurious- face slapping, biting, and head banging.

п‚* Impairment in communication- delay in or total lack of, the development of spoken language. Impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain conversation. They often engage in strange language and speaking behavior such as echolalia (repeating back only what has been said to them).

How Autism Affects Functioning in School:

Autism is a disability that can create a barrier between the individual and his or her friends, family, and community. This disability often interferes with an individual’s ability to communicate, interact with others, engage in play or leisure skills, and to relate to the world around them. People with autism may exhibit repetitive movements, have unusual responses to people, be resistant to change and demonstrate aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior.

As a teacher who works in a school for children with autism, I have seen first hand how the families are affected by the disability of their child. The parents in my school have shown tremendous strength and support for their children, contributing positively to their quality of life. They come into school and learn how to work with their child, have continuous contact with the teacher, and tremendously help the school with fundraising efforts. I have been lucky enough to see the positive effects that parent support can have on a child