Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Characteristics

Autism Spectrum Disorders(ASD)Characteristics IDEA Partnership

Development TeamThe following organizations participated in the development of this presentation: • American Association of School Administrators (AASA) • American Occupational Therapists Association (AOTA) • Autism Society • Autism Society of Wisconsin • Autism Training Center, Marshall University • Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) • Easter Seals • Festiva Educativa • Geneva Centre • Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance Center • Kansas Instructional Support Center • Long Island Families Together IDEA Partnership

Development Team (cont.) • Minnesota Department of Education • National Associations of Pupil Service Administrators (NAPSA) • National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) • Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs • National Education Association (NEA) • National Professional Development Center • Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) • Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center • Technical Assistance Coordination Center (TACC) • Vocational Evaluation and Career Assessment Professionals Association (VECAP) IDEA Partnership 3

Belief Statements… All individuals with ASD can learn. Each individual with ASD is unique, and thus needs an individually-designed program. Early identification, followed by early intervention, can improve outcomes. Programs are more effectively designed and delivered when families, schools and other providers are working well together and achieving consensus. IDEA Partnership

ASD Definition IDEA 04 "Autism means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child's educational performance. Other characteristics often associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences. 34 CFR Section 300.8 (c)(1)(i-iii) IDEA Partnership

This Overview Includes a Brief Discussion of: • Prevalence and Diversity of ASD • Perception • Self-Regulation • Problem-Solving • Potential/Outcomes IDEA Partnership 6

ASD prevalence in the US is.... • 1 in 68 children • 5 times more common among boys than girls • Majority (69%) of children identified with ASD did not have an intellectual disability U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Reports March 28, 2014 IDEA Partnership

ASD is … a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. IDEA Partnership

Diversity of Individuals with ASD IDEA Partnership

This Is Autism … IDEA Partnership

… And This Is Autism IDEA Partnership

Perceive and Process the World Differently • Individuals with ASD can be visual thinkers and communicators • Visual may be their first language IDEA Partnership

Self-Regulation • Individuals with ASD may have challenges in recognizing and changing their own emotional states • Instruction in recognizing feelings in self and strategies to self-calm can create the desire to self-manage IDEA Partnership

Problem-Solving • Areas related to self-determination are often challenges for individuals with ASD • Problem-solving • Decision making • Direct instruction can be used to teach these skills IDEA Partnership

Children do not "outgrow" autism, but… studies do show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes. IDEA Partnership

Potential • Individuals with ASD have limitless potential • Their potential is limited by our ability to teach IDEA Partnership

Reaching Potential • Several strategies that are effective for individuals with ASD have been identified through research • We know what to do • We know how to measure the effectiveness of the strategies IDEA Partnership

Critical to ASD -- Beneficial to All • Individuals with ASD are each unique and have myriad challenges and strengths • Research has shown that what is critical for children with ASD benefits all children: • Interventions/strategies • Collaboration • Teaming/co-planning IDEA Partnership

Shifts in Thinking… Over the last 30 years, how we address the needs of ASD students has evolved – we have changed our thinking on how we teach and how children learn. These discoveries have resulted in changes in educational laws and practices. IDEA Partnership

IDEA 04 34 CFR Section 300.1 Purpose To ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs, and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living... IDEA Partnership

Ultimate Outcome • At every stage of their life, persons with ASD should be provided the opportunity to build the skills and relationships necessary to participate and engage in activities that maximize quality of life. • To that end, self regulation, self determination, the development of knowledge, skills and their application are critical to positive outcomes. • To maximize the quality of life for persons with ASD, maximizes the quality of life for their families and communities. IDEA Partnership

Reflections!Questions?Discussion. IDEA Partnership

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Characteristics