Week 2 - Autism Spectrum Disorder Flashcards
What does ASD stand for?
Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is ASD?
- Correct term according to the DSM-IV
- An umbrella description which covers Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
What are common abilities and behaviours are impaired by ASD?
- Communication skills
- Social skills
- Cognitive processing
- Repetitive behaviour patterns
- Restricted patterns of interest
- Difficulties with abstract thought
How many people in Australia have been diagnosed with ASD?
- Total population = 125,000
- Primary school children = 10,000
What are the 4 Steps that are useful when teaching a new skill/rule for someone with ASD?
- Explain
- Demonstrate
- Practice
- Celebrate
What are some useful strategies we can use in the classroom to cater for someone with ASD?
- Stick to a regular routine
- Explain purpose of activities
- Create a safe space
- Provide extra time to complete tasks
- Use plenty of visual aids
- Pair them up with a helpful buddy
- Provide clear class rules and boundaries
- Display a visual timetable
- When distress occurs, acknowledge reason and explain why it occurred
What causes ASD?
NO specific underlying cause be identified
However the following factors are being investigated:
- Genetic
- Metabolic
- Environmental
- Infectious
What are some of the common myths about ASD?
- People with ASD have no emotions
- People are born with ASD
- Vaccines cause ASD
- ASD is just a neurological disorder
When is ASD commonly diagnosed?
- Generally diagnosed around 44 months
- Many children reach all developmental milestones before the age of 2 and then regress into ASD
What do you need to do yourself as a teacher to support students with ASD?
- Stay calm
- Be consistent
- Be assertive
- Have a good sense of humour
- Teach behaviour you expect to see
- Always keep safety in mind
