I have been getting so many questions regarding autism. Is my son autistic? Parents concerned over odd behaviors. I have put together a parent education sheet to help educate you on the topic of autism. I hope that this information can give you insight and help answer any concerns you may have.
Parent Education
A. Autistic Disorder
a. Cause is unclear and being research (abnormalities of brain functioning, genetics, environmental factors)
b. No known cure
B. Autistic Disorder DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) Criteria
a. 6 or more items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two from (1), and one from each (2) and (3)
#1, Qualitative impairment in social interactions, as manifested by at least 2 criteria:
· Marked impairment in the use of non verbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
· Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
· A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (by a lack of showing, brining, or pointing out objects of interest.
· Lack of social reciprocity
# 2 Qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least 1 criteria:
· Delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative models of communication such as gesture)
· In individuals with adequate speech, mark impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
· Stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
· Lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level
# 3 Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least 1 criteria:
· Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
· Apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
· Stereotyped and repetitive motor manners (hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
· Persistent preoccupation with parts of object
If some of the criteria’s are meet but not enough might be Asperger’s Disorder or PPD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) or NOS (Not otherwise specified)
Behaviorists believe that the ENVIROMENT has a large effect on behavior!
If we change the environment the behavior should increase or decrease. Behaviors serve as a purpose.
Identify the Function(s) of the Behavior
· Access
· Escape/avoid
· Attention
· Automatic/self-stimulating
(Why does he do these behaviors? - Things to think about)
