Just because I am a child who has Autism does not mean that I am or we are the same……….

Autism is a developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to interact socially

The puzzle piece represents this disorder which can be puzzling.

Picture retrieved from website http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/supported/images/autism_2.gif&im 13/04/10

Key characteristics: Social/behaviouralMost children that have autism show an inability to interact with peers, or possibly a lack of desire to interact.

Possible signs thatmay be apparent:- lack of empathy (ego –centric) Inability to read social cues (facial expression. Eye gaze and gesture ) Difficulty in coping with change sensory overload overstimulation from environment out burst aggression, crying, head banging, squealing repetitive behaviours interests, mimics speech , routines

•May be hyperactive•Difficulties with organisation•They can be a victim of bullying which may lead to a role reversal

Key Characteristics: Communication

Some characteristics that may be evident for a person with autism:- formal pedantic use may be seen tone of voice difficulties understanding verbal and non verbal communications pragmatics expressive language difficulties echolalia repetitive language or sounds lack of eye contact conversation avoidance due to a lack of interest delayed speech/ no speech which can result in monotonous non expressive form unusual intonation, volume, rhythm and rates unusual language use invented words or phrases difficulty understanding or following instructions literal thinkers abstract conceptsconcrete

Key Characteristics: SensoryMost people that have autism may show signs of the following: hypersensitivity over sensitive and overly stimulated by the environment Hyposensitivity dampen/weakened response to senses sensory overload processing difficulties , focussing on more than one channel of sensation may seek sensory stimulation biting, sucking, deep pressure or vibrating devices afraid of certain foods

Key Characteristics: PhysicalSome people with autism may show the following signs: clumsy body movements hand flapping body gaitnoticable when they run balancing difficulties preoccupation with hands will not attempt to offer help when you pick them up body weight resistance lack of muscle tone and coordination overactivity or underactivity uneven gross-fine motor skills repetitive movements self injury hand biting sensory stimulation

Key Characteristics: cognitive/intellectual

Most people with autism may show signs of the following: intellectual/ impairment difficulties affect their thinking and imagination skills visual learnersDrawing, maths and music some rote memory skills deficit in abstract thinking, symbolism, understanding others mental states processing difficulties poor attention skills

Key Characteristics: Literacy/numeracy

Some people with autism may show the following: characteristics:rearrange words into alphabetical order comprehension difficulties lack of imagination have trouble distinguishing between fact/fiction

Teaching/management strategies

Visual strategies and resources•Timetable/routine•Noise meter•Class rules•PECS: Pictures used to communicate•Task cards•Timer/clock

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Time out/quiet areaSensory boxBox of common interestsTeacher incorporates student interests in learning.Classroom seating arrangementILP – Individual learning programSocial storiesConsistent classroom routineLimiting distractionsBeing sensitive to sensory issues – limit classroom noise and distractions

Teaching/management strategies

Checklists –help with organisationRules – make sure students know them well – role play Teaching Social Skills explicitlyRelaxation techniques – breathing, stress balls. ComputersNoise control Breakdown tasks – make them more easily achievable.

Useful resources/websites-http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/as/asteachersites.html

-Autism Association of Western Australia – 10 steps to a successful classroom -http://www.autism.org.au/10%20steps%20to%20A%20SUCCESSFUL%20CLASSROOM.htm

-ASPECT.http://www.autismspectrum.org.au/a2i1i1l445l487/welcome.htm

References Apect Australia (2002) Thinking and Learning In Autism. Forestville, NSW.

Retrieved 8/03/10 from website www.aspect.org.au

Barbera M (2007) The Verbal Approach: How to teach children with autism and

related disorders. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. London, UK

Dodd S. (2005) Understanding Autism: Elsevier Australia, Marrickville, NSW.

Larkey S & Tullemans (2005) Teacher Assistants Big Red Book of Ideas for

Supporting Students with ASD (Autism/ Asperger). Redcliffe, Queensland.

O’Reiley, B. & Smith, S. (2008). Australian Autism Handbook. Edgecliff: Jane

Curry Publishing.

Pierotti A; Diehl S; Wegner J & Rubin E (2010) Children with Autism Spectrum

Disorders: Three case studies. Proquest Nursing & Allied Health Source; pg 14

Volkmar Fred, R & Wiesner Lisa, A. (2009).A Practical Guide to Autism: What

every parent, family member, teacher needs to know: Jessica Kingsley Publishers,

London, UK.

Westwood P (2009) What Teachers Need to Know About Students with

Disabilities. Acer Press: Camberwell, Victoria

Worth S. (2005) Autistic Spectrum Disorders Continium International Publishing

Group: London.