Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Autism By:Sarah Arrowsmith



Autism

Definition:
Developmental disability that significantly affects verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age 3, and that adversely affects a child's educational performance.


Characteristics:

  • Tantrums

  • Difficulty in expressing needs/wants

  • Using gestures or pointing instead of words

  • Preference to be alone

  • Little to no eye contact

  • Obsessive attachment to objects

  • Not wanting to cuddle or show affection

  • No real fears of danger

  • Non responsive to verbal cues, although hearing tests are normal

  • Over or under sensitivity to pain



Ways To Accomodate Children With Autism In A Classroom:

  • Teach has to be prepared to integrate autistic children into the mainstream classroom

  • Teachers need to be supportive when child realizes they are "different"

  • Provide safe and supportive environment

  • Work closely with parents

  • Lots of one on one

  • A well organized classroom

  • Arrange desks neatly

  • Place autistic child next to a friend

  • Present materials in multiple ways that appeals to all senses..example:Showing a movie or playing an educational game

  • When working with groups pair autistic child with a nice helpful student to ease social anxiety

  • Try to refrain from major classroom changes



Organizations That Provide Assistance To Individuals With Autism:




--- Founded in 1965 by Bernard Rimland. Over the last 40 years the society has grown from a handful of parents into the leading source of information, reasearch, and reference on Autism




--- Largest international organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities




---Provides families in the Metro West are of Boston with information, education and support on Autism




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