Autism Facts

• 1 in 88 children will be identified with Autism1 in 88 children will be identified with Autism• Largest incidents of autism is among Hispanics Largest incidents of autism is among Hispanics

110% and African Americans at 91%110% and African Americans at 91%• Researchers have concluded that autism can be Researchers have concluded that autism can be

passed on genetically but there are also some passed on genetically but there are also some environmental factors that influence autismenvironmental factors that influence autism

• Autistic student can improve social interaction Autistic student can improve social interaction with age, but you can’t out grow autism.with age, but you can’t out grow autism.

Diagnosis of Autism

• There is a screen tool for ASD that relies on There is a screen tool for ASD that relies on interview of doctors, teachers and parents to interview of doctors, teachers and parents to determine if the student has autism.determine if the student has autism.

• A multidisciplinary team ofpsychologist, A multidisciplinary team ofpsychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, and neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, and other professionals who diagnose children with other professionals who diagnose children with ASDs ASDs

Diagnosis of Autism

Physical Effects of AutismPhysical Effects of Autism

• Abnormalities in the:Abnormalities in the:

– Cerebrum, Cerebrum,

–hippocampus, hippocampus, –Parietal and frontal cortexParietal and frontal cortex..

Effects of Autism

• Autism Spectrum Disorders such as Autism, Asperger's Syndrome cause issues in crucial areas of development:

• • Verbal and nonverbal communication

• • Social interaction

• • Imaginative or creative play

• • Sensory processing.

Treatment for Autism

• Behaviorally you can teach targeted behaviors by showing the skill you want learned.

• Educationally: highly structured environment with a multidiscipline team to come up with interventions.

• Drug therapy: there is no one drug therapy you treat the anxiety, depression and hyper activity of the condition.

How is Autism Diagnosis

• Diagnosed Mentally retarded at age 1

• Diagnosed as Bipolar at age 3

• Diagnosed with Schizophrenia at age 5

• Diagnosed with autism age 7

References

• http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CountingAutism/ • http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/v7/n9/full/

4001248a.html• http://www.autismspeaks.org/• http://www.autismspeaks.org/ • http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/ds00348/

dsection=treatments-and-drugs • Dr Amy Esler pediatric and adolescent psychology