TOWARDS IMPROVING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM

Professor Mohamed HabibullahNortheastern University andPresident, Shriver's Clinical Services CorporationBoston, Massachusetts, USA

Autism in Motion (age 5)Yusuf

What is Autism?Autism is a developmental disability considered as the result of a neurological condition affecting Normal brain function.Development and social interactions. Children and adults with autism find it difficult to relate to other people in a meaningful way and may show restrictive and/or repetitive patterns of behavior or body movements.

Cause of AutismThere is no single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding for programs can help these victims of autism and their families today. (ASA)

Signs of AutismDoes not cuddle or respond to affection and touching. Does not make eye contact. Appears to be unable to communicate. Displays persistent failure to develop two-way social relationships in any situation. Does not show a preference for parents over other adults.

Signs of AutismDoes not develop friendships with other children. Has poor language skills; or nonexistent ones. Shows unusual, extreme responses to objects either avoidance or preoccupation. Finds moving objects, such as a fan, hold great fascination.

Signs of AutismMay form an unusual attachment to odd objects such as a paper or rubber band. Spins and repeats body movements, such as arm flapping. May repeat television commercials. Will often walk on toes

Classification Based on SeveritySeverely autistic-low functioningWill need sign languageNot verbalUnable to read or writeModerately severe- teachable to speakIntensive ABA brings result, mainstreaming orReverse mainstreamingDaily living skillsVocational training, can read and write-High Functioning teachable to functionABA Functional DL skills, mainstreaming at school, communityCan communicate verbally and in writing.

Severely Autistic

NonverbalOften has SIB, hitting othersLack of communications make it more difficultNeeds sign language ASAPTeach daily living skillsNeeds structured ABA method and intensive (40 hours a week at home) education.

Moderately Severe

Echolalia Possible to teach languageNeeds a minimum of 40 hours/wk ABA teaching. Earlier intervention helps better.Will need some supervision in life. Work on the area that the child is good

High FunctioningVerbalCan read, write, cognitively able to understand. Can independently follow instructions in a group setting. Can go to college and live in a group home with minimum supervision. Can have a job

Autism vs Normal ChildCan you identify which one is Autistic?

My child without limits

The World Beyond Imagination

Charlotte Moore - GuardianThe autistic person often gives the impression either of concentrating on an inner world, or of looking through and beyond us to something out of reach.

Life is a Journey to Understand Life Itself

Father and Son

To my parents:It is not your fault that I am autistic

I am happy and content: Just be nice to me

Treatment of Autism There is no known singular effective treatment for autism.

Intensive education by ABADietary interventionPhysical Exercise

Combination off all -Found to be effective

Education-Teaching at schoolMainstreaming right from the KG class at public schools or side by side classes Pace down to social activities as age goes up.Use reverse mainstreaming at the school and community at all ages.Prepare for adult rehabilitation.

Educating young Children (1-4)Build on the child's strengths offer a predictable schedule teach tasks as a series of simple steps actively engage the child's attention in highly structured activities provide regular reinforcement of behavior

Teaching language (Age 7)

Educating children and youth (5-16)the transition from preschool or home to school is planned in advance.intervention is intensive. 40 hours/week from age 5.the learning environment at classroom, or home is structured with a predictable daily routine Staff is supported with training and facilities at school and at home.

Educating children and youth (5-16)programs focus on communication goals

programs use ABA technique, with generalization and maintenance of skills

individual intervention plans are developed for every child

Young autistic boy with a pilotAt a small airport

Young and autistic

A good companion at the beach

A gentleman with dignitywww.csaac.org/media/

I am ready: Adult Life starts Easter sales in autism

Skill sheet for school and homePlay activities and Teach through play activities:Physical ExerciseCommunication Leisure activitySafety SkillsIndependent SkillsVocational Reading, Writing typing skillsMathematicsReading Bengali Play Piano ,music Reading Quran

Teach through activitiesPlay a two-person gamePlay ping-pongPlay tennisPlay cards- UNO, Go FishRide bikesBase ball, crickets: Throw and catch balls

Play with normal kids

Playing Tennis

Playing Tennis

Teach through ActivitiesLearning to play baseball

Teach through activitiesGroup play activities SwimmingBasketballSoccerExerciseWalking togetherGroup talking in turns

Swim with normal kids

Teach through play activitiesPlaying basket ball with normal kids

Ping-pong

Teach through Exercise -1

Teach through Exercise-2Exercise with balls

Teach through exercise-3Swimming with peers

Teach through ABAHow to greet someone

Teach through Exercise-4Ice skating

Teach through MusicSome where over the rainbow

Teach through MusicI will be right here waiting for you

Teaching through religionSura Buruj

Vocational ActivitiesWorking at a departmental store

ACTION: How can we help? Educate people through media-about strengths and weakness of these people.

There must be a state law regarding the free and appropriate education for these children at Public school premises by the Govt.

There must be social laws to protect the rights of these children. Parks, recreation centers, clubs, exercise places, Hospitals and job places

ACTION -contdThey must be treated with respect and dignity. No name calling, they are not crazy, they are simply ill.

There must be consequences if any one discriminates their rights or treats them unjustly. Give fines, make them do community work to educate others, terminate jobs.

Teaching certificate must satisfy knowledge of teaching autistic children

RehabilitationFrom age 16, the children with autism should be trained to have assisted living environment.

There are different options for them.

1. Living at homeLiving at Home: Needs a day Programsocialization, recreation and community involvement. Can work with some supervisionContinue to learn DLSShowerhyginescleaningCookingeatingshoppingSafety skillsindependent living

2. Live in a group homeTwo to four autistic people live in a homeSupervised by two trained PCAs (24 hours)Should have a day program to learn DLSIn absence of parentscontinue to live.

3.Farm in Bangladesh1. Group Home2. School (9th -12th grade)3. Provision for special classes4. Mosque5. Pond with Fish6. A swimming pool7. Running and walking tracks through trees8. Picnic areas9. Playing field for soccer, tennis, basket ball, cricket10. Flower garden11. Land for cultivation

to cultivate vegetablestomato, eggplants, cucumber, onions, garlic, kumra, water melon.Raise cows and goats

Cost of a Farm255 lakh taka10 acres of land 150 lakh takaSchool building (40x80) 60 lakh takaMosque (second floor) 20 lakh takaPond with fish 10 lakh takaRunning/walking tracks through trees-3 lakh takaFlower garden, leisure space existing area-- 2 lakh takaClinic 10 lakh taka

Network of international farm communities for autism (NIFA) England.

Network of international farm communities for autism (NIFA) England.Characteristics of these farmsteads include the following: Rural settings Natural contexts for residential, vocational and recreational experiences Structure, order and behavioral principles applied Focus on communication On-going staff training Involvement with the larger community beyond the site Continued family support

Bittersweet FarmAdults with autism who live in rural farmstead communities can lead richly varied lives, socializing with staff members, visiting local towns for shopping, banking, haircuts, restaurants, festivals and entertainment, just as they can invite family, friends and neighbors to the community for celebrations of all kinds.

A farm for autistic people

Action planCreate an Autism organization of Bangladesh (if there is none)Educate people by Media, Newspaper about autism. Develop and pass social laws to protect the rights of autistic children for free and appropriate public education funded by the government using ABA method.Develop and pass social laws to treat people with autism with respect, not to discriminate, not to harass in the streets and public places. Each school should have ABA trained teachers available to teach autistic children.Teachers certificate should require special education training.Develop and pass laws so that the government takes care of adult autistic people by creating group homes and Farm academy.If nothing happens, we need to create farm academy for adults with autism without delay.