A New NormalUnderstanding

Autism and Asperger’s

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What do these famous people have in common?

They all have a form of

Autism or Asperger’s

Autism and Asperger’s are diseases that are not totally understood by the mainstream . Many are thought to be weird or not to be able to function

on their own. The entertainment industry has brought the idea of these illness to light but also

some comedy as well. However this is a real disease that needs to reach the population.

What is Autism?• Autism is a neurological disorder that primarily effects males.

These individuals may have difficulty communicating and awkward in social situations.

• There are wide variety of severity of Autism. Those with severe Autism may need care throughout their lives whereas others will be able to live on their own.

• Many children are diagnosed before the age of 3. Parents and/or caregivers are the first ones to initially see a problem.

• There is no cure for Autism but the individual can live a normal life with early interventions and modifications in daily life.

What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

• Asperger’s is a milder from of Autism. • These individuals are higher functioning yet still have

difficulty communicating and social skills.• There is a later onset in those with Asperger’s than those

with Autism. The diagnosis is usually after the age of 3.• These individuals usually have a smaller range of

interests such as trains, weather, mythical creatures.

Areas of DevelopmentChildren have three areas of development as they mature.

SocialLanguage Behavior

Symptoms of Autism • Socially

• Fails to respond to his or her name• Has poor eye contact• Appears to hear you at times• Resists cuddling or holding• Appears unaware of other people feelings• Seems to prefer to play by oneself- retreats to ones own world.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Autism-Symptoms.” www.MayoClinic.com. 1998-2011 . 2011 March 22. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348/DSECTION=symptoms>.

Symptoms of Autism• Language

• Starts talking later than age 2, and has other developmental delays by 30 months

• Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences• Doesn't make eye contact when making requests• Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong

voice or robot-like speech• Can't start a conversation or keep one going• May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand

how to use them

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Autism-Symptoms.” www.MayoClinic.com. 1998-2011 . 2011 March 22. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348/DSECTION=symptoms>.

Symptoms of Autism• Behavior

• Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping

• Develops specific routines or rituals• Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals• Moves constantly• May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels

of a toy car• May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious

to pain

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Autism-Symptoms.” www.MayoClinic.com. 1998-2011 . 2011 March 22. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348/DSECTION=symptoms>.

Symptoms of Asperger’s• Socially

• The individuals do not pick up on social cures such as rhythm of conversation, body contact, or facial expressions.

• http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers-syndrome

When to seek a doctor’s advice.

• Doesn't babble or coo by 12 months• Doesn't gesture — such as point or wave — by 12

months• Doesn't say single words by 16 months• Doesn't say two-word phrases by 24 months• Loses previously acquired language or social skills at

any age

Treatment• There is no medical drug that can cure Autism.

• Drugs can be administered to help with the symptoms, such as antidepressants and/or antipsychotic medications.

• Typically therapy is encouraged that can teach the child how to interact with others and communicate. Therapy is also helpful in teaching the child to function with this disorder.

ModificationsThere are all types of modifications that a should and can be made for people with Autism and Asperger’s

• Have a consistent schedule• Stay in your routine• Set Clothes out the night before• Warn those with the illness of future changes• Parents should stay in close communication with

Teachers

Support

Parents and Caregivers often feel like they are at fault for having a child that is not “normal”. Parents should realize this is not their

fault and finding a support group or play group to share your feelings and frustrations with can make all the difference.

http://autism.meetup.com/cities/us/tx/fort_worth/

http://www.partnerstx.org/Resources/Autism/Support.htm