Autism 101 Webinar April 5, 2012

8/2/2019 Autism 101 Webinar April 5, 2012

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Autism 101

with Co-Director

Amy Goodman

Thursday April 5th

, 2012


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Amy Goodman, MA

Co-Director Autism NOW

The Arc

1825 K St, NW

Washington DC 20006

1-202-600-3489 Ex. 3734

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.autismnow.org

Other social media: Facebook and Twitter

Amys Profile
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Why did you choose this

webinar and what are you

expecting to learn from it

today?


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In the U.S. the prevalence of autism spectrum

disorders (ASD) is 1 in 88 children or 1 in 54 boysaccording to the Center for Disease Control (CDC,

March 2012) In England the prevalence of ASD is estimated to

be 9.8 in 1000 in adults.

The prevalence for adults may be a little skewedbecause in England the way individuals arediagnosed is different than in the U.S. but also dueto individuals being diagnosed later in life.

Prevalence


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Family History: If one child is on the

spectrum, there is a 1 in 5 chance their

siblings will be too. (see article)

Parents ages: 30s/40s higher risk of

having a child with autism (see article

Prevalence
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/autism-odds-siblings/13738/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/09autism.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/09autism.htmlhttp://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/autism-odds-siblings/13738/


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Doug Flutie, has a son named Doug Flutie Jr.

Sylvester Stallone, has a son named SeargeohStallone

John Travolta had a son who had autism,unfortunately he died of a seizure disorder

Dan Marino has a son with Autism

Toni Braxton, a singer, has a son with autism

There are many more famous people who deal withautism on a daily basis, this is to illustrate that youare not alone on your journey.

Famous Parents


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This is what is referred to when a child or adult gets a

diagnosis.

It is a is a list of all different disorders and disabilities.

It is used in the medical field and used as part of the

diagnosis so one can get services and supports.

The DSM IV will be replaced by the DSM V in the

near future. The definition of what constitutes an autism

spectrum disorder is going to be changed and it is a

hot topic in the news.

DSM IV and DSM V


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Autism is a developmental disability significantlyaffecting verbal and nonverbal communication and socialinteraction, generally evident before age three, thatadversely affects educational performance.

Signs and symptoms:

Irregularities and impairments in communication

Engagement in repetitive activities

Stereotyped movements Resistance to environmental change or change in daily

routines

Unusual responses to sensory experiences

Federal Definition


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The definition is exactly the same as the Federal

Definition.

The only difference is that the definition is broken down

more broadly as to what constitutes as autism An individual can be diagnosed as having autism if they

meet six characteristics from the following:

Qualitative impairment in social interaction;

Qualitative impairment in communication

Repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior

Very narrow focus of interest

State Definition


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Under One Umbrella

Autism is defined as a spectrum disorder and this spectrum is all under

one umbrella. The spectrum includes classical Autism, Childhood

Disintegrative Disorder, Tourettes syndrome, Aspergers syndrome,

Rhett's syndrome, PDD-NOS and perhaps ADD and ADHD. Some

individuals may have a dual diagnosis-more than one diagnosis, i.e

Autism and Down syndrome.


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Three most common types of ASDs:

Classic Autism

Aspergers syndrome

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Other

Specified

Different Types of Autism Spectrum

Disorders (ASDs)


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Individuals usually have:

significant language delays

social and communication challenges

behaviors interests different for those

without autism

Classic Autism


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Individuals usually function at the higher end of

the spectrum.

They may have social challenges and different

behaviors and interests.

They typically do not have problems with

language or have intellectual disabilities.

Aspergers Syndrome


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Also called Atypical Autism.

Individuals who meet some of the criteria for autism orAspergers syndrome, but not all of the criteria

Individuals usually have fewer behaviors than those with

autism. The behaviors may only be related to social and

communication challenges

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not

Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)


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Significant impairment in interpersonal interaction

Unresponsive to physical contact

Rigid when picked up, not cuddly

Avoid eye contact

Characteristics for Infants and

Toddlers


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Social impairments, no friends

Difficulty relating to other people

Prefer inanimate objects

Form attachments to objects

Insensitive to feelings Treat other people as objects

Characteristics for Children


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No or little speech

Use of echolalia (repeating what is said back to them)

Selfstimulation: flicking hands, spinning themselves or

other objects, rocking, hand flapping, face slapping, head

banging, biting themselves or possibly eating inedible

objects.



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Resist change

Perseverate on problems

Not understanding social cues

Not relating well to other people in their environment

Prefer adults to peers



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Lack of managing appropriate social conduct

High Intelligence

Anger management problems

Controlling feelings such as depression, fear, or anxiety

Lack of empathy

Inability to listen to others

Inflexible Thinking Repetitive routines provides feelings of security

Characteristics for Adults


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Stress when their routine suddenly changes

Inability to think in abstract ways: Theory of Mind

problems, Executive functioning problems

Lack of Internal Voice, may read or talk out loud forcomprehension purposes

Specialized fields of interests

May be a visual, or auditory thinker or prefer both modes

of learning

Sensory Problems/Sensory Integration

Characteristics for Adults


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Many say the biological theory has to do with genetics.

but research has not proven any genetic causes as of yet.

What we do know is this:

that there is a problem in communication between cellsin the brain

that there are at least 20 or more genes that seem to be

associated with autism.

that the immune system is an important component

Implications and Theories


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Researchers have not identified any single specific factor

that causes autism. There are many theories aboutautism. None have proven as the one and only correct

theory.

I will review some of the most likely causes or theories

that are in the literature.

Theories


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Toxics in the environment: mercury poisoning

Maternal diet Chemicals such as carpet cleaners and laundry soaps

Vaccines: there has not been any scientific evidence that

vaccines cause autism

Air pollutants

Theories


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Another possible theory that has been studied is

neurological damage to the individual. That would

include such things as maternal infections, alcohol abuse,viral infections, and problems during delivery of the baby.

Theories


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References

Websites:

http://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.html

http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0%2C%2C2

0090891%2C00.html http://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-Foundation-

History.asp

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-

symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htm http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-

june11/autism3causes_04-20.html
http://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.htmlhttp://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.htmlhttp://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20090891,00.htmlhttp://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20090891,00.htmlhttp://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-Foundation-History.asphttp://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-Foundation-History.asphttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june11/autism3causes_04-20.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june11/autism3causes_04-20.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june11/autism3causes_04-20.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june11/autism3causes_04-20.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june11/autism3causes_04-20.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june11/autism3causes_04-20.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june11/autism3causes_04-20.htmlhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/federal-study-estimates-1-in-88-children-has-symptoms-of-autism/2012/03/29/gIQArD5Xj5_story.htmhttp://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-Foundation-History.asphttp://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-Foundation-History.asphttp://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-Foundation-History.asphttp://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-Foundation-History.asphttp://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-Foundation-History.asphttp://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-Foundation-History.asphttp://flutiefoundation.org/About-The-Foundation-History.asphttp://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20090891,00.htmlhttp://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20090891,00.htmlhttp://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.htmlhttp://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.htmlhttp://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.htmlhttp://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.htmlhttp://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.htmlhttp://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.htmlhttp://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.htmlhttp://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.htmlhttp://www.asperger-advice.com/asperger-symptoms-in-adults.html


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References-Continued

http:/www.autism.about.com/od/whatisautis

m/p/autismcauses.htm

Referenced Articles

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/

autism-odds-siblings/13738/

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/

09autism.html
http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/p/autismcauses.htmhttp://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/p/autismcauses.htmhttp://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/autism-odds-siblings/13738/http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/autism-odds-siblings/13738/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/09autism.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/09autism.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/09autism.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/09autism.htmlhttp://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/autism-odds-siblings/13738/http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/autism-odds-siblings/13738/http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/autism-odds-siblings/13738/http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/autism-odds-siblings/13738/http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/autism-odds-siblings/13738/http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/08/15/autism-odds-siblings/13738/http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/p/autismcauses.htmhttp://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/p/autismcauses.htm


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Comments or Questions?


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CenterWebsite:www.autismnow.org

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People Taking Responsibility for Advocacy in Their

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Autism 101 Webinar April 5, 2012