How Autism Affects

Communication

Contemporary Health II

Spring 2014

What is Autism? “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges” (CDC, Autism Spectrum Disorder, para.1, 2014).

How Common is Autism?ASD affects over 2 million individuals in the U.S. Rates have increased from 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United states

Signs and SymptomsAvoid eye contact Want to be aloneNot responding to their nameHave trouble talking about their own feelingsHave trouble expressing their needs using typical words and motionsRepeat actions over and over again

DiagnosisDoctors look at the children's behavior and development to make a diagnosis

A diagnostic evaluation involves a team of doctors that include: a pediatrician, psychologist, speech and language pathologist and occupational therapist

ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger

Causes and Risk FactorsEnvironmental, biological and genetic factors are some factors that make a child more likely to have an ASD

Children who have a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk of also having ASDChildren born to older parents are at a greater risk of having ASDPrescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide have been linked with higher risk of ASDASD tends to occur more often in people who have certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis

How does autism affect communication?

Children with ASD, communication development happens differently and more slowlyChildren with ASD might be more interested in environmental sounds like the whirring of a fan or vacuum than the sound of people talkingChildren with autism might imitate whole sentences without always understanding the meaning of the things they are saying

Language use and behaviors that are often found in children with ASD:

Repetitive or rigid languageEcholalia-the uncontrollable and immediate repetition of words spoken by another person

Narrow interests and exceptional abilitiesApproximately 10 percent of children with ASD show extremely high abilities in specific areas, such as music or math.

Uneven language developmentPoor nonverbal conversation skills

How are the speech and language problems of ASD treated?

Speech-language therapy Augmentative and Alternative Communication Occupational Therapy Sensory Integration Therapy

Personal Interactions

Sources “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 09 Apr. 2014. Wed. 11 Apr. 2014. “What is Autism?” Autism Speaks. N.p., n.d. Wed. 14 Apr.2014. <http://ww.autismspeaks.org/ what-autism>.“What Treatments Are Available for Speech, Language and Motor Issues?” Autism Speaks. N.p., n.d Web. 13 Par. 2014 <http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/what-treatments-are-available-speech-language-and-motor-imaitments>.