AUTISM

AUTISM
Autos (Greek) it means “self”
Ism (English) it means a distinctive
practice, system, or philosophy,
typically a political ideology or an
artistic movement.
 AUTISM
or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a
range of conditions characterized by challenges
with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech
and nonverbal communication, as well as by
unique strengths and differences. We now know
that there is not one autism but many types,
caused by different combinations of genetic and
environmental influences.
(http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism)
 AUTISM
is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder
that impairs a child's ability to communicate and
interact with others. It also includes restricted
repetitive behaviors, interests and activities.
These issues cause significant impairment in
social, occupational and other areas of
functioning.
(http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/autism-spectrum-
disorder/basics/definition/con-20021148)
 DIAGNOSIS
• There is no objective test for autism such as a
blood test or a brain scan at the present time
• The diagnosis is made on the basis of having a
particular pattern of development and
behaviours.
• However, many of the individual behaviours are
not indicative of autism on their own. Many of
these behaviours are seen in typically developing
children at early stages in their development and
may be seen for longer in children who are
delayed in their progress.
 AUTISM vs. DOWN SYNDROME
• There have also been some surveys in the UK and
Sweden which suggest that about 5-7% of children with
Down syndrome have autistic spectrum disorders.
• A recent study of a sample of young children in the
USA found 2 children in a group of 20, giving a 10%
incidence.
• It could be argued that children with Down syndrome
have some inbuilt social strengths that reduce the
likelihood of having autism despite their delayed
language and intellectual development.
CAUSES
R ubella
E ncephalitis
F ragile X syndrome

T uberous sclerosis
 Rubella
also known as German measles or three-
day measles,
is a contagious disease caused by a virus.

Most people who get rubella usually have a mild

illness, with symptoms that can include a low-grade
fever, sore throat, and a rash that starts on the
face and spreads to the rest of the body

Rubella can cause a miscarriage or serious birth

defects in an developing baby if a woman is infected
while she is pregnant.
Encephalitis

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue.

The most common cause is viral infections. In rare
cases it can be caused by bacteria or even fungi.

Some childhood viruses that can cause encephalitis include:

chicken pox (very rare)

measles

rubella

•mumps
Fragile X syndrome

is a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental

problems including learning disabilities and cognitive
impairment. Usually, males are more severely affected by
this disorder than females.

is caused by the expansion or lengthening of the

FMR1 gene on the X chromosome, known as a gene
mutation. The X chromosome is one of two sex
determining chromosomes. When the gene
lengthens it switches off production of a protein that
is involved in brain development and other functions.
Tuberous sclerosis

also called tuberous sclerosis complex, is a rare

genetic disease that causes noncancerous (benign)
tumors to grow in many parts of the body.

Tuberous sclerosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in

the TSC1 or TSC2 gene. Normally, these genes are thought to
prevent cells from growing too fast or in an uncontrolled
manner.
 F Perinatal
Hereditary
A Factor
Factors
Tuberous sclerosis
C Rubella

Fragile X syndrome T
O
R Psychosocial
Factor
Biological
Factor
S
Encephalitis
 RUBELLA is a contagious disease caused by a virus.

RUBELLA
also called tuberous sclerosis complex, is a rare
genetic disease that causes noncancerous (benign)
Tuberous sclerosis
tumors to grow in many parts of the body.

Tuberous sclerosis
A utistic Disorder

P ervasive Developmental
Disorder

A sperger syndrome
AUTISTIC DISORDER
• called "classic" autism
• Usually have significant
language delays
• Social and communication
challenges
• unusual behaviors and
interests
• Learning disablity
ASPERGER SYNDROME
•Usually have some milder symptoms
of autistic disorder
• They might have social challenges
• Unusual behaviors and interest
• They do not have problems with
language or intellectual disability
PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER
NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED (PDD-NOS)
• Also called “atypical autism”
• People who meet some of the
criteria for autistic and
Asperger syndrome
• Usually fewer and milder
symptoms than those with
autistic disorder
• Social and communication challenges
 MILD AUTISM
Descriptive term than “Asperger syndrome
or “autism”
• Fit on symptoms of autism spectrum disorder
• strong verbal skills and behavioral
issues
• Significant problems with social communication
• Problems coping with too much sensory input
(loud noise, bright lights etc.)
HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM
Term was used to distinguish “autism” from
“Asperger autistic”

• Have speech delays

• Asperger Autistic have normal speech

development
SEVERE AUTISTIC
Descriptive term

• Have speech delays

• Asperger Autistic have normal speech

development
 Term was used to distinguish “autism” from
“Asperger autistic”
• Have speech delays
• Asperger Autistic have normal speech
development
Rett's syndrome
• Identified by Andreas Rett, in 1965
• Rett's disorder is a progressive condition that has its
onset after some months of what appears to be normal
development. Head circumference is normal at birth
and developmental milestones are unremarkable in
early life. Between 5 and 48 months of age, generally
between 6 months and a year, head growth begins to
decelerate.
• prevalence of 6 to 7 cases of Rett's disorder per
100,000 girls.
ETIOLOGY
• Unknown

• Hyperammonemia has led to postulation that an

enzyme metabolizing ammonia is deficient

• Genetic basis.

• Complete concordance in monozygotic twins.

 EDUCATIONAL
INTERVENTIONS FOR
STUDENTS WITH
AUTISM
Adjusting number of items
Choosing areas to explore
Adjusting time
Task break-down list
Visual schedules
Clear and consistent rules
Classroom design