“Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication (What is Autism, n.d.).” The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Edition 5 (DSM-5) defines Autism Spectrum Disorder as a deficit in social interaction and communication characterized by repetitive patterns and restricted activities (Taghizadeh et al., 2019). The American Autism Association states, “no two people with autism have the same symptoms and these symptoms can vary from mild to severe.” Many people with autism have additional medical conditions such as sleep disturbance, seizures and gastrointestinal (GI) distress (Autism Speaks, n.d.). Addressing these conditions can improve attention, learning and related behaviors. Additionally, many individuals with autism benefit from therapies for communication, social skills, or motor challenges, or to learn other skills like feeding or self-care. According to the Autism Society (2021), there is currently no known cause of autism, however early diagnosis has been found to help a person receive the support and services that they need, which can lead to a quality life filled with opportunity.
Depending on the child’s stage of development, here are some ways you can describe ASD to children:
• “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a difference in the way a kid’s brain develops. Kids with autism may have trouble understanding the world around them.”
• “A kid with autism might have trouble talking and learning new words, making friends or fitting in, dealing with changes (like trying new foods), and hearing loud noises, bright lights, or crowds.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the common signs and symptoms of ASD include:
• Repeat actions over and over again
• Have trouble adapting when a routine changes
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• Have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
• Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
• Repeating sounds or phrases (echolalia)
• Have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
Autism Spectrum Disorder Facts from Autism Speaks
• According to the CDC, 1 in 54 children in the United States are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
• Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
• Signs of autism usually occur by age 2 or 3.
• Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• More than half of children with autism have one or more chronic sleep problems.
• Children with autism are nearly eight times more likely to suffer from one or more chronic gastrointestinal disorders than are other children.
• Nearly one-third of people with autism have epilepsy (seizure disorder).
Resources
- Websites
• https://www.autismspeaks.org/
• https://www.myautism.org/
• https://www.autism-society.org/
• https://nationalautismassociation.org/
• https://www.pathfindersforautism.org/ - Books
• Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant
• Autism, The Invisible Cord: A Sibling’s Diary by Barbara Cain
• The Kids’ Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control: Simple Stuff to Help Children Regulate Their Emotions and Senses by Lauren Brukner
• Self-Regulation and Mindfulness: Over 82 Exercises & Worksheets for Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, & Autism Spectrum Disorder by Varleisha Gibbs
• Autism: Understanding the Disorder (Clinical Child Psychology Library) by Gary B. Mesibov, Lynn W. Adams, and Laura G. Klinger - Applications
• Visuals2Go
• Otsimo | Special Education AAC
• Endless Reader
• Speech Blubs 2
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References
Autism statistics and facts. Autism Speaks. (n.d.). https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, March 25). What is autism spectrum disorder? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html.
Taghizadeh, N., Heard, G., Davidson, A., Williams, K., & Story, D. (2019). The experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder, their caregivers and health care providers during day procedure: A mixed methods study. Pediatric Anesthesia, 29(9), 927–937. https://doi.org/10.1111/pan.13689
What is autism? American Autism Association. (n.d.). https://www.myautism.org/what-is-autism.
What is autism? Autism Society. (2021, August 11). https://www.autism-society.org/what-is/.
What is autism? Autism Speaks. (n.d.). https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism.