Autism

Definition: Autism is a developmental disability that is characterized by social interaction and communication impairments, and limited activities and interest. Autism is usually classified by lack of verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive mannerisms, lack of eye contact, lack of social relationships, and fixation on certain items. Parents are usually the first to notice symptoms of autism because of the social affect. Children may not be able to respond to their name and lack of eye contact. The repetitive mannerisms usually consist of hand-flapping, twirling, rocking, ect. Sometimes these repetitive mannerisms can become self-inflicted injuries such as head- banging or biting. Children with autism also may refer to themselves as their name rather than “I” or “me.” They can become less susceptible to pain and more susceptible to other sensory stimulations. Autism is getting to be extremely common. It is now as common as 1 in about 150 children. There is not one single known cause for autism. Research has shown that there may be genetic causes and environmental causes. The brain of autistic children has been shown to be irregular in shape and/or size. There is not one specific gene that is shown to cause autism, but it can be passed from parents. Autism could be caused from environmental toxins such as mercury.

Implications: I think teaching a child with autism could possibly be the most challenging obstacle. Each autistic child is different in their own way, and they each learn differently also. Because verbal or written instructions may be difficult for an autistic child, I would use more pictures, diagrams, and flash cards. To help the child with day to day activities, I would stick with a very structured routine. Also, I would use a keyboard to help students write. This could be helpful because they may have problems with some motor skills. Autistic children are more sensitive to lights and sounds so I would try to avoid loud noises such as sirens, loudspeakers, and intercoms. I would also try to interact the child with tactile things such as sand, playdough, water, and such. I think the most important thing I could do is praise the child. Every little step that they make, they need to know that they are doing a good job.

Specific Technology:
Toys and Games: To stimulate learning in a fun way by providing visual and tactile sensory.
Boardmaker: This program provides pictures available in black and white or colors that children may use for communication.
Picture This: Another picture program that uses real-life pictures for communication.
True Object Bases Icons: These are cut outs of specific items that children can see and feel.

Annotated Bibliography:

Ambrose, D. (2003). Autism Teaching Tools. Retrieved on March 3, 2009 from http://www.autismteachingtools.com/.

This website gave great ideas for curriculums for autistic children. There were many book lists, games, toys, ect. for children with autism.

Autism Society of America. (2008). About Autism. Retrieved on March 3, 2009 from http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_home.

This website gave basic information about the definition of autism. The society had good statistics about the prevalence of autism and good examples of autism symptoms.

Grandin, T. (2009). How To Teach an Autistic Child. eHow. Retrieved on March 3, 2009 from http://www.ehow.com/how_2052077_teach-autistic-child.html.

The eHow website was very informative. It gave specific step-by-step instructions and ideas on how to teach autistic children.

National Institutes of Health. (2009). Autism Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved on March 3, 2009 from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm#133883082.

This institute gave an in-depth view of autism. It provided information about autism, its causes, symptoms, and signs. The fact sheet could also be used as a good resource for more information.

Stokes, S. (2009). Assistive Technology for Children with Autism. Retrieved on March 3, 2009 from http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst10.htm.

This author wrote a great article about the specific technology used for children and adults with autism. The different programs and computer devices are explained in this article and how they help people with autism.