Module 1: Autism Overview

ETAP 623 Fall 2018 | Positive Behavior Supports in the Classroom

Back to Previous page Samantha A. Massaro

Unit Overview

In this module we will focus on Autism and the important aspects of Autism. We will notice that the prevalence of Autism continues to gradually increase, but there is still no real cause to this increase. (Kirk, 2015,p. 150). Many believe that it has something to do with genetics, as maybe questioning various environmental factors.

• Early Intervention can improve learning, communication, and social skills, as well as underlying brain development
• Practices of Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) and various therapies based on its principles are the most researched and commonly used behavioral supports
• Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy are other beneficial ways that students with Autism can benefit from these additional interventions in order to help students be successful.

PBIS focuses on a comprehensive system of positive behavior supports for all students in a school and is implemented in all areas of the school, including classroom and non-classroom settings (e.g. cafeteria, bus, restrooms, etc.)

Pre-Unit Activity

Reflection: Take a moment and think about your experience working with a child with Autism. What were you aware of? What was something that was noticed quickly? What was noticed discretely? Did you have any challenges? If so, how did you work through them? When you are complete, You will post your answer and collaboration in our Module google Slide Course, Under Module 1.

• https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-Ue8mcc1vTUeRQUk1PSVDPo78OR5uQh8zqmzjzbZUSQ/edit?usp=sharing

Upon the completion of the unit, we will always refer back and reflect.

Objectives

• Learners will be able to recall information from the readings and PowerPoint

• Learners will Identify the importance of Autism and the prevalence of ASD

• Learners will analyze the content read in this module

Lesson 1: What is Autism?

Learning Activities

• Please watch the PowerPoint Video Attached that is narrated. Please pay careful close attention to this video. Click the link below.

• Upon completion of this video, you will read Bleweiss's Chapter 1-3 "Everyday Classroom Strategies and Practices" This should help you gather your thoughts about Autism, while focusing on specific practices that you may have tried or already do in your classrooms or home.

Autism Quick Facts

Defining Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a complex set of neurological disorders that severely impair social, communicative and cognitive functions. Individuals with ASD can range from having cognitive impairments to typical or above average IQs. Typical ASD behaviors include stereotyped actions (hand flapping, body rocking), insistence on sameness, resistance to change and, in some cases, aggression or self-injury. Between 30-50% of people with autism have seizures. Autism was originally believed to be a form of schizophrenia brought on by a traumatic experience or bad parenting. This is not the case. Autism Prevalence

In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network determined that approximately 1 in 59 children (1 in 37 for boys, and 1 in 151 for girls) is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States.

Causes of Autism

No one is sure what causes autism. Through twin studies, scientists have determined that autism is a genetically based condition. For example, if one identical twin has autism then there is an 80-90% chance that the other twin will also be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The chance that fraternal twins will both be affected by ASD if one twin is afflicted is approximately 3-10%. Scientists are unsure what, if any, environmental triggers may be involved in autism. Beliefs in the late 1990s and early 2000s that vaccines may cause autism have since been disproven through numerous studies.

Diagnosis

It is possible to detect signs of autism in infants as young as 6-18 months. For example, if a baby fixates on objects or does not respond to people, he or she may be exhibiting early signs of an autism spectrum disorder. Older babies and toddlers may fail to respond to their names, avoid eye contact, lack joint attention, or engage in repetitive movements such as rocking, or arm flapping. They may play with toys in unusual ways. Parents who notice these signs, or are concerned their children are not meeting developmental milestones, should contact their pediatricians and request a developmental screening.

Treatments

Scientists agree that the earlier a child receives early intervention services the better the child’s prognosis. All children with autism can benefit from early intervention, and some may gain enough skills to be able to attend a mainstream school. The most effective treatments available today are applied behavioral analysis (ABA) and occupational, speech and physical therapy, which have proven to be the most effective. There is no cure for autism, and most individuals with ASD will need support and services throughout their lifetime. Many supposed “cures” for autism advertised on the internet are not backed through scientific studies and can be harmful.

Taken from https://autismsciencefoundation.org/what-is-autism/quick-facts-about-autism/

• We will then have a collaborative discussion about various strategies we would like to implement in our classrooms, possible solutions, and next steps.

Next Steps: Taking Perspectives

In your own words, what is a true definition of Autism? What do red flags for Autism look like to you?

Read the following statement and use your best educational perspective:

Jordan discusses the feeling of playing kickball with his friends and being bullied. As an educator, how could we make the playground and unstructured areas a safe place for people like Jordan, what other alternatives can you suggest making Jordan feel more comfortable?

Reflective Journal/Questions for Reflection

In Module 1, What were the biggest take aways for you? Did you find anything shocking or interesting? What did you find the most thought provoking? Please complete your reflective journal and e-mail it to your professor in conclusion to Module 1.

• What is Autism? What does it mean to be on the spectrum?
• What should educators be aware of when working with students with Autism?
• How do we support our students the best we can?

References and Resources

Kirk, S. A., Kirk, S. A., Gallagher, J. J., & Coleman, M. R. (2015). Educating exceptional children. Stamford, CT: Engage Learning.

Marketing, R. E. (2018, January 09). Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in the Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.rethinked.com/blog/blog/2018/01/15/positive-behavioral-interventions-and-supports-pbis-in-the-classroom/