Children with Autism

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Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism affects each child differently and at varying degrees.¹¹ Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socioeconomic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the United States, the occurrence has climbed to an alarming 1 in 150 people across the country.¹²

Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), a category of neurological disorders characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development. The five disorders classified under PDD are:

• Autistic disorder,
• Asperger’s disorder,
• Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD),
• Rett’s disorder, and
• PDD—not otherwise specified (PDD–NOS).¹³

Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the United States. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined. It costs the nation more than $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade, but receives less than 5 percent of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases.¹⁴

Children with autism typically demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Impaired social and communication skills,
• Repetitive behaviors,
• Limited interests, and
• May have trouble keeping up with conversations.¹⁵

The cause of autism remains unknown; however, evidence points to genetic factors playing a prominent role in causing the disorder. Twin and family studies have suggested an underlying genetic vulnerability to autism.¹⁶

An effective intervention method that you can apply to autistic children in your classroom is applied behavior analysis (ABA). Applied behavior analysis is the theory that behavior rewarded is more likely to be repeated than behavior ignored. Other methods of effective intervention include a highly supportive teaching environment; predictability and routine; family involvement; and working with young children in small teacher-to-child ratios, often one to one in the early stages.¹⁷

Notes

11. Autism Society of America, "What is Autism?," accessed March 5,2007, at http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatis_home.

12. National Autism Association, http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/definitions.php.

13. Autism Society of America, "What is Autism?"

14. "Facts About Autism," Autism Speaks, accessed March 5, 2007, at http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/facts.php.

15. K. Painter, "Science Getting to the Roots of Autism," USA Today, January 12, 2004, accessed March 5, 2007, at http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-01-12-autism-main_x.htm.

16. National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders), 2004 accessed March 5, 2007, at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm.

17. D. Voltz et al., "A Framework for Inclusion in the Context of Standards-Based Reform," Teaching Exceptional Children, May/June 2005, 22.