The Importance Of Autism In Education

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a growing problem throughout the entire globe. Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined as deficits in social reciprocity and communication, as well as unusual, restricted and repetitive behaviors (Lord). Such behaviors may include running back and forth, excessive cleaning, noises, and clapping. These also vary greatly with age and ability, and the notion of ASD has been introduced to recognize these diversities (Firth). Autism was first discovered in 1943 when Leo Kanner observed 11 children with several common traits such as, impairments in social interaction, anguish for changes, good memory, belated echolalia, over sensitivity to certain stimuli (especially sound), food problems, limitations in spontaneous activity,

Autism is the main form of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism is a developmental disorder that is manifested in problems with communication, impairment of social functioning, and repetitive behaviours. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), ASD diagnoses must meet four different areas of criteria. There are three symptoms of "deficits in social communication and interaction across contexts," four symptoms of "restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities," "symptoms must be present in early childhood," and the symptoms must "together limit and impair everyday functioning" (Carpenter, 2013). There are many theoretical positions on the causes of autism spectrum disorders. Some of which have been discounted by empirical studies that have been researched and performed.

Many of us have heard about Autism, also knows as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some have a family member, a friend, or know someone who has ASD. Increasingly it is becoming a more common disability. “Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S” (Autism Speaks). Autism has no respect for gender, race, social class and or ethnicity. “Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain.” (Autism Center of Excellence) People who have autism have a lot of difficulties with social skills, communication and also will develop behavior issues. These behavior problems of an individual with autism can vary at times and can go from mild to severe. According to the Autism Science Foundation it says,” Many people with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASD can vary—from gifted to severely challenged.” The causes and symptoms, as well as the diagnosis, and the treatments of autism vary.

Autism is a mental condition, which becomes apparent in the early stages of childhood. Autism is often characterized by the difficulty in connecting and establishing relationships with other people and in the use of language and intangible ideas. Autism is fast becoming a very familiar disorder. Many people across the nation have been trying endlessly to find a treatment for it. There have been limitless establishments which have been continuously trying diverse ideas and ways to bring funding for further research for Autism as well as bringing more awareness towards it. To become more familiar with Autism one should first understand what symptoms can be linked with autism. Some of those symptoms more common to Autism is difficulty with social interactions and relationships, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and limited interests in activities or play. Although most of these symptoms can seem similar, Autism is continuously changing through the different stages of life; the childhood years, teen years, and adulthood.

One of the most difficult things when dealing with an Autistic child, is not knowing what it is like for them. The condition is simply “inconsistent and unpredictable” because you never know what the child is thinking of, or what to expect next from them. Helping children with Autism understand and comprehend their disorder is a great way of supporting the child. “Rejoicing their strengths” can help them be more productive and improve in whatever are they are best in. “The task is to hone that strength, and never stop expecting good things from the

In the early 1960s up until today, autism has gradually increased within the number of reports and diagnoses of children. As scientists and doctors continue their research of the increases in autism cases, the more children became diagnosed with this illness. Autism is known as a “medical puzzle” because throughout the decades numerous studies and research were done on children to see if they the diagnosis were accurate. “Traditionally, autism is diagnosed with behavioral tests that assess whether kids are meeting developmental milestones, such as talking, interacting with their parents and siblings, and

According to the CDC, autism is “a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges (Facts About Autism, 2016)”. Autism was first discussed in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner, after he observed 11 children who had fixations on the inanimate environment rather than people (Quick Facts About Autism). It affects about one percent of the population, and is

Autism is known as a complex developmental disability. Experts believe that autism presents itself during the first three years of a person's life. The condition is the result of a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function, affecting development of the person's communication and social interaction skills. People with autism have issues with non-verbal communication, a wide range of social interactions, and activities that include an element of play or banter. “Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined” (What is Autism

Autism is a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts (“Autism” Def). It’s a disability that affects a person’s communication skills and/or changes in behavior. Autism is usually diagnosed before three years of age and has a lifelong persistence. The causes of this disorder is unclear and there is currently no cure for it. There are two core characteristics of autism. The first being a deficiency in social communication and social interaction. The second is a restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities. Clinical features of autism include walking on tiptoes, lack of eye contact, extreme dislike of certain foods or sounds, poor communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and

Autism is a developmental disorder that is diagnosed on the basis of the early-emerging social and communication impairment and rigid and repetitive behaviour and interest. This condition among other things, affects the individuals environment and their interaction with other people. Early and accurate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is critical not to only early intervention and more successful outcomes for children and their families, but for long-range planning and support through the developmental years and adulthood (Lubetsky, Handen & McGonigle, 2011). Autism is a disorder that over diagnosed in children, an estimated one in 100 people has autism almost 230,000 thousand Australian being diagnosed with autism. For boys, the risk of diagnosis for autism is about four times more than a girl being diagnosed with autism or a related disorder (Karnes, Stephens

Autism can be defined as a complex developmental disorder which typically appears during toddler/preschool ages, but is not diagnosed until 30 months or older (Rajendran & Mitchell, 2007). The main diagnostic features present in individuals with Autism include underdeveloped social-communication skills and focused interests with repetitive behaviour/actions (Kim, Szatmari, Bryson, Streiner & Wilson, 2000). However, in recent years, there has been a higher prevalence of diagnosed autism, with a 78% increase between 2004 and 2008 in the US, and 1 in 132 individuals being diagnosed worldwide in 2010 (Baxter et al, 2015). Perhaps an increase in awareness of autism or a re-evaluation of diagnostic criteria could explain these changes (Howlin & Moore, 1997) as the notion of an autistic spectrum is no longer defined by any noticeable separation from what is classed as ‘normal’ (Baron-Cohen, 2009).

AS educators we have to select and employ instructional strategies for each student as an individual. Autism is a disability like snowflakes, no two are ever exactly the same.

I chose to work with the disability of autism. According to the IDEA and Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings, they give out three definitions, but only one works very well. It is considered a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. There are definitely some characteristics that stand out due to this disability. Students who are said to have autism usually take part in activities that are repetitive, they do not like change when taking part in daily activities, and they do not do well with experiences involving their senses (Smith, Polloway, Patton, and Dowdy

Tens of millions of people have been diagnosed with Autism worldwide, effecting both genders, all races, ethnicities and people from all socioeconomic classes. In 2010 a Surveillance Summary was conducted in the United States, where it identified that one in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). It has been recognised

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of many developmental disabilities that affect students learning. In fact, in the United States, Autism is the fastest-growing severe developmental disorder (“What is Autism,” n.d.). Also, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder is 1 in 68 children and the prevalence in boys is 1 in 42 children (“What is Autism,” n.d.). Furthermore, Autism Spectrum Disorders also affects the way a child learns and over the years, several teaching strategies have been developed to help teachers to effectively educate students with Autism. Research has also been conducted to develop and test new teaching strategies for Autism and continues in playing an important role in the education of students with Autism.