An Autistic Child

An Autistic child is described as a child with disabilities that affect verbal and non-verbal communication. Some of the characteristics of autism is a blank stare, not responding to his or her name, and seeming content being alone. Autism is diagnosed before the age of three. There is abnormal function in one of the following areas: social interaction, language (communication), or symbolic play. To meet the criteria the child must display six or more of the following actions: marked impairment, cannot develop peer relationships, lack of showing enjoyment or interest, lack of social reciprocity, delay or lack of speech. They also have lack of being able to make believe, focus on patterns, or adhere to specific nonfunctional routines. Early identification proves a positive. It is not curable but if a diagnosis is made early, intervention can be helpful. In the classroom positive reinforcement and frequent rewards are a big help. The teacher is not supposed to make a model of a craft or a picture but it is necessary for the Autistic child. He or she also needs simple explanations and short sentences to be able to understand. Telling them one thing at a time is suggested. A child that cannot meet age appropriate “neurodevelopment milestones’ has an Intellectual disability. Misdiagnosis is a concern because of the stigma. Children who can function to a normal standard or almost normal do not become “ intellectually disabled” until they are in school. The AAMD Behavior scale helps diagnosis. There are five factors to consider: personal self-sufficiency, social adjustment, responsibility to community and self. Early intervention can improve the intellectually disabled. Teaching the intellectually disabled is about the same as teaching the autistic child. You have to speak in short and simple terms. And get the autistic child and the intellectually disabled child to give you his or her full attention. Putting the children