Autism: Developmental Disability

Mini Paper 2
Autism

Prepared by: Jacqueline Boily                                                   Course: 0801-670-01

What is Autism?

Autism is a developmental disability that affects all areas of behavior and perception. Approximately 10 out of every 10,000 children are diagnosed with autism and four out of five are males. Autism is the third most common developmental disability, more common than Down Syndrome. Children with Autism are characterized by impairment in several areas of development such as: Cognitive, Language, Play/Socialization skills and exhibit many challenging behaviors. Behavior Patterns of Autism:
 Difficulty mixing with other children
 Acts as if deaf- may have normal hearing but not comprehend language.
 Resists learning- about 75% measured IQs below 70.
 No fear of real danger- their sense of touch may not register pain, many are unable to speak and are oblivious to pain.
 Resists change in routine- any break in the routine can be overwhelmingly distressful for the child.
 Uses people as “tools” to satisfy needs
 Inappropriate laughing and giggling
 Not cuddly, resists being held
 No eye contact- may have normal vision but not understand what they see.
 Inappropriate attachments to objects
 Spins objects, sustained odd play- spinning objects, rocking or hand flapping may occur for hours.
 Destructive and aggressive at times
 May be self-injurious- face slapping, biting, and head banging.
 Impairment in communication- delay in or total lack of, the development of spoken language. Impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain conversation. They often engage in strange language and speaking behavior such as echolalia (repeating back only what has been said to them).
How Autism Affects Functioning in School:
Autism is a disability that can create a barrier between the individual and his or her friends, family, and community.   This disability often interferes with an individual’s ability to... [continues]

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