An Introduction to Autism

This presentation is an introductory presentation on Autism (ASD): together with the list of lots of online sources and organizations that can help you to find out more information on this type of brain developmental disorder.

1. An Introduction to Autism

2. What is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of disorders with common disabilities in three key areas: Social awareness and interaction Language and other communication skills Imaginative play (variable interests and behaviours) Autism consists of disorders of development of brain functions Causes are not yet known for sure Autism affects families in all races, cultures all around the world

3. Shocking Statistics 1 out of every 110 children Four times as many boys than girls  More common than pediatric cancer, AIDS and diabetes combined  Costs $80-$100,000 each year to treat  No medical detection for autism  No known cure  A lifelong condition http://www.autismspeaks.ca/autism-speaks-canada

4. Spectrum of Autism

5. Labels of Autism Autistic Savants : distinctive abilities in art, music, mathematics or memory. 1% in the whole population Asperger's Syndrome Seven times as many people as classic autism; average to higher IQ Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) Classic Autism and Kanner Autism Two-thirds of classic autism: severely to mildly handicapped in cognition and intellect Classic Autism: four times more common in boys than in girls

6. Causes of Autism Unknown, No guidelines for preventing Invalid theories Postnatal environment : allergies, and exposure of children to drugs, vaccines, infection, certain foods Lack of Vitamin D Refrigerator mother Valid theories Genetic factors : the most significant cause Prenatal environment : age in either parent (m40+; f40+, m-30); diabetes, bleeding, and use of psychiatric drugs in the mother during pregnancy

7. Signs of Autism: Strengths Reading skills Exceptional balance Drawing skills Computer skills Exceptional memory Music skills

8. Signs of Autism: Weaknesses Social Interaction Communication Bizarre behaviours Repetitive behaviours Sensory issues Motor issues Self-injuries behaviours

9. When Does Autism Appear? Several symptoms appear by 18 months of age : Poor eye contact, trouble with pretend play and imitation, delayed communication skills, Joint attention Average age of diagnosis: About three years old Regression: Stop using the language, play, or social skills they had already learned; usually between the first and second birthdays

10. Treatments & Therapies Disabilities are lifelong and there is no known cure Biomedical Medication Diets Behavioural Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Son-Rise Program Communication therapies Sign Language Facilitated Communication (FC) Other Therapies Music Therapy Service Dogs

11. Success Stories

12. Temple Grandin (1947- ) Diagnosed with autism (brain damage) in 1950 Had supportive mentors from primary school onwards At age four, began talking, and making progress A "nerdy kid" whom everyone teased; Called "tape recorder” Bachelor's degree in psychology in 1970 Master's degree in animal science in 1975 Doctoral degree in animal science in 1989 Professor at Colorado State University Bestselling author Widely noted for her work in autism advocacy Inventor of the Hug Machine

13. Tito & Soma Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay (1989- ) Diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism when he was 3 Learned to develop his reading, writing, and thinking abilities through his mother’s method, Soma. A published and successful author since 2001 Communicates through writing Has given rare insights into autism: how his autism affects his view of the world Soma Mukhopadhyay Tito's tireless taskmaster By the time Tito was 6, he could write independently. Rapid Prompting Method (RPM)

14. Rapid Prompting Method (RPM)

15. Sources and References Autism Canada Autism physician handbook Windsor Public Library Databases Autism Speaks Autism Resources A Mother’s Courage: A documentary on Autism Science Daily

16. National Resources Canada Autism Speaks : NA’s largest autism science, awareness and advocacy organization http://www.autismspeaks.ca/autism-speaks-canada Autism Canada: registered Canadian Charity http://www.autismcanada.org/ Autism Society Canada www.autismsocietycanada.com Ontario Autism Ontario www.autismsociety.on.ca ABACUS http://www.abacuslist.ca/ Asperger Society Ontario www.aspergers.ca Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network (OAARSN) http://www.ont-autism.uoguelph.ca/ Ministry of Children and Youth Services http://www.children.gov.on.ca/

17. International Resources Autism Today : largest autism-related information online; multilingual Action for Autism : worldwide links to autism organization, resources in about 100 different countries www.autism-india.org/worldorgs.com Center for the Study of Autism www.autism.org Autistic Living : site developed by parents for parents www.autisticliving.com Autism Speaks : world's largest autism advocacy organization http://www.autismspeaks.org/ Autism Resources : over 16 languages www.autism-resources/links/nonenglish.html Australia http://www.autism.net.au/ Autism Society of America (ASA) www.autism-society.org Autism Research Institute www.autism.com/