Autism Spectrum Disorder
April 7, 2017 l Adriana Mercuri
The earlier the diagnosis is made by a specialized diagnostic team, the earlier any necessary treatment can begin. Recognizing the early signs of Autism can lead to optimal outcomes.
(Early Signs of Autism (12-24 months)
Know what to look for:
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Often begins to develop language then loses it, or doesn't acquire language at all
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May appear deaf, respond unevenly or not at all to sounds
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Difficulty consoling during transitions
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Does not point or look
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Failure to bond
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Self restricted
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Limited imaginative play
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No interest in playing with others
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Early Signs
Children with Autism are all unique, but the do share some common characteristics.
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Characteristics
Strengths include:
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Non-verbal reasoning skills
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Reading skills
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Perceptual motor skils
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Drawing skills
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Computer interest skills
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Exceptional memory
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Visual Spatial abilities
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Music skills
Weaknesses include:
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Impairment in social relationships
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Deficits in communicative/language
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Preservation on interests & activities
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Dependence on routine
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Abnormal responses to sensory stimulation
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Behaviour problems
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Variability of intellectual functioning
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Difficulties in sleeping, toileting & eating
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Immune irregularities
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Gastrointestinal problems
Children with severe Autism conditions may have cognitive disability, sensory problems, and symptoms of extremely receptive & unusual behaviours.
Children with mild Autism conditions, however, may seem more like they have personality differences making it challenging to form relationships.
Educators Role When Working With Children With Autism
Early Childhood Educators can play an active role in supporting children with autism and other developmental disabilities. By using developmental appropriate practices, tracking developmental milestones, communicating with parents, and being aware of community-based resources, early care and education providers can make important contributions to the lives of young children with ASD and their families.
Some activities that my field supervisor has set up for the child with Autism in the room are:
Play dough activities
Puzzles
Writing boards
Picture books with velcro for him to follow
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In addition to this, the teacher set up a private area for him to use while the children are using the carpet or finishing up activities. Although he has his own area, he also has the freedom to join the rest of the children on the carpet and work with everyone. I can tell how comfortable he is in his environment and its amazing to see how attached he is to the educators in the room.Apart from this, he loves puzzles. He can finish a puzzle in one minute which is amazing.
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This child also has an EA that assists him in his daily routines and encourages him to participate in daily activities. She uses a book with pictures for him to look at to understand what is going on. The EA points at the picture and encourages the child to follow along with the routine.
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