Stephanie Flores Biology – Simonof Research Presentation March 10, 2014

1. Autism Stephanie Flores Biology – Simonof Research Presentation March 10, 2014

2. One in every eighty-eight American children are diagnosed with Autism each year • Boys are five times more likely to be diagnosed with Autism than girls, according to Autism Speaks • Early detection benefits a child and family in the long run • Autism: • -develops at an early stage • -changes over time • -has several treatments because it “differs from individual to individual” (Autism).

3. “Autism is a complex developmental disability” that involves how the brain of a child develops at an early age (Autism Society). • Initial phases of Autism may begin developing between the ages of two and three • Children should be screened during routine visits to make sure they are reaching “developmental milestones” (Autism Speaks). • Parents should learn what common symptoms and early signs are for children with Autism

4. Common symptoms of Autism may include: • -social challenges • -repetitive behaviors • -communication difficulties • Children with Autism may have failure in responding to their own names and difficulty in interpreting or understanding other people’s feelings(Autism Fact Sheet) • Diagnosis of Autism from a young age helps families dealing with the disorder be better prepared for what may happen later on in life (Autism Speaks)

5. Parents turn to psychologists, educators, and medical professionals when they feel that their child is developing at a slower rate than normal (Autism Society) • At a glance, children may appear to have, “intellectual disability, a sensory integration disorder, or problems with hearing or vision” (Autism Society) • Many symptoms co-occur with Autism so it can be difficult to diagnose a child (Autism Society) • Asperger’s Syndrome is a disorder very similar to Autism as well, so children must undergo several examinations (Autism Fact Sheet)

6. “A child may undergo either a medical diagnosis or a school evaluation” (Autism Society) • Medical diagnostics are made by physicians based on symptoms and a series of different diagnostic tests • A school evaluation can be made by an evaluation team comprised of school professionals (Autism Society) • Those results are then viewed by a team of professionals and the parents to determine if the child is eligible for special education or other services at the school (Autism Society)

7. Autism may change over time depending on how families help children develop • Families who support and encourage their child find that treatments have enhanced outcomes on the child • Children diagnosed with Autism from an early age are better suited to begin treatments and receive help because they are young and still have room to learn. (Autism Fact Sheet) • Treatments are based on the individual child’s need • “Include behavior modification, social skills training, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, play therapy, music therapy, dietary interventions, and medication” • Parents, siblings, and close relatives should learn how to help the child interact or communicate with other people. (Autism Speaks) • Families who learn the signs can become prepared by providing support and encouragement throughout the way • “Life with an autistic person can be rewarding, especially when progress is made, but it can also be frustrating and depressing” for any relatives and especially parents. (Autism) • Autism Speaks provides support for families and children. • Support and encouragement is provided along the way as children receive different forms of treatment.

9. Virginia Slaughter states that Autism differs from individual to individual so therefore, has various options for treatment • Children may react differently to one treatment compared to another • Physicians, psychologists, and other medical professionals try to put all of their attention on what each child’s specific problem or developmental issue may be to better help them (Autism) • Autism treatments show a wide range of possibilities since all children with Autism cannot be classified under the same category because of their individual needs • Adults with Autism may be able to live on their own or may still rely on others help.

10. Adults with Autism may have a harder time dealing with regular jobs or trouble with living on their own (Autism Society) • The transition from teenager to adulthood may be long and difficult for a person • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that individuals begin planning at the age of sixteen on what they plan to do after twenty-one (Autism Society) • The planning of the transition “should include the student, parents, and members of the IEP team” who will work together to help the transition be easier for everyone (Autism Society) • “Educational or vocational training, employment, living arrangements, and community participation” are some topics that members of the IEP may look at • An “individual’s interests, abilitis, and needs” will help the planning team evaluate what the individual will do for a career or where they will live

11. Autism differs from child to child and has several treatments for every individuals need • Autism develops in the early stages after birth • From the ages of two to three, children are screened and checked to see if they are reaching their developmental milestones • Parents who become concerned that their child has not developed at a regular pace, turn to medical professionals • Over time and as a child gets older, they may begin to change their previous behaviors and their form of treatment must be modified. • Families living with an Autistic person may benefit from the experience but also become depressed or unhappy. • Several organizations provide support for not only the individual with Autism but for the families as well. • Over the years, adults may begin to learn to live with their Autism

12. Works Cited "Autism Fact Sheet." n.d.National Institue of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Article. 20 February 2014. Autism Society . n.d. Web Page. 22 February 2014. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . 14 January 2014. Article . 22 February 2014. Slaughter, Virginia Ph.D. "Autism." Magill’s Medical Guide (Online Edition) (2013 ). Article . "What is Autism? ." n.d.Autism Speaks. Article . 20 February 2014.