autism is a brain disorder and or condition that impairs

8/14/2019 Autism is a Brain Disorder and or Condition That Impairs

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AUTISM

Autism is a brain disorder and or condition that impairs a persons ability to communicate,formrelationships, socially interact, and respond

appropriately within a given environment.


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CHARACTERISTICS May avoid eye contactMay appear or respond as if deaf May lack awareness of the existence

feelings of othersCan be physically aggressive or haveoutbursts when familiar environment orroutine is changedCan remain fixated on single activity orobjectMay engage in strange actions such ashand flapping, rocking, or flicking objects


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May lick toys/objectsMay not show sensitivity to pain(burns,bruises)

May engage in self-injurious behavior, suchas scratching, biting, or pickingImpaired social interactionImpaired verbal/non-verbal communication

Seeks sensory input (ex. Weighted vest)Shows repetitive interests and activities,preoccupied with certain objects


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Absence of imaginative activityMay withdraw from people

Abnormal response to external stimulisuch as sound and lightsMay lack appropriate play

May be tactile defensiveMay be sensitive to touch


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CAUSE

Research continues to determine thecauses of autism.

These studies are looking at variousparts of the brain and how theyfunction compared to a typical child.Scientists have presented severalhypotheses,to include:


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GeneralizationsAutistic symptoms must be present before the age of 3.The disability can affect the individuals level of functioning in a variety of ways.Some individuals with autism may have severe casesin which they have mental retardation and seriouslanguage delays. Others may be high functioningindividuals that can speak and are very intelligent.The symptoms of individuals with autism can vary;however, most persons with autism share problemsassociated with social, communication, motor, andsensory issues.Autism occurs in 5-15 per 10,000 children.Boys are four times more likely to get autisticsymptoms


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PrognosisAutism is a very challenging disability to solvebecause of many unknown factors.Since there is no cure for autism, proper proceduressuch as therapy must be taken to help these

individuals handle their problems.With proper therapy sessions, individuals with autismcan improve their modes of communication andsocialization to live very productive independentlifestyles in society.

Autistic children with IQ scores of 70 and above,normally can live and work more productiveindependent lifestyles within society


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Autism symptoms vary from mild to severe. Theprognosis for these individuals depends on theseverity

of their disability and the level of therapy they receive.Individuals with autism usually demonstrate someaspect of impairment of their senses throughout life.These could include: smell, taste, vision, hearing, andsensory issues.Individuals with autism are often labeled incorrectlyas loners because of their inability to sociallyinteract.Approximately 33% of children with autism willeventually develop epilepsy. The highest risk is withchildren that have severe cognitive impairments andmotor deficits


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Individuals with autism can live very activelifestyles. They are very capable of performing most physical activities. This

will depend on the severity of the disability.Also, an active lifestyle is more likely tohelp these individuals with weight control,muscular endurance, muscular strength,cardiovascular endurance,self-esteem, andself-confidence.


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IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYSICALEDUCATION

May need 1:1 supervision for childProvide an initial screening process todetermine students physical strengths andweaknesses. This will help in writing IEPobjectives and goals.Establish routines and smooth transitionsthroughout the lessonModify equipment-Provide balls that will

provide sensory output during activities.(ie: Knobby balls)Videotapes can be useful for autisticchildren who can follow visual cues.


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RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES Any activity that requires vigorous activity and willimprove their overall fitness levels.(flexibility,cardiovascular endurance, strength,muscular endurance)Walking/HikingBike riding (Type of bike will depend onability/balance levels)Swimming: An excellent low impact activity that canbenefit student in a variety of health-related waysActivities that require the use of their senses. Autistic

children like deep pressure that helps them relax.Weighted backpacks/vest can help provide this deeppressure.Find out the students physical activity interests.


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CONTRAINDICATED ACTIVITIES

Having class in a loud and/or brightenvironment; providing too muchstimuli within the environment.Activities that require a lot of contact.Spending too much time on a singleactivity and not providing enoughchoices


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EFFECTIVE TEACHING STRATEGIES

Use teaching stationsChange activities regularlyEliminate different distractions

Keep directions short and age-appropriate.Use sensory stimulation to increaseattention spanUse smooth transitionsInstruct in an environment were noise,smells, lights will not interfere withlearning. Teach in less stimulatingenvironment.


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Provide students with ear plugs/cotton ballsin noisier environment.Keep motivational music at low level.Establish predictable routines within lessonsCreate high structured environment whichis

organized and predictableWarm-up, Activity, Closure


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Use visual aids during activitiesUse vigorous aerobic exercises tokeepstudent on taskUse a consistent behavior modificationprogram

Provide lots of practicetime/repetitions.Show enthusiasm when teaching.


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Preschool-Elementary considerations

Use a reward system like stickerchart

Teach students basic loco-motor andobject control skills.


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Middle School - Secondary

Provide reward system that allows studentsthe opportunity to participate in enjoyableactivity.

Teach students lead-up activities for team,

individual, and cooperative activities.Have child perform task and draw parts of a

picture (face) every time task is completedUse a peer tutor to assist child in learning. Teach studentslifelong activities that can be used for the rest of their lives.Allow choices when setting up the curriculum so they canchoose an activity that is of interest to them.

U P i i B h i


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Use Positive Behavior Management Strategies

Set realistic goals and expectationsIncrease amount of activity time, while decreasinginstructional and transition periodsCheck for basic understanding to make sure students

know expectationsProvide a structured environment with appropriateroutinesChallenge the students to keep them motivatedProvide a reward system for good attitudes and

behaviorProvide non-verbal feedback and encouragement withhigh 5s and cheering


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Be consistent and fair with your rules andconsequencesUse proximity control if a problem is arising

Get to know the students and show interesttoward them outside of the physicaleducation environment.Create a positive and enthusiastic

environment for everyoneProvide vigorous activities to help studentsremain on task.

autism is a brain disorder and or condition that impairs

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