The Basics of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Training Series

RAAC Training Committee

Child Care Training Series Modules

Module One: Autism Defined, Autism Prevalence and Primary Characteristics

Module Two: Early Signs of Autism

Module Three: Physical Characteristics of Autism

Module Four: Cognition and Learning in Autism

Module Five: Autism and Sensory Differences

Module Six: Communication and Autism

Child Care Training Series Modules

Module Seven: Behavior Challenges and Autism

Module Eight: Understanding Behavior in Persons with Autism

Module Nine: Functional Behavior Assessment

Module Ten: Autism and Play Skills to Teach

Module Ten: Safety and Autism

Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Communication ConcernsDoes not respond to his or her nameLanguage is absent or delayedParents report that the child used to

say a few words, but now has stopped

Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Communication ConcernsDoesn’t point to things or only points to

requestRepeats or echoes what others say

Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Social ConcernsHas poor eye contactGets things for him or herself, rather

than try to get help

Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Social ConcernsDoesn’t smile in response to smiles

from othersSeems to prefer to play alone or

doesn’t seem interested in other children

Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Behavioral ConcernsHas preoccupations with certain toys or

itemsHas a narrow range of interestDoesn’t seem to know how to play with

toys or lines up toys or other items

Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Behavioral ConcernsAttends more to parts of object than

the whole object (i.e. the weeks of a toy car)

Repetitive or odd motor patterns (i.e. frequent hand flapping)

Big Idea

Child needs further evaluation if:No babbling by 12 monthsNo gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye,

etc.) by 12 monthsNo single words by 16 monthsNo spontaneous (not repeating other

speech) phrases by 24 monthsANY loss of ANY language or social skills at

ANY age

Talking with Families about their Child’s Development

Don’t say to the family member that you think their child has autism

Describe the things the child is doing that are concerning to you

Pick the right time to discuss your concerns with the family

Have suggestions for what the family can do (i.e. contact the child’s primary care doctor)

Talking with Families about their Child’s Development

Some families may have a negative reaction or initially or even longer

Don’t take the family’s reaction personally

Big IdeaBig Idea

It is important to let a family

know that you are concerned

about their child’s development

as soon as possible