high functioning autism by: pamela curtin kelly homenick
TRANSCRIPT
HIGH FUNCTIONING
AUTISM By: Pamela Curtin
Kelly Homenick
DEFINITION
Autism: is a brain disorder in which communication
and interaction with others is difficult. The
symptoms of autism may range from total lack of
communication with others to difficulty in
understanding others' feelings. Because of the range
of symptoms, this condition is now called autism
spectrum disorder (ASD).
DEFINITON:
High Functioning Autism (HFA): is an informal
term applied to autistic people who are deemed to be
"higher functioning" than other autistic people, by
one or more metrics. HFA is not yet a recognized
diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR or the ICD-10.
CHARACTERISTICS:
People with high-functioning autism have average or above-average intelligence.
They may show other behaviors and signs similar to what's seen with other types
of autism. These include:
A lack of skill in interacting with others
A delay in motor skills
Little understanding of the abstract uses of language, such as humor or give-
and-take in a conversation
Obsessive interest in specific items or information
Strong reactions to textures, smells, sounds, sights, or other stimuli that others
might not even notice, such as a flickering light.
The differences from other forms of autism have
led many psychiatrists to consider high-functioning
autism as similar to or the same as
Asperger's syndrome. Some researchers argue that
the two are distinct diagnostic entities, others argue
that they are indistinguishable.
Unlike people with other forms of autism, people
with high-functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome
want to be involved with others. They simply don't
know how to go about it. They may not be able to
understand others' emotions. They may not read
facial expressions or body language well. As a result,
they may be teased and often feel like social
outcasts. The unwanted social isolation can lead to
anxiety and depression.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
using your understanding of the characteristics of
autism as a means of understanding the autistic student's
behavior and learning style,
building new skills by developing each student's
strengths and interests,
and using visual information to help students understand
their schedule, academic content, or behavioral
expectations.
HFA AND THE CLASSROOM
Step 1: Educate Yourself
Step 2: Reach Out to the Parent
Step 3: Prepare the Classroom
Step 4: Educate Peers and Promote Social Goal
Step 5: Collaborate on the Educational Program
Development.
Step 6: Manage Behavioral Challenge.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
REFERENCES:
Disabled World News (2010-12-04) - Information
regarding High Functioning Autism (HFA) in
children and adults with autism spectrum disorders:
http://www.disabled-world.com/health/neurology/auti
sm/hfa.php#ixzz2McLFH5NN
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-ki
ts/asperger-syndrome-and-high-functioning-autism-
tool-kit/classroom
http://teacch.com/educational-approaches/recomm
endations-for-students-with-high-functioning-autis
m-kerry-hogan