Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by severe difficulties in communication, socialization, and behavior. This E-brief will highlight the specific characteristics in each of these 3 domains for students diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
PDD-NOS is an umbrella term assigned to children who do not meet the criteria for either Asperger’s Disorder or Autistic Disorder. A student diagnosed with PDD-NOS (which includes students diagnosed with “atypical autism”) will have some characteristics of either Autistic Disorder or Asperger’s Disorder in the domains of communication, socialization and behavior.
Communication Characteristics
· Delay in language
· May engage in repetitive language, scripts, or echo the speech of another
· Trouble initiating and maintaining conversations
· Difficulty responding to open-ended questions
Socialization Characteristics
· Poor eye contact
· Difficulty expressing a range of facial expressions
· Unable to convey emotional state
· Have an interest in fitting in socially and having communicative interactions or may have a reduced interest in others
· Significant delays in play skills
· Difficulty in making and maintaining friendships
· Does not understand personal boundaries
· May miss the social cues provided by peers
· Poor timing for initiating or ending an interaction
· Have fewer opportunities to develop social skills than typical peers
Behavioral Characteristics
· Extremely rigid ideas about time, travel, and daily routines
· Thrives on structure
· Strong interests that may be atypical for the age of the child
· May have difficulties with the abstract nature of some instructions
· May show a lack of empathy
· May be oversensitive to surroundings
For information on interventions, visual supports, parent resources and websites, as well as the above E-brief, visit the SMSD Autism Information web page at http://www4.smsd.org/autism. Click on SMSD ASD Support.
PLANNING AHEAD
Please plan to join us for the following events:
· Monday, January 10; 11:30a - 12:30p - Navigating the World of Autism: Strategies and Interventions, Indian Creek Technology Center, Classroom A
· Monday, February 7; 7:00p - 8:00p - Community Connections: Working with First Responders, Arrowhead Administrative Center, MPR
· Monday, April 18; 11:30a - 12:30p - Summer 2011, Indian Creek Technology Center, Classroom A
Kansas State Departement of Education (2009) Guide for Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD
National Autism Center (2009) Evidence-Based Practice and Autism in the Schools
Evidence-Based Practice and Autism in the Schools - National Autism Center (NAC)