When did Autism become a recognized diagnosis and by whom?
1948 by Dr. Leo Kanner
When did Autism and Asperger’s become considered related conditions?
1981
What is the current prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children?
1 in 54 children
What are some key demographic facts about Autism?
○ Occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
○ 4 times more common in boys than girls
○ Average additional cost to families is $60,000 per year
What are the possible etiologies (causes) of Autism?
- Genetics
- Environmental factors
- Levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters
What is the diagnostic criteria for Autism according to the DSM-5?
A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts
B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
C. Symptoms present in the early developmental period
D. Symptoms cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning
E. Not better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay
To be diagnosed with Autism, an individual must show deficits in ALL THREE of which areas of social communication and interaction?
- Socio-emotional reciprocity: The back-and-forth flow of social interaction
- Nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction: For example, difficulty understanding and using body language or facial expressions.
- Developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships: Difficulty making and keeping friends, understanding social cues and expectations in relationships.
To be diagnosed with Autism, an individual must show at least TWO of which restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities?
- Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech: This can include things like hand-flapping, rocking, lining up toys, or repeating phrases.
- Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns or verbal/nonverbal behavior: This can include things like having a meltdown if a routine is changed, needing to eat the same foods every day, or having a specific way of getting dressed.
- Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus: This can include things like having an intense interest in a particular topic, such as trains, dinosaurs, or maps.
- Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment: This can include things like being overly sensitive to loud noises or bright lights, or seeking out certain sensory experiences, such as touching certain textures
How does the neurodiversity perspective view Autism?
- Not as a disease to be cured.
- But rather as a meaningful part of a person’s identity.
- It defines how someone experiences and understands the world.
- Extends far beyond just the “autism” label.
What is the definition of Neurodiversity?
- “The diversity of human brains and minds - the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species.” - Neurocosmopolitan.com
- “A concept where neurological differences are to be recognized and respected as any other human variation. These differences can include those labeled with Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyscalculia, Autistic Spectrum, Tourette Syndrome, and others.” - National Symposium on Neurodiversity
How does physical activity benefit individuals with ASD?
○ Children with ASD can achieve similar levels of physical fitness as neurotypical children.
○ Improves health-related quality of life
○ Can lead to decreased repetitive behaviors, improved cognitive and classroom performance, and better self-regulation
What are some reasons adolescents with ASD are less active than their peers?
○ Focus on developing communication and social skills may overshadow the importance of physical activity
○ Parents face significant barriers in finding suitable activities
○ Negative experiences in physical education classes can discourage lifelong participation
○ Practitioners often neglect the emotional and social aspects of physical activity
○ Individuals with ASD may feel pressure to “mask” their autism to fit in
What types of physical activities are beneficial for individuals with ASD?
Activities that encourage:
○ Proprioception (body awareness)
○ Crossing the midline (using both sides of the body together)
○ Using prepositions with body parts (developing spatial awareness)
○ Building strength (which may help with regulation)
○ Moving on different surfaces and environments (sensory exploration)
○ Planning motor movements and patterns (improving coordination)
What are Dyspraxia and Hypotonia?
○ Dyspraxia: Difficulty planning and processing motor patterns, impacting movement and coordination
○ Hypotonia: Low muscle tone
What are some examples of exercises beneficial for individuals with ASD?
○ Body part identification
○ Hand-eye coordination activities
○ Cross over march
○ Supermans
○ Downward dog
○ Log stretch
○ Trampoline
○ Hip extension
○ Dumbbell chest press
○ Stability ball hug
