Download 7.1_Autism

NON FORMAL COMMUNICATION
FOR NONVERBAL AUTISTIC
CHILDREN, USING ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
1.WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, and autism are both general
terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.
These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by
difficulties in social interactions, verbal and nonverbal
communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013
publication of DSM 5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders
were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder,
pervasive develepmental disorder, not otherwise specified, PDD
NOS and Asperger syndrome. So, autism, is un umbrella term for
a wide spectrum of disorders.
2. HOW COMMON IS AUTISM?
Autism statistics identify around 1 in 68 children as on the autism
spectrum, a ten fold increase in prevelance in 40 years. Careful
research shows that this increase is only partly explained by
improved diagnosis and awarness. Studies also show that autism is
four to five times more common among boys than girls, which
means that from 5 children diagnosed with autism,1 is a girl and 4
are boys.The incidence on autism is ten times higher on twins than
on a single fetus. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls
are diagnosed with autism. ASD affects tens of millions worldwide.
Moreover, autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have
increased 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years.
3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ,,ON THE SPECTRUM,,?
Each individual with autism is unique. Many of those on the autism
spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and
academic skills. About 40 percent have average to above average
intelectual abilities, but on the other hand, 60 percent are deeply,
sever affected. Many persons on the spectrum have distinctive
abilities and ,,atypical,, ways of viewing the world. Others with
autism have significant disability and are unable to live indepently.
About half of persons with ASD are nonverbal lifelong term, but
they can learn to communicate using other means.
4. COMMUNICATION ON THE SPECTRUM
Communication is the use of nonverbal (eye contact, facial
expressions, body posture, gestures) and verbal (speech or
spoken language) behavior to share ideas, exchange information
and regulate interactions. The lack of communication of autistic
children is severe, as they are not able to establish eye contact,
they do not understand emotions showed by facial expressions,
their body posture is deficient as so are their gestures. Half of the
persons on the spectrum are nonverbal all along their lives.
5. LACK OF COMMUNICATION
Usually, the absence of communication for persons with autism
brings tantrum which is an expression of intense, immediate
frustration. Many children who are on the spectrum are unable to
communicate in a way most typically developing children do.
Instead they may develop unappropriate ways to communicate
through aggresion, self injurious behavior or tantrums. This is the
reason for what we, parents, teachers, people from the
community have to find the best way to communicate with a
person who is on the spectrum.
6. EARLY INTERVENTION
Scientific studies have demonstrated that early intensive
intervention improves learning, communication and social skills in
young children with autism. The intervention focuses on the care
areas affected by autism. These include social skills, language
and communication, imitation, play skills, daily living and motor
skils.
PROF. FRUNZĂ ILEANA-GEORGETA
PROF. APOSTOL ANDREEA