Understanding ASD (for students)

What is Autism?

ASD

A complex developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.

People with autism often have persistent challenges with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.

Each person with autism is unique.

Causes:

Brain dysfunction that occurs before, during, or after birth.

- Biolological factors: genes, brain

structure, and neural

pathways

- Environmental factors

At this time, we don't know why autism happens- we are still learning!

An important thing to remember:

you can't catch autism, like the cold or flu.

Characteristics of ASD

• Communication difficulties*
• Social challenges*
• Sensory stimulation
• Repetitive behaviors*
• Motor (movement) difficulties

Verbal (talking) communication

challenges

Some people

with ASD have

NO verbal skills

Autism

• Not all people with language delays have ASD and not all people with ASD have language delays
• A classmate with ASD may
• Interrupt and not know when the appropriate time to speak is
• Focus on one topic only
• Reverse pronouns ("you want a snack" meaning "I want a snack")
• Repeat or echo other people's language (echolalia)
• Literal, matter of fact

Nonverbal communication challenges

Do you know what nonverbal communication is?

Individuals with ASD may have challenges with nonverbal communication.

• Limited use of gestures (pointing, waving)
• Lack of eye contact
• Atypical facial expressions
• Difficulty understanding body language
• Challenges with tone of voice

Social challenges

• Some way's a person with ASD may struggle with social situations are
• Social motivation
• Initiating interactions
• Responding to others' initiations
• Maintaining eye contact
• Joint attention
• Shared enjoyment
• Taking another person's perspective

Behavior-related challenges

Students with ASD have been described as rude or cold, but this isn't correct!

A person with ASD can get overwhelmed and unsure of what to say, do, or think in social situations.

Difficulty calming down when scared, angry, afraid, overwhelmed

Passive or active, interested or uninterested

May get really focused/interested in one thing

Aggression towards self or others

Difficulties handling changes, or, surprises in what typically happens (routines)

May do things over and over again (repetitive)

Stimming

Understanding & Supporting Classmates with ASD

Stimming Self-Stimulating Behaviors

Repetitive movements/actions that stimulate senses or help regulate emotions.

• sensory seeking
• self-soothing
• expressing emotions
• managing stress/anxiety

There are different stimming behaviors, such as:

• hand flapping
• rocking
• spinning
• finger flicking
• repetitive vocalizations

• Educate yourself and

others to gain a better understanding of those with ASD

• Empathy, acceptance, kindness, respect, inclusion
• Practice patience and understanding
• Inlcude and engage (group activities, conversations, games)
• Offer your special skills and abilities to support
• Learn about their interests and abilities
• Celebrate accomplishments (appropriately)
• Be mindful of what makes your classmate unique
• Provide sensory friendly spaces
• Volunteer to help teach or role play new skills they are learning

Remember, every student is unique!

Every student has their own skills and strengths and every student has their own challenges.

Individuals with ASD can have different strengths and challenges.

Encouraging a supportive and inclusive environment can make a significant difference in the well-being and social integration of people with ASD.

Questions?