The Basics of Autism Spectrum DisordersTraining Series

Regional Autism Advisory Council of

Southwest Ohio (RAAC-SWO)

RAAC Training Committee 2011

Training Series ModulesModule One: Autism Defined, Autism

Prevalence and Primary CharacteristicsModule Two: Physical Characteristics of

AutismModule Three: Cognition and Learning in

AutismModule Four: Getting the Student Ready to

LearnModule Five: Structuring the Classroom

EnvironmentModule Six: Using Reinforcement in the

Classroom

Training Series ModulesModule Seven: Autism and Sensory

DifferencesModule Eight: Sensory in the ClassroomModule Nine: Communication and AutismModule Ten: Communication in the ClassroomModule Eleven: Behavior Challenges and

AutismModule Twelve: Understanding Behavior in

Students with Autism

Training Series ModulesModule Thirteen: Social Skills in the School

EnvironmentModule Fourteen: Functional Behavior

AssessmentModule Fifteen: Working Together as a TeamModule Sixteen: Autism and Leisure Skills to

TeachModule Seventeen: Special Issues of

Adolescence Module Eighteen: Safety and AutismModule Nineteen: Special Issues: High School,

Transition, and Job Readiness

Training Series ModulesModule Twenty: Asperger Syndrome: Managing

and Organizing the EnvironmentModule Twenty-One: Asperger Syndrome:

Addressing Social Skills

The next few slides will introduce some of the physical challenges of

students with ASD

Pain Differences

Even if the student can talk, they may not be able to tell you when they are sick or in pain.

The student may not seem to notice cuts or bruises or other injuries.

The student may seem to be only slightly uncomfortable even with major injuries.

The student seems slightly ill even with a serious illness.

Possible Signs of PainThe student may have new behaviors

that are different or unusual.

They may be quieter than usual or may be very still.

They may try to hurt or hit themselves.

They may try to hurt someone else.

Stomach or Digestion Problems

It is believed that up to 70% of all people with ASD have some type of stomach or digestion problems.

Some people may have reflux or heartburn.Some people may have problems with

constipation.Some people may have problems with frequent

diarrhea.

Stomach or Digestion Problems

If the student has stomach or digestion problems they may have behaviors because they are uncomfortable.

They may not be able to tell you when their stomach hurts. Sometimes the one way to tell that the

student has stomach pain is if they are bent over or have difficulty standing up straight when they are walking.

Eating Problems

Some students with ASD are very picky eaters. Some reasons for being picky are

because they don’t like the way the food feels in their mouth.

because the smell of the food may bother them.

because they don’t like the sound the food makes when they chew it.

because they have reflux and that makes them not want to eat.

Eating Problems Continued

Some students with ASD seem to be always hungry.They may seem to be hungry because they

don’t feel full even if they have eaten a lot of food.

Some students may be hungry because of a medicine they are taking.

Some individuals eat because they don’t have a lot of other things to do with their time.

Eating Problems Continued

Some children eat things that are not food. This is called pica.This is a very dangerous behavior.The things they eat are things that we

might think would taste awful.We don’t understand why they eat these

things.Usually an expert is needed to work on

this behavior.We need to watch the student carefully to

keep them from eating these items.

Sleep Problems

Some children with autism have a hard time sleeping.

Some have a hard time falling asleep. Some wake up during the night.Some have severe sleep apnea that causes

them to have a hard time breathing.

Sleep Problems ContinuedIf they are awake at night, they may wander

around. This can be dangerous.If they do not sleep at night, they may fall

asleep during the day.They may be grouchy during the day because

they are tired.

Ideas to Help with Sleep Problems

Some ideas for team members to discuss together with family if sleeping behavior is a concern:Talk about a regular bedtime routine.Suggest activities before bedtime are calming

activities.Recommend to families to report sleep problems to

their doctor because it may be a sign of illness. Discuss the sleep environment which may affect the

way their child is sleeping (i.e. noise, light, temperature, bed clothing, etc.)

SeizuresSome children with ASD have seizures.Some students with ASD may not develop

seizures until they are teenagers.If a child has seizures and is on medicine to

stop seizures, it is important that they always take their medication.

If a seizure lasts for more five minutes you need to call 911.

Big Idea

If a person with ASD acts as if they don't feel well, pay very close

attention. Any sudden, dramatic change in behavior should be

considered a possible sign of pain or illness.