Common Disabilities

Autism

Autism is a severely incapacitating condition that typically appears during the first 3 years of life and is characterized by severe communication and other developmental and educational problems. Used in psychiatry to mean withdrawn and self absorbed, autism comes from the Greek word autos, meaning self. The causes of autism remain unknown and the values of various therapeutic techniques are highly speculative.

Common characteristics:

1. Withdrawal from people
2. Muteness or inability to use speech for communication
3. Unusual bodily movements and peculiar mannerisms
4. Abnormal response to one or more types of sensory stimuli, usually sound
5. Pathological resistance to change manifested by observance of rituals, excessive preoccupation with certain objects without regard for their accepted functions and emotional outbursts when sameness or environment is threatened.
6. Lack of appropriate play

Teaching strategies:

1. Use a consistent behavior modification program
2. Teach in a less stimulating area
3. Use an established routine with repetitive transition strategies
4. Use a predictable routine
5. Be consistent in use of terms, equipment and class organization
6. Use vigorous aerobic exercise to reduce self-stimulating behavior

Safety: Make sure the autistic student is monitored by a teaching assistant, these students are unaware of the safety hazards in their environment.