FAQ

1. What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition typically diagnosed during childhood. The former name of ASD is autism, and many people still use the term. But ASD includes several conditions within the spectrum. ASD changes the way your child interacts and communicates. There’s no cure for autism, but the symptoms may lessen over time.

2. What are early signs of autism?
Early signs of autism include differences in social and communication skills, and repetitive behavior, special interests or sensory sensitivities. Early signs of autism usually appear in the first 1-2 years of life. Some children have many early signs of autism, whereas others have only a few.

3. What are some symptoms of autism that parents and caregivers can look for ?
● Insistence on sameness in routines
● Difficulty in expressing needs verbally, using gestures or pointing instead of words
● Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language
● Laughing (and/or crying) for no apparent reason; showing distress for reasons not apparent to others
● Prefers to be alone; aloof manner evident to strangers and family members
● Tantrums and low frustration tolerance
● Difficulty in initiating social contact with others
● Uncomfortable with physical contact even when given with affection such as a hug
● Little or no eye contact even when spoken to directly
● Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
● Plays with toys as objects (example bangs a toy car as a block rather than as a moving vehicle)
● Focus on spinning objects such as a fan or the propeller of a toy helicopter
● Obsessive attachment to particular objects
● Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
● No real fears of danger despite obvious risks of harm.
● Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
● Impaired fine motor and gross motor skills
● Non-responsive to verbal instructions; often appears as if child is deaf although hearing tests in normal range

4. Are there treatments available for autism?
There are no specific treatments to “cure” autism. Each child with an autism spectrum disorder has a unique constellation of developmental delays, speech deficits, social and cognitive impairments. Therefore, comprehensive treatment plans need to be developed to target each child’s unique profile of strengths and functional impairments.

5. Why do children with autism have difficulty learning in a regular classroom setting?
There are many reasons that a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders is not able to learn in a regular classroom setting. These include but are not limited to the following reasons:
● coexisting learning disabilities.
● coexisting intellectual disability.
● speech and communication delays.
● aggression to self or others.
● affective Instability.
● require individual supervision to participate in the classroom.
● social reciprocity problems.
Therefore special efforts need to be made by parents and caregivers to explore options so that the child’s abilities are maximized. Availability of resources differs by community so it is important to contact a child and adolescent psychiatrist or pediatrician to discuss the options available in your community.

6. How common is autism?
Current research suggests 1 out of every 36 children in the U.S. has ASD — and that’s probably an undercount

7. Is autism genetic?
Yes, genetics play a major role in autism, but it’s not the only factor.

8. What income support can I get through the government?
Individuals with autism in the United States may be eligible for government income support through programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Other programs that may be available include Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

9. How do I find services for my child?
Contact our team.

10. Will my child be able to attend school?
Public schools are required to provide free education to all American children, and most autistic children do attend public school. A public school can provide appropriate educational and social settings for a child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

11. How do I find an occupational therapist?
Call your local hospital and ask to speak with someone in the occupational therapy department or the rehabilitation unit.

12. How do I find a speech pathologist?
To find a specialist, ask your child’s doctor or teacher for a referral, check local directories online, or search on (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) ASHA’s website. State associations for speech-language pathology and audiology also keep listings of licensed and certified therapists.

13. What school support is available?
● Specialized classrooms
These classrooms can provide a high level of support, including a high adult-to-child ratio, and can be staffed by teachers and aides who are trained in autism and education. They often use visual teaching tools and sensory toys, and can include social skills training.
● Structured environments
Many students with autism can benefit from a consistent routine and daily schedule. This can help with behavioral issues and frustrations.
● Instructional support
Teachers can provide visual cues and written instructions, and limit long verbal instructions.
● Positive rewards
Teachers can use positive rewards to encourage positive behaviors.
● Getting to know students
Teachers can learn about their students’ likes and dislikes to understand what motivates them.
● Executive functioning support
Schools can provide structured routines, visual schedules, and explicit instructions to help students with executive functioning challenges.
● Communication with parents
Teachers can share difficulties and ask for reports and assessments to help understand the child’s condition.

14. Are there jobs for people with autism?
For individuals with autism who are visual thinkers, there are several job options that can capitalize on their strong visual skills and attention to detail. Some potential career paths for visual thinkers include web development, graphic design, agricultural work, mechanics, building trades, and computer programming.

15. What behavior therapy is the best?
● Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
A widely-accepted approach that uses a variety of techniques to help children improve their skills. ABA therapy often includes positive reinforcement and can help children learn new skills.
● Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
A play-based form of ABA that focuses on improving a child’s motivation and communication skills. PRT is often conducted in both the clinic and at home.
● Positive Behavioral and Support (PBS)
A type of ABA that aims to identify why a child is behaving in a certain way and then change the environment to encourage more appropriate behavior.
● Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)
A method that teaches skills in a step-by-step way, using positive feedback to encourage the child to use new skills.
● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can help people with autism learn to identify and change thoughts that lead to problem behaviors.

16. Can people with autism spectrum disorder live independently?
Yes! A person with autism can live independently as an adult. However, each individual’s level of independence will differ. “Independence” will not look the same for everyone with autism.

17. What are some strategies for working with autistic children?
Positive reinforcement
Praise children for good behavior and reward them with stickers, extra playtime, or other small prizes.
Social skills
Teach social skills directly, and model appropriate behaviors. You can also use picture books to explain social skills in an easy-to-understand way.
Sensory toys
Provide sensory toys to help children relax and focus.
Quiet areas
Provide a quiet area for children to go to if they are upset. You can designate a “Student Retreat Zone” with sensory toys, picture books, and comfortable seats.
Clear communication
Use simple, clear language and speak slowly. You can also use gestures, eye contact, and pictures to support what you’re saying.
Involve family
Research shows that early, frequent, and loving involvement of family members is one of the best ways to help children with autism.

18. How can I help children with autism?
● Communicate clearly
Use simple language, speak slowly, and give your child extra time to understand what you’re saying. You can also use gestures, eye contact, pictures, or symbols to help.
● Be affectionate
Children with autism often need hugs, but some may not like to be touched. Respect their personal space and never force physical affection.
● Create a routine
Autistic children often do best with a highly structured schedule. Try to keep disruptions to a minimum and prepare your child for any unavoidable changes in advance.
● Reward good behavior
Positive reinforcement can be very effective. Praise your child when they act appropriately or learn a new skill.
● Create a safe space
Set up a private space in your home where your child can feel safe and secure. You can use visual cues like colored tape or pictures to mark areas that are off limits.

19. What are the teaching strategies for students with autism?
4 Teaching Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
● Strategy #1: Limiting Sensory Overload.
● Strategy #2: Using Rewards and Incentives (Applied Behavior Analysis)
● Strategy #3: Providing Appropriate Feedback for Students with ASD.
● Strategy #4: Focusing on Autism Reading Comprehension Strategies.