Through the course of the past several years there has been an increase in the number of students that have been diagnosed with learning abilities, and in particular, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Increase in the diagnosis of Autism among students has had an effect on Special Education and educational implications for the students with Autism. This research paper will attempt to provide an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders and the implications that their prevalence has on the field of education.
The disorder affects three main areas of a student’s life: communication, social interaction, and patterns of behavior. Child development can be delayed, immediately, from birth, while others show normal development until they begin to lose …show more content…
Social interaction for the child may be difficult. Social interaction may be limited or interaction may occur in unconventional ways. Nonverbal communication and emotional expression are restricted. According to the Virginia Department of Education, “The capacity to play in an age appropriate or functional manner may be absent or delayed. There may be an inability to engage in imaginative activities” (Virginia Department of Education, 2010). The process of communication is greatly affected by ADS. Verbal and non-verbal communication may pose a challenge to the child. The use of expressive language is very limited. In fact, language may even be non-existent in a child with ASD. “The use of communication may be repetitive, restricted, or used only to get desires met. Vocabulary and word use may be limited or used inappropriately”, as stated by the Virginia Department of Education. With regard to Patterns of Behavior, individuals will often produce repetitive movements with his or her body or objects. The Virginia Department of Education explains, “There may be great distress over changes and insistence on following routines. The individual may have an extreme preoccupation with or attachment to an object or topic of interest. Play or leisure activities are likely repetitive and restricted.” (Virginia Department of Education, …show more content…
They include: imitation, theory of mind, executive functioning, memory, visual processing, motor, sensory, visual processing, and intense focus. The child may have difficulty imitating gross, fine and/or oral motor movements. Imitation of verbal patterns may be compromised or diminished. If imitation skills are present, the child may demonstrate difficulty using these skills. The theory of mind includes the student’s ability to relate to how others think or feel. Individuals may have an understanding of simple feelings and emotions, but have difficulty understanding complex feelings and emotions. Often, they cannot comprehend reasons for other’s behaviors or actions. Individuals may have trouble with executive functioning which includes the ability to control one’s behavior. Impulsivity is common. The individual may have difficulty performing gross and/or fine motor activities. There may be a deficiency in balance and coordination. The child may be hyper- or hypo-sensitive to sensory stimulation. The student might have medical issues in the areas of visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems. Memory systems may be impacted. Both relevant and irrelevant information may be recalled for long periods of time. Children may be able to recall small details easily. Large pieces of information may be stored
The disorder affects three main areas of a student’s life: communication, social interaction, and patterns of behavior. Child development can be delayed, immediately, from birth, while others show normal development until they begin to lose …show more content…
Social interaction for the child may be difficult. Social interaction may be limited or interaction may occur in unconventional ways. Nonverbal communication and emotional expression are restricted. According to the Virginia Department of Education, “The capacity to play in an age appropriate or functional manner may be absent or delayed. There may be an inability to engage in imaginative activities” (Virginia Department of Education, 2010). The process of communication is greatly affected by ADS. Verbal and non-verbal communication may pose a challenge to the child. The use of expressive language is very limited. In fact, language may even be non-existent in a child with ASD. “The use of communication may be repetitive, restricted, or used only to get desires met. Vocabulary and word use may be limited or used inappropriately”, as stated by the Virginia Department of Education. With regard to Patterns of Behavior, individuals will often produce repetitive movements with his or her body or objects. The Virginia Department of Education explains, “There may be great distress over changes and insistence on following routines. The individual may have an extreme preoccupation with or attachment to an object or topic of interest. Play or leisure activities are likely repetitive and restricted.” (Virginia Department of Education, …show more content…
They include: imitation, theory of mind, executive functioning, memory, visual processing, motor, sensory, visual processing, and intense focus. The child may have difficulty imitating gross, fine and/or oral motor movements. Imitation of verbal patterns may be compromised or diminished. If imitation skills are present, the child may demonstrate difficulty using these skills. The theory of mind includes the student’s ability to relate to how others think or feel. Individuals may have an understanding of simple feelings and emotions, but have difficulty understanding complex feelings and emotions. Often, they cannot comprehend reasons for other’s behaviors or actions. Individuals may have trouble with executive functioning which includes the ability to control one’s behavior. Impulsivity is common. The individual may have difficulty performing gross and/or fine motor activities. There may be a deficiency in balance and coordination. The child may be hyper- or hypo-sensitive to sensory stimulation. The student might have medical issues in the areas of visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems. Memory systems may be impacted. Both relevant and irrelevant information may be recalled for long periods of time. Children may be able to recall small details easily. Large pieces of information may be stored