What is Autism?
In order to better understand "Autism" it is important to consider the varying terminology.
This section will attempt to clarify terminology and define Autistic Disorder.
This section will attempt to clarify terminology and define Autistic Disorder.
Terminology
The word "Autism" is usually used in one of two ways:
1. To refer specifically to Autistic Disorder (AD).
2. To refer to the range of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).
1. To refer specifically to Autistic Disorder (AD).
2. To refer to the range of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
There are five Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs):
1. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
2. Rett's Disorder (RD)
3. Autistic Disorder (AD)
4. Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
5. Asperger's Syndrome (AS)
For more information on Pervasive Developmental Disorders visit Autism Society Canada.
1. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
2. Rett's Disorder (RD)
3. Autistic Disorder (AD)
4. Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
5. Asperger's Syndrome (AS)
For more information on Pervasive Developmental Disorders visit Autism Society Canada.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
"Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobiological condition that can affect the normal function of the gastrointestinal, immune, hepatic, endocrine and nervous systems. It impacts normal brain development leaving most individuals with communication problems, difficulty with typical social interactions and a tendency to repeat specific patterns of behaviour. There is also a markedly restricted repertoire of activity and interests. Individuals on the autism spectrum tend to have varying degrees and combinations of symptoms and therefore treatment needs to be specific to the individual." - Autism Canada
"Autism Spectrum Disorder, also referred to as autism, is a neurological disorder which causes developmental disability. Autism affects the way the brain functions, resulting in difficulties with communication and social interaction, and unusual patterns of behaviour, activities and interests." - Autism Society Canada ("10 Common Questions")
When referring to Autism Spectrum Disorders, people usually mean the three most common PDDs:
1. Autistic Disorder (autism, classic autism, AD)
2. Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
3. Asperger's Disorder (AS, Asperger's Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome)
"The term 'spectrum' refers to a continuum of severity or developmental impairment. Children and adults with ASDs usually have particular communication and social characteristics in common, but the conditions cover a wide spectrum, with individual differences in:
"Autism Spectrum Disorder, also referred to as autism, is a neurological disorder which causes developmental disability. Autism affects the way the brain functions, resulting in difficulties with communication and social interaction, and unusual patterns of behaviour, activities and interests." - Autism Society Canada ("10 Common Questions")
When referring to Autism Spectrum Disorders, people usually mean the three most common PDDs:
1. Autistic Disorder (autism, classic autism, AD)
2. Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
3. Asperger's Disorder (AS, Asperger's Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome)
"The term 'spectrum' refers to a continuum of severity or developmental impairment. Children and adults with ASDs usually have particular communication and social characteristics in common, but the conditions cover a wide spectrum, with individual differences in:
- Number and particular kinds of symptoms
- Severity (mild to severe)
- Age of onset
- Levels of functioning
- Challenges with social interactions" (Directly from Autism Society Canada)
Autistic Disorder
What is autistic disorder?
"Autism is a lifelong, nonprogressive neurological disorder typically appearing before the age of three years. The word 'autism' means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction." - Autism Awareness Centre Inc.
Autistic Disorder is the most common Pervasive Developmental Disorder, affecting approx. 20 in 10 000 Canadians. It is generally marked by a range in severity of:
For more information about the general characteristics and wide range of disabilities and different abilities associated with Autistic Disorder (and other ASDs) please consult Autism Society Canada (ASC) or the Autism Awareness Centre Inc. (British Columbia).
"Autism is a lifelong, nonprogressive neurological disorder typically appearing before the age of three years. The word 'autism' means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction." - Autism Awareness Centre Inc.
Autistic Disorder is the most common Pervasive Developmental Disorder, affecting approx. 20 in 10 000 Canadians. It is generally marked by a range in severity of:
- Cognitive disabilities
- Deficits in verbal and non-verbal skills
- Deficits in social interaction
- Unusual behaviours, activities
For more information about the general characteristics and wide range of disabilities and different abilities associated with Autistic Disorder (and other ASDs) please consult Autism Society Canada (ASC) or the Autism Awareness Centre Inc. (British Columbia).
Alberta Education "Special Education Coding Criteria"
In Alberta Education's coding criteria, Autistic Disorder falls under the category of Severe Physical or Medical Disability. The following is taken directly from Alberta Education's "Special Education Coding Criteria (2012/13)":
SEVERE PHYSICAL OR MEDICAL DISABILITY (Code 44)
A student/child with a severe physical, medical or neurological disability, including autism, is one who:
a) has a medical diagnosis of a physical disability, specific neurological disorder or medical condition which creates a significant impact on the student’s/ECS child’s ability to function in the school environment (note: some physical or medical disabilities have little or no impact upon the student’s/ECS child’s ability to function in the school environment); and
b) requires extensive adult assistance and modifications to the learning environment in order to benefit from schooling.
A student/ECS child with severe autism (or other severe pervasive developmental disorder) is included in this category. A clinical diagnosis by a psychiatrist, registered psychologist, or medical professional specializing in the field of autism is required. A clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is not necessarily sufficient to qualify under this category. Eligibility is determined by the functioning level of the student/ECS child with autism. In order for a diagnosis of autism to be made, the student/ECS child needs to demonstrate impairment in
• social interaction and
• communication, and
• exhibit stereotyped pattern of behaviour (e.g., hand flapping, body rocking, echolalia, insistence on sameness and resistance to change).
Click here to view the entire document (Alberta Education's "Special Education Coding Criteria" .pdf).
SEVERE PHYSICAL OR MEDICAL DISABILITY (Code 44)
A student/child with a severe physical, medical or neurological disability, including autism, is one who:
a) has a medical diagnosis of a physical disability, specific neurological disorder or medical condition which creates a significant impact on the student’s/ECS child’s ability to function in the school environment (note: some physical or medical disabilities have little or no impact upon the student’s/ECS child’s ability to function in the school environment); and
b) requires extensive adult assistance and modifications to the learning environment in order to benefit from schooling.
A student/ECS child with severe autism (or other severe pervasive developmental disorder) is included in this category. A clinical diagnosis by a psychiatrist, registered psychologist, or medical professional specializing in the field of autism is required. A clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is not necessarily sufficient to qualify under this category. Eligibility is determined by the functioning level of the student/ECS child with autism. In order for a diagnosis of autism to be made, the student/ECS child needs to demonstrate impairment in
• social interaction and
• communication, and
• exhibit stereotyped pattern of behaviour (e.g., hand flapping, body rocking, echolalia, insistence on sameness and resistance to change).
Click here to view the entire document (Alberta Education's "Special Education Coding Criteria" .pdf).
An Important Note - Everyone is Different
While there is an abundance of information about classifying and codifying Autistic Spectrum Disorders, it is important to note that no two people are alike. As mentioned above, these disorders cover a wide spectrum of abilities and disabilities and significant differences are present even within the specific categories. As a teacher, it is important to understand the individual needs of students with autism and avoid broad, limiting categorization.
Resources
It is important to consult a wide variety of resources when conducting research about Autism. Different organizations present different perspectives about autism, and multiple sources are necessary to develop a balanced understanding. The following websites provide a wealth of information about ASDs and links to more resources:
- Autism Awareness Centre Inc. - General Information About ASDs
- Autism Canada - General Information About ASDs
- Alberta Education - Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Autism Society Canada (ASC) - General Information About ASDs
- Canadian National Autism Foundation (CNAF) - Foundation Formed by Parents and Caregivers
- Carbone Clinic - Specialized ABA Clinic for People with Autism
- Child-Autism-Parent-Cafe - Practical Ways to Help Plan and Manage Daily Living With Autism
- "Educating Children about Autism in an Inclusive Classroom" - Educational Resource for Teaching about Autism
- Health Canada - The Government's Role and General Information About ASDs
- Janus Academy - A Specialized School for Children with Autism
- More Resources and Links - Via Autism Society Canada
- Society for the Treatment of Autism (STA) - Alberta-Based Organization that Provides Treatment and Education
The video below is from the Janus Academy School for Autism: