Myths/Facts
Autism can affect adults and children.
Fact - Children with autism grow up to become adults with autism.
What is autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by troubles with social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior.
Does Tomorrow's Voices diagnose children with Autism?
No. Here at Tomorrow's Voices, we provide early intervention services for individuals with autism, specifically applied behavior analysis.
What can improve the quality of life in an individual with Autism.
Early Intervention, Early intervention means doing things as early as possible to work on your child's developmental, health and support needs.
Whats causes autism?
There is no fully known cause because autism is complex disorder. However it does involve genetics, the environment, and biology.
Autism is the result of bad parenting.
Myth. In the 1950s, a theory called the "refrigerator mother hypothesis" arose suggesting that autism was caused by mothers who lacked emotional warmth. This has been disproved.
All people with ASD have the same symptoms.
Myth. Individuals with autism display a wide range of symptoms. These include sensory behaviors, repetitive and restricted behaviors, impairments in social interaction.
Who can diagnose individuals with autism?
Medical practitioners such as a developmental pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, clinical psychologist, and a clinical psychiatrist.
What does the acronym ABA stand for?
Applied Behavior Analysis
Due to the fact that people with autism can have a range of symptoms at various serveries. What type of disorder is this?
A spectrum disorder
People with autism can't understand the emotions of others.
Myth. Autism affects an individual's ability to understand unspoken interpersonal communication. Someone with autism might not be able to detect sadness based solely on one's body language or tone of voice.
Name two senses that are involved in sensory behaviors?
Sight, Sounds, Taste, Smell, Touch, Body Balance, Body Awareness
Can children be diagnosed with autism in Bermuda?
Yes, Child Development Program have practitioners that can diagnose Autism.
At Tomorrow's Voices what evidence based intervention do we do.
ABA
Names some ways non-verbal people with autism communicate
Augmented communication (picture or word communication systems, sign language, hand held devices)
Autism is only a brain disorder.
Myth. Research shows that many people with autism also have co-occurring conditions like epilepsy, gastrointestinal disorders, food sensitivities, and allergies.
Name some repetitive or restrictive behaviors?
*Flapping
*Rocking
*Food restrictions
*Routines
* And many more
Autism is diagnosed with a medical test.
False. Autism does not involve a traditional medical test such as a blood test. Developmental screenings are done to test if children are learning basic skills when they should, or if they might have delays.
Is Early Intervention a cure for Autism?
There is no cure for autism, it is a life long disorder, however there are treatments which can improve the quality of life in individuals with autism such as ABA.
Susan is 7 and has autism. She is doing well in school, but sometimes can became very upset and rips up her school work. Susan does not know that she needs to indicate to the teacher that she needs help. Her distress is born of frustration as she does not know that the teacher will not appreciate she needs help unless she asks for it and she becomes upset when it is not forthcoming.
Explain what autism characteristics occur in this example?
Communication: Susan does not know how to communicate that she needs help.
Theory of Mind: Susan assumes that her teacher should know that she needs help.
A child shy's away from playing with friends because it is challenging
Fact. Some individuals with autism struggle with social skills, which may make it difficult to interact with peers and with communication. As a result, this can be a challenging task for them.
What is Theory of Mind?
Theory of Mind involves understanding that another person have separate beliefs, emotions, and knowledge from your own and being able to apply it in social situations.
What is the first step in getting a diagnosis for autism?
The steps of getting a diagnosis for autism is:
*referral from pediatrician
*diagnostic evaluation
*Diagnostic Recommendation
*Seek Services
Define ABA
ABA uses the principles of behavior to teach skills that are socially significant for individuals and their families.
Sam is a 6 year old boy, he walks into a room were there is bright lights and covers his eyes. Does he have Autism.
Not Necessarily, he could have Autism as light sensitivity is a symptom, or he could have a headache, or just doesn't like bright lights, it could be many reasons.