L I V I N G W I T H a U T I S M
L I V I N G W I T H A U T I SM Building Our Future EDUCATING STUDENTS ON THE SPECTRUM ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Many educational approaches can significantly improve the quality The Autism Society wishes to thank the following professionals for their of life of persons on the autism spectrum and their families. contributions to the content of this booklet: Margaret Creedon, Ph.D., Easter Seal Therapeutic Day School WHAT IS AUTISM? Andrew Egel, Ph.D., Professor of Education, Autism is a neurological disorder that disrupts a child’s learning and socialization. Deriving University of Maryland its name from the Greek word for “self,” autism is often associated with children who David L. Holmes, Ph.D., President/Executive seem self-absorbed and exhibit unusual behaviors. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning Director, Eden Family of Services that any two people diagnosed with autism may have very different symptoms and/or Gary B. Mesibov, Ph.D., Director/Professor, characteristics. Children with the disorder range from very high-functioning (nearly Division TEACCH, University of North indistinguishable from children who do not have autism) to profoundly impaired. Carolina Some students diagnosed with autism may have other diagnoses, such as Asperger’s Cathy L. Pratt, Ph.D., Director, Indiana Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Resource Center for Autism More information about these diagnoses can be found on the web site of the Autism Frank Robbins, Ph.D., Director, Quabbin Society at www.autism-society.org. Valley Educational Consultants Autism is the third most common developmental disability, following mental retardation Eric Schopler, Ph.D., Founder/Professor, and cerebral palsy; it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
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