DOCUMENT RESUME ED 455 646 EC 308 534 TITLE Exploring the Options for Young Children with Autism. INSTITUTION Massachusetts State Dept. of Education, Quincy. PUB DATE 1998-00-00 NOTE 65p. AVAILABLE FROM Massachusetts Department of Education, 350 Main St., Malden, MA 02148-5023. Tel: 781-338-3625; e-mail:
[email protected]; Web Site: http://www.doe.mass.edu. PUB TYPE Guides Non-Classroom (055) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC03 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Art Activities; *Autism; Cognitive Development; *Curriculum; *Developmentally Appropriate Practices; Early Childhood Education; *Educational Strategies; *Inclusive Schools; Language Acquisition; Motor Development; Scheduling; *Symptoms (Individual Disorders); Teacher Role; Young Children ABSTRACT This report discusses the identification and treatment of young children with autism. It is divided into four components that include a summary of areas that should be addressed when designing programs and services for young children with autism. The first part describes characteristics of autism, differences between autism-related disorders, and early intervention and preschool for children with autism. The benefits of inclusive programs for children with autism are listed, along with factors that must be present for successful social and educational integration of children with autism. Key considerations that should be addressed by the assessment process are provided and the organization of the classroom environment is highlighted. Part 2 of the report discusses using the early childhood curriculum for children with autism that considers age appropriateness and individual appropriateness. Suggestions for assisting children with autism in enhancing their social skills are offered, along with recommendations for promoting language and communication development, encouraging cognitive development, and providing aesthetic and physical activities.