1.  No smiles, emotion or eye contact.
2.  Not copying sounds or gestures.
3.  Lack of emotions.
4.  Delayed or lost speech.
5.  Unusual reactions.

Characteristics of ASD

• Not looking at objects when another person points at them

• Not having an interest in other people

• Avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone

• Having trouble understanding other people’s feelings

• Preferring not to be held or cuddled

• Appearing to be unaware when people talk, but responds to other sounds

• Being interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them

• Repeating or echoing words or phrases

• Having trouble expressing their needs

• Repeating actions or sounds over and over

• Having trouble adapting when a routine changes

• Having unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound

• Losing skills they once had (not saying words they once said)

• Be patient and give the person space
• Use simple and concrete sentences
• Give plenty of time for the person to process and respond
• Be alert to signs of increased frustration and try to eliminate the source if possible
• Avoid quick movements and loud noises
• Do not touch the person unless absolutely necessary
• Use information from caregiver, if available, on how to best respond

 Try to Avoid:

• Approaching parents with pity
• Using slang or jargon
• Taking things personally
• Assuming nonverbal means can't communicate
• Insisting on eye contact
• Staring

A meltdown is an intense response to overwhelming situations. It happens when someone becomes overwhelmed by their current situation and temporarily loses behavioral control. This loss of control can be expressed verbally (shouting, screaming, crying) or physically (kicking, lashing out, biting). A meltdown is not the same as a temper tantrum. It is not bad behavior. When the person is overwhelmed it is understandable that the result is a meltdown.

 How to React:

• Avoid shouting direct orders and use a low-key approach
• Give the person time; it may take them a while to recover from a sensory overload
• Calmly ask them (or their parent or friend) if they’re okay, giving them time to respond.
• Create a quiet, safe space. Ask people to move along and not stare, turn off loud music and turn down bright lights, reduce external stimulus

Common Autism Terms:

Echolalia - Repeating sounds, words or phrases

ABA Therapy - Applying the principles used for learning and motivation toward social situations or problems of social significance

Elopement - To leave without permission

Reinforcements - Two types: positive & negative. Positive is when a consequence is presented immediately following the behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Negative is the removal of a negative stimulus to decrease the probability of that behavior from occurring again

504 Plan - A plan that ensures a student with any disability, physical or mental, will receive accommodations that will help him or her to achieve academic success

ESE - Programs and services for students with special learning needs

IEP - A plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability will receive specialized instruction and related services so he or she may be educated effectively

Stimming - The repetitive performance of certain physical movements or vocalizations is thought to serve as calming and expression of feelings

BCBA - Board Certified Behavior Analyst is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis and therapy