Advocating dynamic resources in autism neurodiversity

 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.

A written report detailing the supports, activities and resources required for an individual to achieve their personal goals.

  Sensory issues often accompany autism. Autism's sensory issues can involve both hyper-sensitivities (over-responsiveness) and hypo-sensitivities (under-responsiveness) to a wide range of stimuli. 

Repetitive, stimulating movements or sounds. Examples are: Hand flapping, rocking, or spinning objects.

The DSM-5 is the most current edition (2013)  of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.  Their diagnostic criteria determines  the severity of Autism according to support needs. 

A child's ability to express himself.  Used each time he communicates his needs, thoughts  and ideas using words, phrase and sentences.

The ability to understand and comprehend spoken language that you hear or read. Being able to follow directions, for example, depends on receptive language.

Repetition of a particular response (word, phrase or gesture) regardless of the absence or cessation of the stimulus. Repeating actions or words over and over.

As per the DSM-IV, Asperger's was a diagnosis of ASD without language delays or cognitive disability, yet characteristic of difficulties in social interaction and restricted interests. 

 A manual published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) which describes all of the diagnostic criteria and the systematic descriptions of various mental disorders.

 The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) generates accurate assessments of autism and development disorders across all ages, language skills, cultural backgrounds and developmental levels. The ADOS is a standardized diagnostic assessment of social, imagination and communication skills of individuals who may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

 Developmental milestones are behaviors or physical skills seen in infants and children as they grow and develop. 

Playing with toys or objects according to their intended function.

Specific type of assistive technology that promotes independence, expands communication and increases social interactions for people with Autism.

 A child who has not gained the developmental skills expected of him or her, compared to others of the same age. Delays may occur in the areas of motor function, speech and language, cognitive, play, and social skills. 

 Once called mental retardation, is characterized by below-average intelligence or mental ability and a lack of skills necessary for day-to-day living. People with ID can and do learn new skills, but they learn them more slowly. 

 Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that can improve social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. Many experts consider ABA to be the gold-standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental conditions.

 An educational entitlement of all students in the United States, guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

The best possible definition (and controversy in the Autism community) IMO is found in this article in Scientific American. (Medical vs Neurodiversity Model)

 The use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations, of individuals, groups, or communities. It is an allied health profession performed by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (OTA). 

 Speech-language therapy addresses challenges with language and communication. It can help people with autism improve their verbal, nonverbal, and social communication. The overall goal is to help the person communicate in more useful and functional ways. 

 Short term programs usually provide relief for a few hours or a day to allow the caregivers to run errands, attend to other family needs, or simply have a rest. Some families use a respite worker to care for their child with special needs in the home to give them time to focus on their other children.