A mental disorder originating in infancy that is characterized by self-absorption, inability to interact socially, repetitive behavior, and language dysfunction

Studies of people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the brain, including the cerebellum, amygdala, hippocampus, septum, and mamillary bodies

A large member of autistic children (about 30-50%) does not use speech.

Some speak in a sing-song voice

Autism affects an estimated 10 to 20 of every 10,000 people, depending on diagnostic criteria used, and affects males about four times more often than females.

Abnormal responses to sounds, touch, or other sensory stimulation.

About a 1/3 of children with autistic spectrum disorders eventually develop epilepsy

Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and hair twirling, or in self-injurious behavior such as biting or head banging.
Criteria used to help determine
• Absence or impairment of imaginative and social play
• Impaired ability to make friends with peers
• Impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
• Stereotyped, repetitive, or unusual use of language
• Restricted patterns of interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus
• Apparently inflexible adherence to specific routines or rituals
• Preoccupation with parts of objects
• Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT)
• Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
• Parent Interviews for Autism (PIA)
• Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS)
Improvement
Behavior Rating Vitamin B6 with magnesium has been shown to increase awareness, attention span, and general well-being in approximately 45% of children with autism.
Dimethylglycine (DMG) has also been used to increase well-being and improve communication skills.
Teachers will use pictures, charts and visual representations when teaching
In terms of education, children with autism respond to a highly structured special education and behavior modification program provided by autism-trained professionals. In the more severe cases, a student-teacher ratio of 1:1 may be necessary. Also, students should receive training in vocational and community living skills as early as possible.
Physical Organization
Use labels to help the students promote development
Boundary Settings
Section off where the students need to be wherever in the room.  Use colored tape, carpets rugs.
Visual Schedules
Anticipate upcoming events, develop understanding of time, and predict change.  This helps the children transition from one place to another.  Make sure and use pictures make calendars, newsletters to parents.
Use real money to teach about money, use real foods to teach about food, cooking, and nutrition, use real public places (stores, libraries, etc) to teach about public behaviors. Don’t generalize too good
Arguments for mainstreaming include better role models for autistic children, and increased opportunities for social interaction, and higher expectations by teachers. Arguments against include more opportunity for intense social skills training more control over structure and routine, crucial factors in the education, training, and everyday lives of many autistic children.