Autism Spectrum Disorder Case Study

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is on the rise. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of children identified with autism receiving special education services has risen from 0.2 to 0.8% of total student enrollment over the last ten years. (McKenney, E. L., Stachniak, C., Albright, J., Jewell, J. D., & Dorencz, J. M. 2016) According to the American Psychiatric Association, (2016) students with ASD have deficits in communication that can lead to difficulties in relationships with peers. Additionally, the American Psychiatric Association (2016) states that these students have difficulty with transitions and changes in their environment. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder can display challenges in the classroom …show more content…

Autism Speaks (2012) stated children with ASD will have trouble forming and maintaining relationships with peers, understanding subtleties of social communication (e.g., interpreting nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and gestures), and participating in symbolic/ dramatic play. Autism Speaks additionally states that social communication may look differently in children with ASD. Some children may attempt to engage others socially, although not necessarily successful, while other students may be socially isolated. This deficit can impact the student’s ability to share attention, read others’ cues, read others’ expression or respond appropriately to others. These students have difficulty understanding others’ perspectives and may lead to difficulties in making and maintaining …show more content…

Pathways.org (n.d.) states sensory integration is the way we take information in through our senses and make sense of our world. Sensory integration provides support for students with ASD for learning and behavior. Sensory challenges can impact the student’s ability to take in information, respond to requests, participate in social situations, write, participate in sports, and maintain a calm and ready to work state. (Autism Speaks, 2012) The student with ASD can easily become overwhelmed and anxious due to the overload of incoming information. Sensory Integration (SI) therapy is therapy for students’ with ASD. (Green et al. 2006; Roberts 2004) Research finds SI is an effective practice for improving the ability for the student to focus. (Carla J. Thompson,