Autism Spectrum Disorders Analysis

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Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect people of every socioeconomic background, ethnic group and race. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 68 children receive an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis; furthermore, males are five times more likely to have an ASD than females are. Some children with autism find it difficult to communicate; nonetheless, caregivers can help these children find their voices. Autism Spectrum Disorders Can Affect a Child’s Ability to Communicate Frequently, autistic children seem to be in their own private world: This affects their ability to successfully interact and communicate with those around them. Needless to say, this inability can make it difficult for them …show more content…

• Proloquo2go This app is available in English and in Spanish. Proloquo2go promotes both language development and communication skills. • HandHold Adaptive This application provides apps for visual supports, speech and social stories. Caregivers Need to Recognize the Communication Cues from Their Autistic Patients Caregivers must decipher the way their autistic patients communicate. If they do not use speech or sound, caregivers should attempt communicating with these patients using gestures as opposed to verbal communication. Common communication techniques …show more content…

• Repeating words that others say (echolalia). Echolalia Initially, when an autistic child begins repeating what others say, he or she is just repeating words and not necessarily trying to communicate; nonetheless, this is a good sign because it indicates that the child is moving forward and his or her communication skills are developing. As time passes, the child will begin using these repeated words and phrases as a means to communicate. An autistic child may memorize the words someone else used when he or she was asked a question. Consider the child being asked if he or she would like a drink: It is not uncommon for a child with autism to request a drink by repeating a question previously asked of him or her that led to the child receiving a drink (i.e., Would you like a drink?). Furthermore, an adult or child who has an autism spectrum disorder may use phrases from his or her favorite television program as a means to ask a question. The caregiver can sit with the patient and watch the program in an attempt to understand what the patient is trying to communicate when he or she uses these phrases. Ways Caregivers Can Support Their Patients’ Communication Development 1. Encourage

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