Autism
Autism is a complex developmental disability
that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a
neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism
impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social
interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism
typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social
interactions, and leisure or play activities.
Autism is one of five
disorders coming under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD),
a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive
impairment in several areas of development," including social interaction
and communications skills (DSM-IV-TR). The five disorders under PDD are
Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD),
Rett's Disorder, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Each of these
disorders has specific diagnostic criteria as outlined by the American
Psychiatric Association (APA) in its
Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).
Source:
Autism Society of America
An
evaluation for autism will include:
-
Parent interview
-
Behavior observations
-
Physiological and
neurological information from a licensed physician, pediatrician, or
neurologist
-
Evaluation of
speech/language, communication, cognitive, developmental, adaptive
behavior, and social skills
-
Documentation of how autism
adversely affects educational performance in the general education
classroom
Williamson
County Schools currently has two autism consultants on staff. These consultants
serve as support to the educational staff and families of the students with
autism. Additional roles include observing the students, providing
in-services, developing behavioral goals and plans, assisting in
transitions, and providing information to families.
For more information on
autism, please contact one of the autism consultants:
For questions about
services for students with autism in Williamson County Schools or if you
are planning to move to the county, please contact Student Support
Services at (615) 472-4130.
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