Educating an Autistic Child

The education process of a child with autism has to involve both the parents and the educators. While the parents of children who are not affected by autism, should still take an interest in their child's education the need to do so when it comes to an autistic child is immeasurable. Children who are autistic have strengths and weaknesses just like any other children and these characteristics should be analyzed when setting academic goals and strategies. Parents should ensure that the teachers understand the autism treatment alternatives your child is following and their education should not conflict with these treatment methods. Meeting with your child's teachers often can help to make certain your child's educational goals are being met and that your child is living up to their potential.

Educational Needs of Autistic Children

The long term educational goals of autistic children closely match those of children who are not affected by autism. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) entitles children with autism to an education that is comparable in term of skills and information to children who are not disabled but the difference is that autistic children often need additional educational activities to help them develop. The additional training that autistic children often need includes communication skills, social skills, language skills, behavioral issues and leisure skills. Without a firm grasp of these skills, children with autism would have difficulty learning their academic subjects. For this reason, additional assistance is often needed in these areas to allow the child to meet their academic goals.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) are categorized by social and communication deficits as well as behavioral traits. Many people refer to this group as the autism spectrum of disorders. However, a person who has autism has a PDD. A person can have a pervasive developmental disorder and not have autism.

The commonly recognized symptoms of pervasive developmental disorders include social interaction deficits. Individuals who fall within a diagnosis of PDD often have great difficulty interacting with others. They avoid contact with other people and they seem to lack empathy for others.

This spectrum of disorders includes deficits in the acquisition of language skills. The individuals who have PDD often have great difficulty using and understanding words, body language, facial expressions and gestures.

Common behavior traits of individuals who have pervasive developmental disorders include repetitive movements like rocking, hand-flapping and spinning. Many of these individuals are rigid when it comes to everyday activities and they seem obsessed with routine and order.

Pervasive developmental disorders include five different types that vary in symptoms and severity.

Defining Autism

Defining autism is a difficult task. The condition is a neurological disorder that has significant ramifications on the individual's ability to interact socially and communicate with other people. Autism is the most recognizable of the five pervasive developmental disorders.

In order for an individual to be diagnosed with autism, he has to meet certain criteria defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV). The individual must display a combination of symptoms from three categories outlined in the DSM IV; social interaction, communication and behavior.

Classic traits of autistic disorder include impaired social interaction, lack of eye contact and lack of empathy. Many individuals who have autism never develop language and when they do, it is often restricted. Stereotyped, repetitive movements and preoccupation with certain activities or objects are also indicative to the autism spectrum of disorders.

Educate Yourself First

If you are the parent of an autistic child, autism education is a subject that you cannot afford to neglect. Autism education is important for a number of reasons. You should stay up to date on the latest research and treatments so that you can ensure that your child is receiving the best treatment possible. While it is true that you should educate those who interact with your child on a regular basis about autism, the education process needs to begin at home. Utilize resources such as knowledgeable medical professionals, resource books and the Internet to arm yourself with information such as early indications, treatment options and applicable laws.

Defining Autism

The most basic form of autism education involves understanding a working definition of autism. When a child is diagnosed as being autistic, the parents should begin the education process to fully comprehend what is meant by autism. Autism can be defined as a pervasive development disorder. There is no specific cause for autism and currently there are no known cures. Autistic children may have difficulty communicating ideas and feelings, establishing relationships and using their imagination.

The Five Pervasive Developmental Disorders

There are five pervasive developmental disorders. Each disorder is considered a spectrum disorder so the severity of the symptoms ranges from mild to severe. Each of the pervasive developmental disorders is defined by the DSM IV.

PDD-NOS is pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified. This diagnosis covers all cases that involve individuals who show some symptoms of PDD but who fail to fall into one specific category. The diagnosis of PDD-NOS also involves unusual cases as well.

Autism is the most recognized of the pervasive developmental disorders and it involves a combination of social, communication and behavioral problems that interfere with the individual's ability to navigate through everyday situations. Autistic disorder ranges in severity from very mild to profound.

Asperger's syndrome is unique among the pervasive developmental disorders because these individuals do not show deficits in language acquisition. The social impairments are apparent in Asperger's disorder and these individuals exhibit stereotyped, repetitive movements as well as a need for order.

Rett's disorder is commonly found in females. Males who have the disorder do not survive long past birth. Individuals who have Rhett's disorder develop normally until the ages between five and 24 months of age. The child loses skills including hand coordination and language skills and continues to regress from there.

Childhood disintegrative disorder appears between two and 10 years of age. The child suddenly loses social, communication and motor skills with little or no warning. Childhood disintegrative disorder is the rarest of the five PDDs.

Your Autistic Child's Educational Rights

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) entitles children with autism to a free and appropriate public education. Under this act your child should receive an education that meets their needs and provides them with the skills and information other children without disabilities receive. Since your child's specific needs govern what is appropriate education for the child, parents are tasked with understanding not only their child's condition and behaviors but also how the education system works. Parents who take the time to understand these laws help to ensure that their child will meet their potential. It is also often left up to the parents to negotiate with the school to ensure that their child's needs are being met. When a parent fully understands their child's educational rights, they can make informed decisions regarding the education of their child.