UnderstandingAutism.ppt
Understanding the Nature of Autism: Behavior and Brain Science
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Understanding the Nature of Autism:
Behavior and Brain Science
Featuring Dr. Travis Thompson Dr. Anastasia Dimitropoulos Moderator: Steve Peterson
The Fine Print
- All information in this webinar and related material is provided for informational purposes only.
- Observations and recommendations represent the expert opinions of the presenters based on their knowledge, experience, and training, but are in no way meant to substitute for the advice of a medical practitioner or other professional.
- You should consult with a health professional or other specialist if you are interested in more information.
Today’s Presentation
- Insights into why children with autism do the things they do.
- An explanation of what the brain tells us about face recognition in children with autism.
- A look at children’s need for predictability and control of their environment and how you can use that knowledge to help build trust out of potentially stressful situations.
- Answers to your questions about autism, behavior, and brain science.
Today’s Speakers
Travis Thompson, Ph.D. is the author of the new book Making Sense of Autism. He is supervising psychologist at the Minnesota Early Autism Project and a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. He has received various awards for his contributions to facilitating the transfer of research on intellectual and developmental disabilities into practice. He also has a grandson with an autism spectrum disorder.
Anastasia Dimitropoulos, Ph.D. is a neuroimaging specialist and an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
Understanding the Nature of Autism:
Behavior and Brain Science
We Will Discuss:
- Why Children with ASDs Do the Things They Do
- Characteristics of Autism: The Core Deficits
- Lack of Understanding of, and Skill with Communication
- Brain Basis of Social Deficits
- Compulsivity: Brain Differences in ASDs
Characteristics of Autism: The Core Deficits
- Communication Deficit
- Social Deficit
- Compulsive Disorder: Fixed Interests & Repetitive Behavior
Deficit in Communication as Problem Solving Tool
- Fail to grasp the idea that communication is a problem solving tool.
- Slow language processing: Poor synchronization across brain’s language areas.
- Difficulty with pragmatics.
Fail to Understand Social Cues
- Don’t look at people’s eyes, as early as 6 months of age.
- Lack amygdala and prefrontal cortex activation to faces exhibiting emotions.
- Little response of fusiform gyrus to faces.
- Mirror neuron deficits—inability to understand gestures.
- Unable to draw social inferences.
Eye and Facial Processing Deficits
- As early as 6 months, children who are later diagnosed with an ASD fail to look at eyes.
- There is little or no amygdala and prefrontal cortex activation to eyes.
Fusiform Gyrus and Mirror Neuron Dysfunction
- Fusiform "face area" under temporal lobe does not activate to faces.
- Mirror neuron system required for understanding gestures is dysfunctional.
Implications
- Lack of Fusiform Face Area activation is directly proportional to degree of impairment; therefore, Fusiform gyrus function is a good target outcome variable for a treatment study.
Making the World More Predictable
- Use visual schedules.
- Give a warning before there will be a change in routine.
- If possible, give the child a say in which things are done in what order.
Fixed Interests & Repetitive Behavior
- Preference for objects that are constant…predictable.
- Children with ASDs suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to some degree.
Conclusion
- Teachers and parents look at a child with autism and see a little stranger in their midst. What makes him so different?
- It’s up to us to help them. We usually can do so if we see the world from their vantage point and apply sound basic intervention practices.