AUTISM… is a developmental disorder.

It impairs an individual’s

ability to interact socially, communicate clearly and effectively, and behave appropriately.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 
Fourth Edition 
lists several factors that can lead to a diagnosis of  AUTISM.....

Social Interaction

Impairments can include:

**difficulty using nonverbal behaviors such as eye-gaze, facial expressions, body postures, and gestures.

**difficulty forming peer relationships.

**difficulty seeking out others for the purpose of sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements.

**difficulty with the “back-and-forth” nature of relationships for social or emotional purposes.

Communication

Impairments can include:

**delay or lack of development of spoken language.

**difficulty starting or maintaining a conversation.

**using stereotyped (“repetitive, often seemingly driven, and nonfunctional,”) or idiosyncratic (odd or peculiar) language.

**lacking variety and spontaneity in make-believe play or social imitative play.

Behavior

Impairments can include:

**being preoccupied with an interest—intensity or focus is abnormal.

** being inflexible and sticking to specific routines or rituals that may not be “purposeful.”

** using stereotyped or repetitive motor movements such as hand or finger flapping or twisting or whole-body movements.

** preoccupation with parts of objects.

If you are interested in speaking with me about any concerns, please contact me:

Jennifer.praytor@spartanburg2.k12.sc.us

1-864-592-1211