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Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that begins sometime during the first three years of a child's life. Autism is a neurologically based disorder. It affects the way children communicate, interact with other people and how they perceive and react to the world that surrounds them.
Patterns of behavior that are characteristic of autism include impairment of reciprocal social interactions and impaired communication skills and restricted range of interests or repetitive behaviors. Not all children with autism behave the same way. This is what is meant by a "spectrum of autism". Each child might display different combinations of behaviors, ranging from mild to severe. Other disorders related to autism are Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger's Disorder.
Researchers have not found a specific cause for autism. Evidence indicates that there are generic factors involved and that there are biological and /or neurological differences in the brains of children with autism. Autism is not a form of mental illness. It is not something that is caused by bad parenting or any other psychological influences in the child's life.
Regional specialists are available to assist district teams by:
- Participation on teams to promote early identification and service to children with ASD
- Assistance with assessment/reassessment and ongoing classroom observations of learners with ASD
- Telephone and onsite consultation to school staff
- Attendance at due process meetings where additional support is needed
- Material and resource distribution
- Inservice to school and community organizations
- Coordination of regional network meetings/ workshops
Click here for MN Autism Spectrum Disorders Criteria.
Regional Staff Contact:
Phyllis Hauck, Regional Low Incidence Facilitator
(218) 748-7606
State Contacts:
Phil Sievers
MDE Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist
MN Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266
Phone: 651-582-8607
Fax: 651-582-8729
Email: phil.sievers@state.mn.us
Tami Childs
MN Autism Projects Coordinator
Metro ECSU
4001 Stinson Blvd. NE Suite 304
Minneapolis, MN 55421
Phone: 612-638-1519
Fax: 612-706-0811
Email: Tamera.Childs@mpls.k12.mn.us
Autism Spectrum Disorders Resources
Click here for website resources.
Click here for the 2006 Supplement to Promising Practices for the Identification of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders compiled by Region 5 & 7.
Click here for the Region 3 Lending Library Lists.
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