Abstract
This paper examines various alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems which are used as devices for assisting those who cannot communicate normally. The paper then describes the symptoms and behaviors of autistic individuals, particularly their communication difficulties. Additionally, two AAC systems that have proven promising for the teaching of autistic children are discussed at length. These include Picture Exchange Communication System or PECS and Computer Based Intervention Programs or CBIP.

From the Paper
"Children who suffer from Autism and related disabilities characteristically demonstrate delayed speech development, poor verbal communication skills and the frequent use of non-intelligible noises."

Tags:autism, augmentative, communication

Abstract
This paper analyzes two studies that deal with augmentative and alternative communication systems that can assist language development in autistic children. It first reviews "Effects on Communicative Requesting and Speech Development of the Picture Exchange Communication System in Children With Characteristics of Autism," by Jennifer Ganz and Richard Simpson. It then looks at "Effects of a Computer-Based Intervention Program on the Communicative Functions of Children with Autism," by Orit Hetzroni and Juman Tannous.

From the Paper
"Subjects were taught to present a picture of the desired object and later to create picture sentences by placing strings of pictures on a Velcro strip. At first teachers presented students with the pictures, but the goal was for subjects to independently locate the desired items and string them to form sentences. Pictoral sentences were then to be accompanied by the appropriate verbalization. Each subject had his/her own book of pictures, which were expanded to include photographs of desired objects and sentence starters such as "I want" over time. In this way gradually more complex verbalization could be required. While the beginning pictures dealt primarily with objects themselves, gradually comments on qualities of an object or action as well as objections could also be verbalized. Sessions were videotaped, and independently and holistically scored by observers who agreed when a subject met the specified criteria for non-verbal and then verbal communication."

Tags:verbalization, sentences, pictures, speech

Abstract
This paper explains that most studies today show that the inclusion of students with cognitive disabilities is not only the least restrictive environment for disabled students, but also the best learning environment for most students both disabled and non-disabled; however, these studies also point out that simply placing a student with cognitive impairment in a general education classroom does not constitute inclusion. The author outlines a five session training to provide teachers with the understanding and skills to achieve this objective. The paper concludes that all of the teacher training in the world will be ineffective if nothing happens after the training is complete; all teachers and service providers need to meet regularly to discuss the progress of the student and determine if additional supports are needed or if some supports can be removed.

Table of Content
Training Sessions
Session One
Description of Autism
Session Two
Sensitivity Training
Session Three
Documentation Strategies
Session Four
Positive Behavior Interventions
Self-Management
PECS - The Picture Exchange Communication System
Social Stories
Visual Schedules
Sensory Integration
Session Five
Accommodations and Modifications
Summary Statement

From the Paper
"How can we reach these teachers? Some will be interested enough and take the time and initiative to participate in workshops offered either through their local ISD or other statewide symposiums. Others may need to be reached through either in-service programs or staff meetings. Our school systems need to not only provide the time and training for all teachers but mandate their participation. Hopefully within the next few years students who are working on their degree in education will have the training necessary as part of their requirements. But even then, regular training within the school system will hone their skills and update all teachers on new and innovative practices."

Tags:team, in-service, sensitivity, intervention, strategies

Abstract
This paper explains that children diagnosed with autism are known to have abnormal communication skills and social interactions and exhibit limited repetitive interests and behavior. The author points out that, due to this lack of social interaction with the rest of the world, autistic children are deprived of many experiences that would have eventually led them to an understanding of this world. The paper relates that there are many possible variations of these symptoms, which create numerous autism spectrum disorders that range from mild to severe disability. The author describes Asperger's syndrome, PPD (pervasive developmental disorder), Rett's syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. The paper concludes that, although there is no cure for autism, several systems and therapies have been designed to ease the obstacles and complications presented by autism. The paper includes a case observed by the author.

From the Paper
"In 1943, Kanner was the first to define autism; it was based on his study on eleven children which who all had an "unrecognized syndrome". Kanner discovered that the eleven children all had similar behavioral features. "These features included an inability to develop relationships with people, a delay in speech acquisition, the non-communicative use of speech after it develops, delayed echolalia, pronominal reversal, repetitive and stereotyped play activities, an obsessive insistence on the maintenance of the sameness, a lack of imagination, a good rote memory, and a normal physical appearance"."

Tags:repetitive communication, social interactions, asperger's spectrum

Abstract
The paper reveals the rise in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and focuses on the problems confronted by autistic students in the educational system. The paper relates that NCLB requirements force school systems to make accommodations for autistic children, but notes that this may lead to frustrating situations for those teachers not familiar with autistic individuals. The paper discusses the autistic child's lack of development in regards to social and communication skills, his ways of thinking and how he may need an extra helping hand to achieve in the classroom. The paper looks at the debate surrounding the TEACCH program and calls for further studies on effective methods of treating autistic children.

From the Paper
"The fact that autism is increasing at a nearly 15% rate per year in the United States should be reason enough to sound an alarm, but other reasons for doing so contribute to the situation. The effects of dealing with autistic children in the educational system can be include disruptions to other students, as well as being unproductive learning attempts for those children who are autistic. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires that all children be given the opportunity to participate in the educational system and it does not exclude those students who have been diagnosed with ASD or autism. The NCLB standard requires that all those who may wish to participate in the educational setting be given the opportunity to do so."

Tags:social, communication, skills, inclusion, education, TEACCH

Abstract
This paper is a literature review addressing how SMART Board technology can be used with autistic learners.

From the Paper
"The research question that this literature review will explore is "How do SMART Boards affect the learning of autistic children". This question leads to a study of the role of new technologies in teaching those with autism, an examination of the SMART Board as an educational tool in the autistic child's classroom, an assessment of the technology as it relates to teaching autistic children and the specific uses to which SMART Boards can be put in the classroom for..."

Tags:SMART Board, autistic, education, learning, literature review

Abstract
This ten-page undergraduate paper discusses different teaching methods and technique for children with autism. These children need individualized programs, which focus on the development of communication and social skills.

Abstract
The author describes the behavior and developmental problems of autistic children. This paper focuses on autistic children -- ages three to five, because this is the age when diagnosis and treatment begins. The paper states that Federal law requires that at age five, when the child is ready to begin kindergarten, the state of residence must provide the child, his/her parents and the school system with an individualized education plan. The paper discusses various treatment programs.

From the Paper
"Unfortunately, the newness of the condition hampers the diagnosis and treatment for children with autism. Autism itself has many varying severities, what might show up in one child might not show up in another. For this reason, autism is usually defined as a spectrum disorder, or one that can have symptoms in any combination with different levels. While the symptoms usually begin in infancy, the true diagnosis usually occurs when the child is around age three. Several factors surrounding an infant's birth can cause slower development as far as cognitive skills or verbal skills (i.e. premature, severe illness at birth), but around age three, most children seem to taper off to more defined skill-levels."

Tags:diagnosis, treatment, disorder, social, interaction, education, special, community, family, coordination, vitamin, intervention, inclusion, segregated

Abstract
This paper discusses the history of autism, examining the origins of the disorder. The paper describes autism as a progressive deprivation that results in a person's disability to communicate, difficulty with language, play and social interaction. The paper explores the integration of autistic children in the education system and assesses the future outlook for autism. The paper explains the necessity of more extensive research into this disorder.
Outline
Introduction
History of Autism
How it is a Spectrum Disorder
The Etiology
What are the Big Issues Today?
Future of Autism

From the Paper
"Personal and clinical evidences provide varied nature of data concerning the analysis of the nature of persons suffering from autism spectrum disorders. More particularly, the existence of the fear of confined places may call upon the skills of attachment for scrutiny. Besides the use of narcotic drugs, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol seems to influence the brain in a short term or long term basis thereby necessitating the scrutiny of the current and past use of the substances. The existence of the other conditions may be medical, neurological, psychiatric or psychological also influences the scrutiny of individuals. Awareness of the all present and past disorders pertaining to physical and emotional disorders are therefore, highly essential. (PET scanning in Autism Spectrum Disorders)"

Tags:neurological, psychiatric, communication

Abstract
The paper contends that every teacher will most likely encounter autism, hearing impairments, learning disabilities and dyslexia at one point in his or her career, and that is why literacy teachers need to be able to recognize these disabilities, and know how to reach out to these students academically and socially. The paper provides general information on autism, hearing impairments, learning disabilities in the area of reading, and dyslexia. The paper explains the characteristics of these disabilities and the specific instructional techniques teachers can use. The paper argues that education over how to work with students with disabilities that affect language acquisition is vital to the success of the American education system.

Outline:
Introduction
General Overview of Autism
Characteristics of Children with Autism
Literacy Specific Strategies for Autistic Students
General Overview of Hearing Impairments
Characteristics of Children with Hearing Impairments
Literacy Specific Strategies for Students with Hearing Impairments
General Overview of Learning Disabilities in the Area of Reading
Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities in the Area of Reading
Literacy Specific Strategies for Students with Learning Disabilities in the Area of Reading
General Overview of Dyslexia
Characteristics of Children with Dyslexia
Literacy Specific Strategies for Students with Dyslexia
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Free public education for all is truly an American ideal. American literacy instructors are expected to reach all of their students, regardless of gender, race, developmental level, etc. etc. Almost all students will struggle marginally to moderately with particularly difficult concepts from time to time. However, some students will struggle throughout their academic career due to various disabilities, such as autism, hearing impairments, specific learning disabilities, and dyslexia (just to name a few). These students need the most specific literacy instruction, yet all too often they receive the least. This is due to various reasons. First of all, many teachers are uneducated about the many disabilities that interfere with language acquisition and literacy development. Secondly, many teachers do not feel confident in their abilities to deal with disabled children effectively, so all too often these children are placed in special education classrooms for the majority of the day."

Tags:communication, social, interaction, language, sign, language, mnemonics, phonemics, vocabulary, spelling