{"id":3377,"date":"2018-08-27T14:32:44","date_gmt":"2018-08-27T18:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/?page_id=3377"},"modified":"2025-03-11T09:51:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T13:51:00","slug":"autism-spectrum-disorder","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/autism-spectrum-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"Autism Spectrum Disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-panel-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-panel  \"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/797\/ASD-page.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"Dr. Nicole Alexander standing with President Dooley in front of the URI Health Institute Rhode to Health bus\"><\/figure><article>\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Autism Spectrum Disorder<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors. Because of the range of symptoms, this condition is now called autism spectrum disorder (ASD).&nbsp;No two students are alike, especially students with autism. Due to the diversity of autism, you may see only a few or maybe all of the characteristics associated with autism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about ASD by watching <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?time_continue=1&amp;v=divmxBBQ5Zw\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?time_continue=1&amp;v=divmxBBQ5Zw\">this fifteen minute video<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/article><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<p><strong>Jump to:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/autism-spectrum-disorder\/#General%20Characteristics\">General Characteristics of Students with ASD<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/autism-spectrum-disorder\/#Classroom%20Impact\">Classroom Impact<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/autism-spectrum-disorder\/#Accommodations\">Accommodations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"General Characteristics\">General Characteristics of Students with ASD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Task oriented<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strong attention to detail<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intelligent<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ability to maintain focus on topics of interest to attain subject mastery<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can be relied upon to follow up\/follow through<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Students with ASD May Have Difficulty In:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Difficulty understanding unspoken social \u201crules\u201d and expectations<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Excessive adherence to personal routines without explanation or divergence<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Challenges with nonverbal communication (gestures, facial expression, etc.) <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Obsession with specific, often unusual, topics and one-sided conversations<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Problems asking for help<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Literal, linear thinking patterns; difficulty with abstract thinking and seeing the big picture<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Difficulty transitioning or adapting to changes with the class schedule or syllabus<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Problems with organization including initiating, planning, carrying out and finishing tasks<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Specific preferences for clothing, foods, sensations, and patterns of behaviors <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Sensitivity to sounds or lights that others simply do not hear or see<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Awkward movements and\/or mannerisms (\u201cstim\u201d actions such as rocking, hand-flapping, pacing)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Classroom Impact\">Classroom Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Difficulty knowing how to interact with classmates or have two-way conversations (making group work difficult)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Problems understanding social rules and respecting personal space<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Literal understanding of language and inability to understand humor, sarcasm, irony, metaphors<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Conversations that are repetitive or off-topic <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Unusual pattern of speech (intonation, volume, rhythm or speed)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Difficulty with changing dates, routines, syllabus requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">General Classroom Strategies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Provide a detailed syllabus with clearly defined expectations, deadlines, explanation of assignments, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Include <a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/for-faculty-and-staff\/\">syllabus statement<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Prepare students for any changes to the syllabus or classroom routine<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Give students time to verbally respond to questions<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Minimize use of figurative language or sarcasm<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Differentiate instruction to meet multiple learning styles (<\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/atl\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/atl\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Provide concrete examples for abstract or complex topics. <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Reduce environmental distractions as much as possible (excessive noise or flickering lights)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Acknowledge and reinforce acceptable classroom behaviors; try not to personalize seemingly rude behavior (not intended)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Group Projects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">ASD students can bring a unique perspective and vast knowledge of certain topics to a group project. &nbsp;They are also willing to do the work involved with the project. However, choosing group members or being chosen may be difficult, as well as understanding the social aspects of a group project and that work should be distributed among all members.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Assist students with finding a group or partner with whom to work<\/span>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Provide instructions to the group: &nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Suggest that all members exchange names\/phone numbers\/email<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Identify clear roles and responsibilities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Class Discussions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Some ASD students will not contribute to class discussions while other may sometimes try to dominate or monopolize the discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Set clear expectations for the discussion verbally and in writing (e.g.)<\/span>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">each student can contribute three times per class discussion<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">everyone must contribute before being called on another time<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">students will be redirected if anything off-topic is brought up<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">students have so many minutes to present their point<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">If necessary, assist students with rephrasing comments in a more sensitive way. (Reminder: simply saying \u201cdon\u2019t do that\u201d in a conversation with the student is not enough. If a comment made in class was deemed insensitive or inappropriate, explain to the student why the comment might have been considered insensitive and model examples of more appropriate ways to phrase the sentiment. \u00a0If you are uncomfortable doing this within the classroom, please invite the student to a private meeting.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">If students have additional questions, ask them to email or to see you during office hours (you may need to set clear parameters for time or topics)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Provide time for the student to respond (it may take a bit of time for the ASD student to process the question or information)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Writing Assignments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Some ASD students may have difficulty with understanding plots or analyzing literature, or comparing and contrasting ideas. &nbsp;Although good at researching facts, they may have difficulty with developing an essay based on facts. Time management of a long-term assignment may also be problematic.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Provide clear guidelines and deadlines for assignments<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Meet with student multiple times and ask for rough drafts to assess understanding of the assignment<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">List specific suggestions for changes on the paper<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage use of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/aec\/writing\/\">Writing Center<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adapted from Faculty Guides at Monroe Community College, NY and Jackson County Community College, Kansas.) &nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accommodations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">All accommodations are based on need verified by the documentation DAI receives and will be identified in the accommodation letter provided by DAI. &nbsp;Accommodations for ASD students may include the following<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Course Accommodations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Note-taking<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Permission to record lectures<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Additional time for quizzes\/tests\/exams<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Separate or private space for quizzes\/tests\/exams<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Extended time on assignments<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Frequent meetings with professors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Housing Accommodations:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Single room<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">One room-mate maximum<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Supports:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">DAI staff generally meet with ASD students on a weekly or bi-weekly basis<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Academic Enhancement Center<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Counseling Center<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Center for Career and Experiential Education<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please remember that all students must abide by Conduct Code within the Student Handbook. &nbsp;If you have any questions or concerns about a student who has identified to you, please contact <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disability, Access, &amp; Inclusions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Further Resources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This is a short video portraying the different types of thinking ASD students may have&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=T5TtoH28tsE\">Temple Grandin Clip: Different kinds of thinking<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An hour long video on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=MWePrOuSeSY\">the Autistic Brain.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jump to: General Characteristics of Students with ASD, Classroom Impact, Accommodations. General Characteristics of Students with ASD Students with ASD May Have Difficulty In: Classroom Impact General Classroom Strategies Group Projects ASD students can bring a unique perspective and vast knowledge of certain topics to a group project. &nbsp;They are also willing to do the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1653,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-3377","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3377","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1653"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3377"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3377\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12499,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3377\/revisions\/12499"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/disability\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}