Dr.McDunn
Informative Speech Outline
I. Introduction
A. It is estimated that 1 in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism making it more common
than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. (Autism Speaks.org)
B. Typically appears during the 1st 3 years of life (Autism Society.org)
C. Affects a person’s ability to communicate and socialize with others
D. Testimony
1. My High School Spanish Teacher’s Son
E. Purpose
1. To inform the public about this disorder that is rapidly affecting children and their
parents today.
II. Definition
A. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders
known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) (Autism Speaks.org)
B. The Other Brain Disorders
1. Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
2. Asperger Syndrome
3. Rett Syndrome
4. Childhood Disintergrative Disorder
a. Parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders
(ASD)
III. Causes
A. Causes are unknown (Autism Society.org)
B. It’s generally accepted that autism is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function.
C. Scientists believe that both genetics and the environment play a role.
1. Genetic Vulnerability
2. Environmental Factors
D. The theory that bad parenting leads to ASD has long been disproved (ninds.nih.gov)
1. Dr. Leo Kanner
a. In 1943, 1st described autism as a unique condition caused by unloving mothers
2. Dr. Bernard Rimland
a. Father of a son with autism
b. In the 1960s and 70, Helped disproved the theory that bad parenting leads to
autism
c. Autism Society of America and Autism Research Institute
E. MMR Vaccine (Medicinenet.com)
1. Some believe that this causes autism
2. Anti-Vaccine Movement
3. Scientists agree that there needs to be more evidence gathered in order to support this
theory
IV. Symptoms
A. The severity of symptoms varies greatly between individuals but, all people with autism have
some core symptoms in the areas of1. Communication
2. Social Interaction
3. Repetitive behaviors (Autism Society.org)
B. The characteristic behaviors of autism is usually apparent in either infancy or early childhood
(24 months to 6 yrs)
1. Early Indicators
a. No babbling or pointing by age 1
b. No response to name
c. Excessive lining up of toys or objects
d. No smiling or social responsiveness
2. Later Indicators
a. Inability to make friends with peers (ninds.nih.gov)
b. Preoccupation with certain objects or subjects
c. Lack of empathy (WebMd.com)
d. A need for sameness and routines
C. Early intervention can make extraordinary differences in a child’s development
V. Treatment
A. There is no cure. (neurologychannel.com)
B. Treatment depends on the individual needs of the patient.
C. Autism treatments
1. Behavior modification
2. Communication Therapy
3. Dietary Modifications
4. Medication
VI. Coping with Autism
A. Support Groups (Autism Speaks.org)
1. Autism Speaks
2. Autism Society
B. Therapy
C. Journal entries
VII. Conclusion
A. It is estimated that 1 in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism making it more common
than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. (Autism Speaks.org)
B. Typically appears during the 1st 3 years of life (Autism Society.org)
C. Affects a person’s ability to communicate and socialize with others
D. More people should be informed about this disorder so more research can take place in order
to find a cure.
Work Cited-Autism
"Autism Fact Sheet." National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Sept.
2009. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm>.
"Autism Society - About Autism." Autism Society - Homepage. 21 Jan. 2008. Web. 01 Apr.
2011. <http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/>.
"Autism Speaks, Be Informed, What Is Autism, An Overview." Autism Speaks, Home Page.
Web. 30 Mar. 2011. <http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/index.php>.
"Autism Treatment, Prognosis - Autism - Neurology Channel." Your Neurology Community Neurology Channel. Web. 01 Apr. 2011.
<http://www.neurologychannel.com/autism/treatment.shtml>.
"Autism Treatments -- Therapies, Medications, and Alternatives." WebMD - Better Information.
Better Health. 19 May 2008. Web. 30 Mar. 2011. <http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autismtreatment-overview>.
"MMR Vaccine and Autism on MedicineNet.com." MedicineNet. 30 Jan. 2005. Web. 01 Apr.
2011. <http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51546&page=2>.