Risperidone in Autistic Children Is there a drug out there that can help autistic children, especially ones with serious behavioral disorders, concentrate and think better? In 2008, Aman, et al., performed a study on autistic children with irritable behavior to evaluate the drug Risperidone on their cognitive abilities. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that often causes somnolence during the first two weeks but usually resolves spontaneously within the first sixteen days of treatment (Janseen Pharmaceuticals Inc, 2016). Aman, et al., ( 2008) performed this research study to determine if this somnolence impairs the cognitive abilities of said children. Furthermore, Aman et al., (2008) stated the null hypothesis as, “There would be no difference between the risperidone and the placebo” (P. 228, Para. 7). However, the difference was documented and said hypothesis rejected with a p s Version (VLT-C) and Modified VLT-C”, which “Measures verbal memory over brief and intermediate periods of time-measuring immediate free recall”, long-delay free recall, and recognition trial to see if the subject recalls hearing the word being stated earlier in the test (Aman, et al., 2008, P. 229, Para. 3). The dependent measures included recollection of words correctly recalled, and recognized, after a ten minute delay, as well as immediately (Aman, et al., 2008). This measures the subjects’ short and long-term memory word recollection. The second test given
Autism is a developmental disorder, which is characterized by a dyad of difficulties in a) communication and social interaction and b) restricted interests and imagination (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might find it challenging to understand what other people think or what the reasons for their behaviours are, as their ‘theory of mind’ may not be well developed (Schuwerk, Vuori & Sodian, 2015). It is possible that this is why they might behave in socially inappropriate ways, being unable to differentiate between different contexts, while they might also find it difficult to make friends. Moreover, it is likely that they are fond of routines, repetition and structure (Carnahan, Musti-Rao, & Bailey, 2009), as they might be nervous with unknown, new situations. In addition, some of them might not do eye contact with other people, whereas some others might not endure to be touched and might have a difficulty developing speech (Jordan, 2005). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might sometimes be prohibited to initiate conversations and might struggle with finding different ways to play and behave, due to the possible deficit of imagination, which in some cases might result in them having a narrow sphere of interests. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this group of people is rather heterogeneous, as characteristics of autism may differ from one individual to another (Gwynette, 2013). Another point is that people with Autism
Autism is a form of neurodevelopment disorder in the autism spectrum disorders. It is characterized by impaired development in social interactions and communication, both verbal and non-verbal. There is an observed lack of spontaneous acts of communication; both receptive and expressed, as well as speech impairments. A person diagnosed with Autism will also show a limited range of activities and interests, as well as forming and maintain peer relationships. The individuals will display limited interests, which are often very focused and repetitive. He or she is likely to be very routine oriented and may show behavioral symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggressiveness, and self-injurious behaviors.
Autism spectrum disorder has become the most common neurological and developmental disorder diagnosed in children today. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012) estimate that 1 out of every 88 American children have been properly diagnosed. There is no known cure for autism, and the inconsistencies of the symptoms of autism in each case make it difficult to target a particular set of effective treatments. However some behavior management therapies, specifically physical therapy, may help to significantly control the unwanted symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder.
The way information is processed can be described as hypersensitive or hyposensitive. The sensory system can be viewed as having seven components:
1.1 - Explain why it is important to recognise that each person on the autistic spectrum has their own individual abilities needs strengths gifts and interests.
Autism is a developmental disability that affects all areas of behavior and perception. Approximately 10 out of every 10,000 children are diagnosed with autism and four out of five are males. Autism is the third most common developmental disability, more common than Down Syndrome. Children with Autism are characterized by impairment in several areas of development such as: Cognitive, Language, Play/Socialization skills and exhibit many challenging behaviors. Behavior Patterns of Autism:
Autism according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary is defined as “a variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships, to commutate with others, and by stereotyped behavior patterns.” Autism was believed to be a psychiatric or emotional illness, and doctors told mothers that they were the cause. They were wrong. The cause for autism is still a mystery, however, the facts remain that autism in children is on the rise. Erin Allday of the San Francisco Chronicle writes, “Environmental factors play a more important role in causing autism than previously assumed and, surprisingly, an even larger role than genetic.” There are theories based on that
Scientifically, autism and autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD, are commonly used names for difficult disorders that have to do with brain development. Disorders like these are grouped by someone’s difficulty in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and nonverbal communication. To the people who are diagnosed with this disorder and the families it affects; it is so much more than just science.
Children With Autism Children with autism have the possibility to improve greatly, and some even overcome the effects of autism if appropriate therapies are begun early enough. A multifaceted disorder, autism has long baffled professionals and parents alike. At a point in time, doctors gave parents absolutely no hope for the recovery of their children. But recently, new treatments and therapies have shown that improvement is possible. With early intervention, intensive care, some children have if not fully recovered, improved, and have been integrated into schools, indistinguishable from their peers.
Autistic infants often show little or no interest in other people and lack typical social behaviors. For example, they may not smile at their mother's voice or make eye contact with caregivers. Autistic children fail to develop normal relationships with their parents, brothers or sisters, and other children. Often they seem unaware of the needs and feelings of other people, and may not respond if another person is hurt or in distress. They also fail to make friends.
A group of adolescents with autism and severe behavioral disturbance ranging from the ages of 5-17 were given a risperidone and/or placebo. The adolescents were randomly selected on who would receive the risperidone and who would receive the placebo. “A double-blind placebo-controlled parallel groups design was used. Dependent measures included tests of sustained attention, verbal learning, hand-eye coordination, and spatial memory assessed before, during, and after the 8-week treatment.
Neurological disorders are complex in nature and often the least understood. Given the recent boom in imaging technology and other diagnostic methods, it is now possible to see more clearly into the scope of neurological development and accurately determine the etiology of these diseases. One of such disorders is Autism; a multifactorial condition impairing normal brain development. It affects many aspects of development, including social behavior, cognitive ability and communication skills1 and is commonly diagnosed in children before the age of three1. The symptoms of this condition can vary greatly between individuals; hence its classification as a spectrum disorder. Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome and pervasive
Attempting to do this research process the authors are trying to answer the question of whether or not there are any cognitive effects of risperidone on the processes in children with autism and irritable behaviors.“A detailed analysis of adverse events from risperidone treatment in children with autism indicated that reports of somnolence usually dissipated between 2 and 4 weeks after the last dose adjustment of risperidone” (Aman et al,2008).One of the key resolution of the study was to try to enlighten the facts behind the cognitive influences risperidone have on children with short tempers and autistic behavior traits in groups of male and females from an age group of 5 to 17 years of age.This study was accompanied to benefit those individuals who identify the effect of cognitive action on the desired groups and determine if a failure in routine transpired with risperidone. Through this research a statistical examination of the children with autism and irritable behavior was exployed. The hypothesis is drawn, statistical analysis are engaged, assumptions and limitations are given to develop a result which is developed through statistical concepts. However after conducting careful research there is no evidence that
It was determined that boys are more likely to come down with autism four to five more times than girls are, because there is no cure for Autism, researchers are constantly trying to find ways, and medications, to help the children and families can cope with the negative effects of this disorder. The effects of the popular drug Risperidone given to children with autism is covered in the article "Cognitive Effects of Risperidone in Children with Autism and Irritable Behavior." This drug is tested on children who have autism and irritable behaviors such as disruptive behavior disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. An individual who has a variety of complex brain development disorders is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The autism spectrum is very wide ranging and includes many symptoms. It goes from one or two mild developmental abnormalities all the way up to a person needing a lifetime of care. There are many contributors for autism however, researchers have not found the single cause of autism, and with that, they have not found a cure or accurate prevention methods. It has been found that children who have a sibling with ASD are much more likely to have it, which gives researchers a clue into genetics and how it plays a role in children being born with autism. This paper will discuss the different symptoms of ASD, and what treatments are used to help manage it. A case study will be discussed to show how a child presented with the disorder, and how they were able to live a normal life with the help of various methods of treatment. Genetics will be looked into in terms of siblings and the recurrence rate in families in a scientific study. In another, brain chemistry will be shown in ways that can affect the motor function of those diagnosed with ASD.