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ASD In Children

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Autism was discovered in 1943 by Leo Kanner. He observed a group of children that did not seem emotionally disturbed or mentally retarded. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social-interaction, difficulties, communication challenges and tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors (Autism speaks 2015). ASD can range in mild challenges to more severe symptoms, and affect every child differently. Some mild cases of ASD will involve head banging, repetitive behaviors, rocking and hand flapping, and one-third will develop seizures in their childhood or adolescence stages. “And research suggests, if you have one child with ASD, your risk of having another autistic child increases by 20 percent” (Lopatin 2015), Some can have extraordinary …show more content…

Some children will line up toys in a specific way instead of using them for what they are supposed to be for. Some forms of repetitive behavior can be more of an obsession. Sounds of vacuum, or the twirling motion of ceiling fans, even with a cartoon character way beyond other children. As they get older their interests can be in numbers, symbols and science topics. Many problems can occur with these problems such as doing daily tasks at home, or simply going to the store. If the child is not able to do this repetitive behavior, he could go into a meltdown, making it difficult to do what you have started. Children with autism may also have sensory issues. They will have a hard time processing and integrating sensory information like sound, sight, and movements. “Sometimes one or more senses are either over or under reactive to stimulation” (autism.com) this could be the reason for some rocking, or hand flapping. There are three main senses that involve the sensory part of your brain: tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive. Tactile system is the nerves that are under the skin and tell your brain the hot and cold, pressure and pain. Some children do not like to be touched, eat certain foods and it’s hard to wash face or hair. This may lead to a misperception of touch and or pain and can lead to general irritability. Vestibular system will cause more hypersensitive to regular movements like moving up an escalator. This will make them apprehensive walking on uneven surfaces or walking up and down stairs. Proprioceptive system involves moving your joint and muscles. This is responsible for sitting down in your chair, manipulate objects using your fine motor skills like writing, picking up a spoon and button up shirts. Children who lack this will seem clumsy, harder to get dressed and a messy

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