Analysis of Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders are a class of developmental disorders that impair social skills, behavior, and communication (Center for Disease Control). ASDs are considered ‘spectrum’ disorders because each patient has a unique experience in the nature and severity of their symptoms (Center for Disease Control). Under the umbrella of ASDs, there are three types of disorders, including Autistic disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (Center for Disease Control). Autistic disorder is the most severe of the three, and patients exhibit significant problems with language, communication, and behavior (Center for Disease Control). Furthermore, people with Autistic disorder often have some intellectual impairment (Center for Disease Control). Asperger Syndrome is a milder form of autistic disorder where patients have some developmental delays, but their language and intellect are not affected (Center for Disease Control). The mildest of the ASDs is the pervasive developmental disorder. These patients usually don’t meet all of the criteria for autistic disorder, but do show some signs of social and communication problems (Center for Disease Control). The number of children diagnosed with ASD is growing, and currently 1 in 88 children fall somewhere on the spectrum (Mari-Bauset et al., 2013). Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism, and while the exact cause of these disorders is unknown, both genetic and

Many of us have heard about Autism, also knows as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some have a family member, a friend, or know someone who has ASD. Increasingly it is becoming a more common disability. “Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S” (Autism Speaks). Autism has no respect for gender, race, social class and or ethnicity. “Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain.” (Autism Center of Excellence) People who have autism have a lot of difficulties with social skills, communication and also will develop behavior issues. These behavior problems of an individual with autism can vary at times and can go from mild to severe. According to the Autism Science Foundation it says,” Many people with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASD can vary—from gifted to severely challenged.” The causes and symptoms, as well as the diagnosis, and the treatments of autism vary.

Every year one in 68 Americans is diagnosed with autism. There are more than 3.5 million Americans living with an autism spectrum disorder (Autism Society), which makes it the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States, hence the significant amount of studies being done to explore its characteristics and find solutions. Autism, also known as ASD, is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is categorized by dysfunctions in social situations, communications, constrained interests, and repetitive stereotypic behaviors (Siniscalco et al). These behaviors can range from mild to very severe, and may be accompanied with other disorders. Autism can be diagnosed during early childhood, while symptoms begin to show during the first

Motivated in part by biochemical evidence of hyperserotonemia in PDDs, researchers have evaluated a variety of serotonergic agents for their effectiveness in treatment of PDDs. These studies first focused on fenfluramine, an agent that lowers both peripheral and central serotonin levels. The results of these studies are contradictory, but generally speaking, there appears to be only weak evidence that fenfluramine is an effective treatment for autistic behaviors (Campbell, 1987).

However, there are many other symptoms that can be exhibited based on severity. For instance, an individual with Autism may have repetitive behaviors, frequent temper tantrums, and sensitivity to light, sound, or touch (DSM-5, 2013, p. 50). Severity is based on the needs of the individual, but the majority of Autistic traits will be present early on in development (DSM-5, 2013, p.50). Recently, there has been a rise in the number of people diagnosed with ASD and researchers speculate this is because of new technology and environmental factors (What is Autism?, 2015). The new technology that has been developed, has allowed for more research to be dedicated to the causes of Autism. A major finding is that gene mutations have been determined to account for at least 15% of ASD cases (DSM-5, 2013, p. 57). The environmental factors that can impact development and may result in Autism are: parental age at conception, illness during pregnancy, and oxygen deprivation of the fetus (What is Autism?, 2015). Once, an individual is suspected to have Autism, they must be evaluated and diagnosed officially by a psychiatrist or specialist for the best treatment procedures. Unfortunately, there is a limited number of medicines specific for ASD, but Risperidone and Aripiprazole have shown to improve mood and irritability in Autistic children (Medicines, 2015). However, the best treatment outcomes usually are a combination of medication and behavioral therapy (How is Autism Treated?, 2015). Within the public school system, schools are required by law to provide appropriate education to suit the needs of the child. Whether these accommodations are by pull-out, extra classes, or extra attention is based on the resources of the district, but every disabled child is entitled to help (Hallahan et. al, 2015). On the other

One out of every sixty-eight children are born with Autism Disorder each year, which majorly affects brain development. This paper will help those who read have a better understanding of this disorder and everything that goes along with it. Autism is a general term for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized by, in varying degrees, by difficulties of social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors (Autism Speaks, 2016, p. 1). The commonality of Autism has increased in the last forty years due to increased awareness, improved diagnosis, and just a better general understanding of the disorder.

Autism has had a 10-fold increase in prevalence in the last 40 years in the United States. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified that 1 in 68 American children are classified as autistic, which affects over 3 million individuals in the United States (“What Is Autism,” n.d.). Current estimates are that 1 out of 42 boys and 1 out of 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in this country(“What Is Autism,” n.d.). Autism affects all races, ethnicities, and social groups.

The autism spectrum consists of three main disorders, autism, Asperger 's, and pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). One issue regarding disorders on the autism spectrum is the minimal research funding for them. While treatable diseases are heavily studied due to the search for a cure, the disorders on the autism spectrum cannot be treated. The complication of limited funding is that people are not dealing with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) correctly, which worsens the situation for affected people. Further financing is needed to educate people on how to handle and deal with disorders such as these. Individuals on the autism spectrum have to live with the disorder for the entirety of their lives, and when

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that is characterized by a person’s difficulty to communicate. This is due to neurological or biological dysfunction, and is usually diagnosed during early childhood. Autism Spectrum Disorder is more prevalent in boys than in girls. These children can present symptoms of limited or no speech development; they only use direct communication for immediate needs such as water, bathroom or sleep. Until today, there is no cure for ASD, but there are many types of treatment and interventions, such as Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Behavior Therapy.

When people hear the diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they think of an individual that has a hard time integrating into to today’s society. A lot of people don’t know that Autism is actually classified as a group of complex disorders associated with brain development. Each of these specific disorders is characterized into different degrees. The first is the one that most people associate with autism, which is trouble with social integration. The other classifications are verbal and non-verbal communication, also repetitive behaviors. With all of these subtypes, in 2013 a manual was published connecting these sub groups into one diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a hereditary neurodevelopmental disorder. Like many other psychological disorders, it is commonly misunderstood in popular culture. Many allude to it casually, often equating it with crippling social awkwardness and disability when it is in fact a spectrum disorder with many degrees of severity. It is somewhat of an enigma within the scientific community as well; there are many things we do not know about ASD and there is ongoing research to learn more about the disorder. The purpose of this paper is to explain what is currently known about ASD: general facts, symptoms, prognosis, treatment, and demographics.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by a combination of abnormalities in language, social cognition and interaction, and mental

Autism, also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD), is a neurological disorder that causes difficulties with social interaction and affects 1 out of 68 children in the United States. People with this diagnosis have difficulties with social interaction, challenges with communication, and often engage in behaviors that are repetitive but are different with every child. With no known cause, autism is on the steady rise and it is important for people (especially parents) to learn how to help them succeed in life. Early diagnosis has been beneficial as it can help to reduce the symptoms and begin supporting therapies. People with autism have been able to live a normal life by through the use of medications, therapy, and the interests of the child.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was introduced in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association as a disorder comprising four previous mental health disorders: autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive-developmental disorder, and Asperger syndrome (Autism Speaks, 2017). As a whole, ASD presents with specific symptoms such as social and communication challenges, restrictive or repetitive behavior, and unique strengths and differences. The diagnosis of ASD is graded on a spectrum of different levels from low functioning to high functioning. On the high functioning end of the spectrum, a child may display some deflections from social gatherings and sensory sensitivity but excel with motor and cognitive skills. However, on

Autism is a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts (“Autism” Def). It’s a disability that affects a person’s communication skills and/or changes in behavior. Autism is usually diagnosed before three years of age and has a lifelong persistence. The causes of this disorder is unclear and there is currently no cure for it. There are two core characteristics of autism. The first being a deficiency in social communication and social interaction. The second is a restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities. Clinical features of autism include walking on tiptoes, lack of eye contact, extreme dislike of certain foods or sounds, poor communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and