Asperger 's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Specific data in regards to the individual’s social development and behaviour is collected. Inquiries about core ASD symptoms including, unusual, or repetitive behaviours and social relatedness are done, the family’s input is important.

Diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome can be a challenge. An interview with a clinician must be conducted, including the family of the person being diagnosed. Also, an observation is conducted in two different social settings (i.e.: school and home) (Stoddart, 2009). The criterion to be diagnosed is straight forward. First, there must be a severe impairment in social interaction. For example, no eye to eye contact, posture, does not develop peer relationships, and not bringing up interests to other people (Stoddart, 2009). Second, there must be stereotyped behaviors. For example, not being able to adhere to a random routine or change of plans, hand flapping, and playing with parts of objects, not the object itself. Thirdly, the impairments cause strain on social, and other areas of functioning. Fourth, the child had no delay in speech. This is the difference between a child with autism and Asperger’s. Children with Asperger’s have no delay in speech and usually are advanced in this area. Lastly, the child has no cognitive delay. For example, self-help abilities, and adapting behaviors. Usually these children have very high IQs (Stoddart, 2009). The major criterion is the social impairment. Asperger’s Syndrome is very focused around social behaviors. These children do not socially interact,

Children with ASD usually have lower levels of social interaction compared to other students. They have lower levels of play behaviors and the behaviors may be idiosyncratic or unusual. Children that exhibit these behaviors usually have a harder time having successful social interactions with their peers. However, if teachers and parents are aware of and understand the progression of play skills then they can teach children with ASD at an early age appropriate play skills and behaviors. Once a child exhibits appropriate play skills and behaviors with toys, they have a better success rate of having appropriate interactions with their peers. Teachers can teach appropriate play skills by implementing visual structuring in their instruction.

In some cases, babies with ASD may seem different very early in their development. Even before their first birthday, some babies become overly focused on certain objects, rarely make eye contact, and fail to engage in typical back-and-forth play and babbling with their parents. Other children may develop normally until the second or even third year of life, but then start to lose interest in others and become silent, withdrawn, or indifferent to social signals. Loss or reversal of normal development is called regression and occurs in some children with ASD. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2012).

Children with ASD develop differently from other children. They must overcome challenges in interacting and communicating with others. These challenges can affect their development, learning and future trajectories of their lives. This diagnosis is particularly difficult on low income families and minority groups as well as for parents with low educational attainment and those living in rural areas who may not have the financial means, suitable knowledge or access to resources to care for their children’s needs.

When people talk about Autism, they are usually referring to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which is a brain disorder characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. The CDC describes Autism Syndrome Disorders as: “a developmental disability that can cause social, communication and behavioral challenges. Autism Spectrum Disorders are categorized by significant deficiencies in social interaction and communication skills, as well as extremely challenging behaviors. ASD is mostly sensory overload.

Then the doctors do a history and ask when the parents first began noticing symptoms such as limited social interactions, special interest and lack of eye contact. The doctors will look at the development of motor and language skills and compare them with the average skill level for the particular age of the patient. Following this, the doctors will ask about any favorite activities, if there are any unusual habits or preoccupations. Next, the doctors will look at the social development and any social interactions and friendship development. Then a test for communication skills is given. After ascertaining all this information, they compile all the findings and see if the patient meets the criteria for Asperger’s Syndrome.

Social interactions and relationships. Symptoms may include: substantial problems with developing nonverbal communication skills, such as making eye-to-eye contact, different facial expressions to express their feelings, and body stance. Those with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) often fail to be able to establish friendships with children of their similar age. There is a lack of interest in

Over the years, more people are becoming aware of Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD. The growing number of individuals who are affected by ASD have been increasing over the years. This could be do to the new DSM development of what is considered ASD or simply more children are being born with ASD. Either way, ASD is more predominate in our society today. ASD is defined in the DSM 5 as having abnormal social aspects, lack of social skills, non-verbal communications skills, deficits in development, lack of understanding of relationships, and self-stimulation through repetitive behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Although these are not all of the symptoms caused by ASD

ASD is a pervasive developmental disorder that consists of abnormal development and functioning of the brain. ASD may involve deficits in social behaviors, abnormalities in communication, cognitive delays, and repetitive behaviors (UC San Diego Autism Center of Excellence, 2016). ASD is a broad spectrum neurological disorder with a variety of symptoms affecting each individual differently (Debbaudt & Rothman, 2001). ASD involves severe impairments of reciprocal social interactions, impaired

His repertoire has increased by 2-3 word phrases, and he has started to show interest in others. He is now capable of recognizing familiar faces and maintaining eye contact during social interactions. By following the structure of Leo’s program and with the guidance of the Behavior Analyst, I have helped Leo accomplish his targeted goals. Therefore, similar to the Behavior Analyst on Leo’s case, I aim to provide children with ASD with the necessary skills to prosper and grow as individuals. I want to help these children close the gap of limitations by understanding the importance of using functional communication, engaging in appropriate behavior, and comprehending social norms. Hence, my experience working with the Behavior Analyst has helped solidify my passion for pursuing this profession.

Autism Spectrum covers a wide range of psychological conditions. It is also known as Autism Spectrum disorders or ASD, Autism Spectrum Conditions or ASC, or Pervasive Developmental Disorders or PDDs.

Over the past years, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders has increased rapidly and so have the development of strategies to help children with ASD to acquire milestones in classroom settings. The prevalence of children being diagnosed with ASD is 1 in 68 children in the United States. The causes of Autism are not well known, however, research studies suggest that causes of ASD may include neurological, heredity and genetic mutations, and environmental influences. Characteristics of children with ASD include lack of delay in spoken language, peer relationships and pretend play; fixation on objects and repetitive use of language are as well characteristics children with Autism may display. Professionally, ASD is characterized as

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2017), ASD is a group of developmental disorders that impacts 1 in 68 children and includes “a spectrum” of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability. Individuals with ASD may face challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, language and communication, and learn differently than

No. 3: Dawson et al 2004: early social attention impairments in ASD: including social orienting & joint attention i.e. joint attention