Austim Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a growing problem throughout the entire globe. Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined as deficits in social reciprocity and communication, as well as unusual, restricted and repetitive behaviors (Lord). Such behaviors may include running back and forth, excessive cleaning, noises, and clapping. These also vary greatly with age and ability, and the notion of ASD has been introduced to recognize these diversities (Firth). Autism was first discovered in 1943 when Leo Kanner observed 11 children with several common traits such as, impairments in social interaction, anguish for changes, good memory, belated echolalia, over sensitivity to certain stimuli (especially sound), food problems, limitations in spontaneous activity,

Due to the constant challenges and struggles that parents of ASD kids are facing, many of these parents exhibit both physical and emotional draining. They also experience emotional distress that can result in stress and depression.

Yet, at the same time, many other parents are capable of coping successfully with the challenges that are related to their child’s disorder. These parents gain positive achievements thanks to their experience with raising a child with ASD, such as personal growth, better relationships with others, and greater patience and empathy. In addition, reasoning and reframing of their views on ASD come in order to deal with the child’s ASD in a positive way. The use of positive coping strategies contributes to an increase in parental happiness and well-being (Benson,

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

Autism is the main form of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism is a developmental disorder that is manifested in problems with communication, impairment of social functioning, and repetitive behaviours. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), ASD diagnoses must meet four different areas of criteria. There are three symptoms of "deficits in social communication and interaction across contexts," four symptoms of "restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities," "symptoms must be present in early childhood," and the symptoms must "together limit and impair everyday functioning" (Carpenter, 2013). There are many theoretical positions on the causes of autism spectrum disorders. Some of which have been discounted by empirical studies that have been researched and performed.

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.

Autism has become an increasingly important public health concern as the number of yearly diagnoses of the disorder has increased since the late 20th century. The National Institute of Health estimates that 1 in 88 children in the United States are classified as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (NINDS, 2009), a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs children 's ability to learn and causes issues with social interaction and communication. Symptoms of ASD include delays in speech and language, issues with social interaction, and unusual behaviors/routines.

Autism disorder is an issue facing many people today. It’s an issue widely discussed in the news and social media. In Gale’s data from 2015 defines autism as a general term for a group of complex disorders of the brain development that are grouped together under the broader term of autism spectrum disorder also known as ASD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2014, about 1 in 68 out of 1,000 children were diagnosed with ASD. This was a dramatic increase from 1 in 150 children in 1992. The CDC also

Research suggests that regardless of IQ, a majority of adults with ASD remain dependent upon their families or other services for support in adult life (Howlin, Goode, Hutton, and Rutter, 2004). In 2011, an estimated 71% of individuals with a developmental disability lived with a family caregiver (Braddock et al., 2013). Despite a this large percentage of individuals depending on their families for lifetime support, more than half (51%) have begun making plans for the long-term care of their son or daughter with a developmental disability in the event of a family crisis such as the failing health or death of a parent (Kaufman, Adams, & Campbell, 1991). Given the growing prevalence of ASD, the aging of adults with ASD, along with their continued reliance on caregiving support, it becomes important to not only identify the needs of this population but also how parental caregivers experience the task of permanency planning for their adult child with ASD. Permanency planning is the process of procuring long-term services for a person with a developmental

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

These parents have trouble coping with just the diagnosis let alone the journey ahead. They are that child’s support system in every aspect. The challenges of raising a special needs child, specifically these children with an ASD are vast. “Parents need to advocate for their child within the school setting, medical setting, social setting, and also plan for their future” (American Psychological Association, pp. 328-337). The worry and stress are real, this disability is not going to just disappear. The term “stress proliferation” has been used numerous times to describe the impact ASD has on families. (Benson 2006). Stress on anything a downhill spiral, like a domino effect. It can cause one conflict after another. These parents struggle daily with their ASD child and end up feeling isolated. Parents are called out of work daily due to behavioral issues at schools, doctor appointments, therapies, more appointments, insurance issues, phone conferences.. the list goes on and on. It is a balancing act if there are siblings present. (American Psychological Association, pp. 232-252). The rollercoaster ride with siblings adds more stress on parents. How do both parents work when one parent really needs to be with the child. Many work different shifts, weekends,

Moreover, kids who are on the Autism spectrum, and families of kids on the spectrum have very limited options in the middle east, for the lack of education has resulted in a scarce of well-equipped and trained facilities, orgs, and special educations classes that can help children learn basic everyday life activities; even if these facilities are available, the expenses are way beyond what an average Middle Eastern family can afford, and these few facilities are very difficult to reach. Not only is access limited, but there is also no legal support to demand the right if these individual’s. Many of the stereotypies that characterize autism can be reduced, or managed through ealry intervention, and lack of Access negates any possibility of behavioral

Research has shown that parents of children with ASD are more likely to be blamed for the condition. Siblings are the least likely to be blamed for the condition and have a lower amount of stigmatization aimed towards them. It has been found that a majority of mothers but only a minority of fathers encounter the stigmatizing behaviours. This is most likely due to the fact that mothers are often with their children more out of the day so will hear more of the stigmatization. In an Australian study investigating felt and enacted stigma among parents of children with ASD, it was found that most commonly parents imagined that others were critical of their child-raising abilities, not accepting of them and made them feel embarrassed (Gray, 2002). These stigmatizing behaviours were most commonly found to be displayed when in public such as at the supermarket or shops. Due to the fact that more commonly it is the mother that must do these duties the mothers are being stigmatized more. It has also been found that parents of those affected are more likely to be classed as less competent by others than the siblings of those affected are. In a study done in Belgrade it was found that highly significant positive correlations were present between the constructs of responsibility for the condition, blame for deterioration of the condition, shame, competence and avoidance (Milacic-Vidojevic,

According to American Psychological Association (2000), Autism is the most severe disability through human development, and its symptoms usually occur within the first three years after birth. Studies indicate that over the years, people in many countries around the world started to learn the critical importance of Autism, especially those from low- and middle-income countries (Malcolm-Smith, Hoogenhout, Ing, Thomas, & de Vries, 2013). Compared to the widespread of Autism awareness, early detection and intervention in low- and middle-income countries did not receive sufficient professional support (Gary & Rubin, 2015). Therefore, it is quite necessary for researchers, therapists, and parents to come up with better solutions for autistic children, and the solutions should be practical for children in different countries. It is also helpful for researchers to discover the stressors and strengths associated to families with autistic children.

Tens of millions of people have been diagnosed with Autism worldwide, effecting both genders, all races, ethnicities and people from all socioeconomic classes. In 2010 a Surveillance Summary was conducted in the United States, where it identified that one in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). It has been recognised