Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study

Autistic spectrum condition is a lifelong disability which affects how an individual communicates and relates to, other people. The understanding of autism has greatly improved since the 1940s when it was identified and one thing that we are aware of is that there is no cure however, there are many things that can be done to support people with autism. There are a large number of symptoms that are in relation to autism, such as a delay in speech development, not responding when their name is called and despite being able to hear, being intolerant of others entering their personal space. In addition to these, there are behavioural symptoms such as insisting on a familiar routine and becoming very anxious or upset if this is disrupted or changed, they will sometime talk at people rather than having a two-way conversation and a failure to understand or implement social rules.

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.

Ban Ki-moon once said “to measure the success of our societies, we should examine how well those with different abilities, including persons with autism, are integrated as full and valued members”. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a development disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Due to the astonishing rise of autism in the United States, it is important that parents know the causes, symptoms and treatments of Autism.

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 spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that can cause significant behavioral, social, and communication challenges (CDC, 2015).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing category in special education. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder generally diagnosed before the age of three. Its main factors include: repetitive stereotyped patterns of behavior, impairment in communication, and impairment in the area of social interaction (Heward, 1996). The DSM-IV “identifies ASD as part of a larger grouping, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). According the DSM-IV-TR there are five subtypes of PDD: autistic disorder, Aspergcr 's syndrome (AS), childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), Rett 's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)” (Meadan, Halle, & Ebata, 2010).

“This mysterious disability, first described and named approximately 60 years ago, is characterized by a peculiar emotional and cognitive isolation and detachment” (The Harvard, 2001). Autism is such a broad spectrum disorder and just as we all have our unique finger prints, children diagnosed under the Autism umbrella have their own set of unique individualities. There are characteristics that are all encompassing but more times than not manifest differently among each individual. Many of the common characteristics are as follows: limited verbal and non-verbal communication; difficulty developing “normal” social skills and relationships; demonstration of unique behaviors and interests and many have difficulties processing sensory input.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction, and repetitive patterns of behavior and activities. These symptoms are present in early development

Parents of an autistic children might ask, “why did my child develop autism?” Well scientists, doctors and researchers have came to a conclusion that autism is not only a disorder but a spectrum. “Autism Spectrum Disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM -5) in 2013, autistic disorder were classified as distinct subtypes, includes Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative (CDD), and pervasive development disorder (PDD)” (“Autism Opposing Viewpoints”). Autism is a characterized by symptoms sach as inability to socialize, hyperactive, and are likely to have severe intellectual disabilities, which is categories as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Scientists and doctors have said that the cause of autism

The recent rise in the diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASDs, is alarming parents and doctors alike, and has also given rise to the question of why the rates of diagnoses are increasing. There are many hypotheses on why the Autism rates have been increasing, and they range from the availability of better medical care and the knowledge of the early warning signs, to what a child eats during its early years and environmental toxins. There are also many who believe that diagnosing a child at an early age is beneficial, and others who believe that an early diagnoses could hinder a child from reaching their full potential due to a ‘label’. Autism Spectrum Disorders are a serious matter, often involving the need for specialized medical

The best point in time of diagnosing an Autism in a children is, when they are at the age of 15-18 month year old (Elder, 2012). Due to the empirical of identifying the accurate symptoms of ASD in adulthood stage, childhood age around 15-18 month old is the best point in time to properly diagnose ASD in children (Elder, 2012). Diagnosing an Autism in a child at this specific point in time is beneficial of analyzing proper symptoms and Pintpointing specific behavior associated with diagnosis of an ASD (Elder, 2012). According to the study, doctors and physicians will not fully diagnose ASD in children who are premature and did not reached the desired age around 18 month old. The symptoms may vary as the child reaches that desired age range of 18 month old

According to the CDC (Center of Disease Control) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to situations that come up in the day to day living. We don’t know what exactly cause autism spectrum disorder and the symptoms can vary from child to child. Children can be diagnosed early as early as 18 months however most children are diagnosed later in childhood. ASD includes a wide range, “a spectrum,” of

According to the CDC, one in sixty-eight children are identified as being affected with autism spectrum disorder also referred to as ASD. It is non- discriminatory in that it occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. It does, however, occur more often in boys than it does in girls. The statistics are 1 in 42 for boys, whereas the occurrence is 1 in 189 when concerning girls. Dental professionals need to be able to recognize and accommodate the immediate needs of the autistic community as effectively and safely as possible, but in order to do this, awareness of barriers that may be present and the unmet needs of the child when they come in the office as well as how to handle these situations when they are presented must be understood.

I’ve learned so much valuable information about Autism Spectrum Disorder in this topic. According to Davis, White and Ollendick (2014), Autism Spectrum Disorder can comorbid with Intellectual Disability, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder, Feeling Disorders, Elimination Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Bipolar and Related Disorders and Suicidality. According to Mattila (2010) comorbidity rates of Autism with other disorders is significantly higher for individuals who are in the 7-12 age range. Simonoff, Pickles, Charman, Chandler, Loucas, and Baird (2008) states that Autism Spectrum Disorders can comorbid to other psychological disorders from 40% to 70%.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may experience some forms of stigmatization within society. The stigma is not only attached to those affected by ASD, but also to the families who take care of them. Gray (1993) notes “families often find that public reaction to them is stereotypical and negative” (p. 103). Interactions with others might result in a range of reactions from misperceptions to adversarial encounters like bullying or less obvious forms like discrimination. This may force parents to keep from pursuing a diagnosis or services for their children. They may prevent their children from joining in community activities and from experiencing the same quality of life as normal children. These situations can take place anywhere