Introduction Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprises of a group of conditions including autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (DSM-5, 2014). ASD are a type of neurodevelopmental conditions diagnosed on the basis of three core behavioural domains: 1) Persistent deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication; 2) Impairments in social interaction; 3) Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of activities, interests, and behaviours (DSM-5, 2014). The variation in the severity of behavioural traits between, and within these three disorders is extensive. It should be emphasised that due to this high phenotypic heterogeneity, and clinical variability, caution in the …show more content…
Earlier diagnosis of ASD may allow for more effective intervention strategies that maximise developmental progress and reduce further maldevelopment. Importantly, it should be emphasised that the scope of this essay is limited to an overview of the pertinent neurobiological aspects of ASD, however as ASD is extremely heterogeneous these encompass a diverse group of abnormalities. Epidemiology and Aetiology The prevalence of ASD in the population is high, with recent estimates reporting around 1 in 100 people are diagnosed with the condition (Simonoff, 2008). Alarmingly, this indicates a dramatic increase of diagnoses over the last few decades, with prevalence rates of ASD only around 1 in 1000 in 1970 (Newschaffer et al., 2007). However, rather than an increase in prevalence of ASD it has been suggested that changes in the awareness, concepts, and definitions of ASD in both the lay and professional public are a more probable explanation (Bauman and Kemper, 2009). In regards to variation in the prevalence based on race and ethnicity, little consistent information is available with multiple conflicting reports (Newschaffer et al., 2007). In contrast, studies on variation in ASD prevalence based on sex ratios have been consistent with a skewed average ratio of
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.
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
Children with ASC are increasingly being placed in mainstream settings and more children are being identified and diagnosed with ASC (Keane et al., 2011).
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
Studies has shown that as an individual diagnosed with ASD grows they have an significantly increased risk of developing medical and psychiatric disorders which is contributed from the biological make-up of the individual (perkins et al, 2012) including dyslipidaemia gastrointestinal problem epilepsy hearing and visual impairments asthma hypertension heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. and autoimmune conditions throughout a varied age group (Croen et al, 2014).
ASD is rather an umbrella terminology, used to describe varying behaviours, which affect the way some groups of people process and act in response to their surrounding stimuli (FP; 2012). As a ‘spectrum’ of disorders, this includes autism, Asperger’s syndrome
In 2013 DSM-5 was published and the information within this publication has changed greatly in relation to possible ASD diagnoses. DSM-5 has removed the indicators of cognitive delay and language delay from diagnoses, and that they are in fact markers of intellectual impairment, which 40% of children with an ASD
Autism is affecting children of the U.S.at a rate of one out of every 68.Meaning one out of 68 children will be diagnosed with ASD. This disorder occurs more often among boys than girls. ASD affects over 3 million individuals in the U.S. Statistics show that the number of people diagnosed has increased by 17% within a year. There is no explanation, Scientists do not know the cause nor is there a cure for ASD. However it is definitely on the rise. It is unknown whether the growing number shows a real increase or is the sudden increase as a result of improved detection by physicians.
The recognition and diagnosis of ASD continues to increase, cited by a greater general awareness of the disorder and ability of those
One of the issues in the search for an ASD biomarker is the heterogeneity of the condition. ASD contains a broad spectrum with individuals diagnosed located anywhere from low to high functioning. Additionally, the position that individual is placed on the spectrum is not static and an individual may move within the spectrum throughout their life. Furthermore, ASD is often described by the negative attributes of the condition such as social impairments and stereotypically behaviors instead of some of the more positive attributes such as incessant interests, attention to detail, unusual memory, and ability to identify patterns. The research into ASD has brought to light a debate regarding whether it is a difference or a disability. Research
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
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The DSM-V includes a list of criteria that mentions what characteristics are present in a person with ASD. These include deficits in social communication
While there are many difficulties imposed by ASD, it does not appear that ASD has the power to take away one’s ability to learn. During the aforementioned 2003 study of symptom severity in autism, a group of adolescents (age 10-21, mean age = 15.61) was compared to a cohort of adults (age 22 and older, mean age = 31.57), it was observed that symptoms seem to improve overtime. The study attempted to compare childhood symptoms to current symptoms. The results indicated that there was differential improvement; there was a pattern of symptoms suggesting and improved use of language, ability to communicate nonverbally, and reduced stereotyped, repetitive, or idiosyncratic speech over time
Although neurodiversity is an innovative framework that has been ground-breaking for individuals with ASD, it cannot be applied to all categories in the DSM-5. Individuals with ASD
ASD and Autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development (What Is Autism, n.d.). Prior to 2013, patients could be diagnosed under Autistic Disorder (AD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD). In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) merged all Autism Disorders under one umbrella termed ASD so that it will improve the diagnosis of ASD without limiting the sensitivity of the criteria or substantially changing the number of children being diagnosed. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).