Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), sometimes referred to as “autism”, is “a chronic disorder whose symptoms include failure to develop normal social relations with other people, impaired development of communicative ability, lack of imaginative ability, and repetitive, stereotyped movements”. Individuals with autism disorder have markedly different social and emotional actions and reactions than non-autistic individuals. For example, many autistic children do not seem to care whether or not they get attention from their parents. ASD also has an effect on IQ. While 30% of individuals with autism have an average or gifted IQ, 70% are considered mentally retarded.
The term “autism” is derived from the Greek word “autos”, which means “self”. In the 1940s, Leo Kanner, a doctor at Johns Hopkins University, began using the term to describe children whose behavior was socially and emotionally withdrawn. From then until the 1960s, many researchers and therapists believed that autism and schizophrenia were linked disorders. Initial treatments for autism included the use of LSD, electric shock, and behavior change techniques, which regularly relied on punishment and pain to change behaviors. In order for an individual to be diagnosed with ASD, he or she must be several qualifications as stated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). These include a qualitative impairment in social interaction and communication, restricted repetitive and stereotyped
Autism is a developmental disorder, which is characterized by a dyad of difficulties in a) communication and social interaction and b) restricted interests and imagination (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might find it challenging to understand what other people think or what the reasons for their behaviours are, as their ‘theory of mind’ may not be well developed (Schuwerk, Vuori & Sodian, 2015). It is possible that this is why they might behave in socially inappropriate ways, being unable to differentiate between different contexts, while they might also find it difficult to make friends. Moreover, it is likely that they are fond of routines, repetition and structure (Carnahan, Musti-Rao, & Bailey, 2009), as they might be nervous with unknown, new situations. In addition, some of them might not do eye contact with other people, whereas some others might not endure to be touched and might have a difficulty developing speech (Jordan, 2005). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might sometimes be prohibited to initiate conversations and might struggle with finding different ways to play and behave, due to the possible deficit of imagination, which in some cases might result in them having a narrow sphere of interests. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this group of people is rather heterogeneous, as characteristics of autism may differ from one individual to another (Gwynette, 2013). Another point is that people with Autism
Autism is a form of neurodevelopment disorder in the autism spectrum disorders. It is characterized by impaired development in social interactions and communication, both verbal and non-verbal. There is an observed lack of spontaneous acts of communication; both receptive and expressed, as well as speech impairments. A person diagnosed with Autism will also show a limited range of activities and interests, as well as forming and maintain peer relationships. The individuals will display limited interests, which are often very focused and repetitive. He or she is likely to be very routine oriented and may show behavioral symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggressiveness, and self-injurious behaviors.
Autism spectrum disorder has become the most common neurological and developmental disorder diagnosed in children today. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012) estimate that 1 out of every 88 American children have been properly diagnosed. There is no known cure for autism, and the inconsistencies of the symptoms of autism in each case make it difficult to target a particular set of effective treatments. However some behavior management therapies, specifically physical therapy, may help to significantly control the unwanted symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder.
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.
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 Autism Children with autism have the possibility to improve greatly, and some even overcome the effects of autism if appropriate therapies are begun early enough. A multifaceted disorder, autism has long baffled professionals and parents alike. At a point in time, doctors gave parents absolutely no hope for the recovery of their children. But recently, new treatments and therapies have shown that improvement is possible. With early intervention, intensive care, some children have if not fully recovered, improved, and have been integrated into schools, indistinguishable from their peers.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) hits very close to home for me. Considering I have been a child/adult with Autism, I thought the topic of how to handle people with Autism in the health care industry was a good fit. As a child, I personally had difficulties going to the doctor. I have had countless unpleasant encounters with doctors, and I understand what Autistic people go through. If there was more understanding of the condition and more culture competence towards the issues faced with someone having Autism, there would be more autistic people who receive health care.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), ASD is diagnosed on the basis of two symptom clusters: (a) deficits in social communication and (b) the presence of repetitive behaviors and restricted interests.
Even with a substantial amount of research on the complex concept of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), much remains unknown when it comes to the root of this disorder. Study after study have shown that there are multiple brain regions of the ASD brain that act differently when compared to typically developing (TD) individuals. One area of the brain that researchers have shown an interest in is the fusiform gyrus. The fusiform gyrus is a section of the brain that is located between the parahippocampal gyrus and the lingual gyrus medially and the inferior temporal gyrus laterally on the basal temporal and occipital cortex ( ). The reason why this area is critical to understanding the ASD brain is its functions in color processing, word
According to CDC, autism spectrum disorder is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social communication and behavioral challenges (2015). Needless to say, while people diagnosed of ASD may carry these developmental incapacities, it typically does not distinguish them from other people. For this purpose, this disorder
Problems with social interaction are mainly connected to difficulty establishing close relationships with others (Rutter, 1978). Those with ASD may exhibit disinterest in reciprocating communication or in interacting with others at all, for example not responding to another person’s greeting (Fernell, Eriksson, & Gillberg, 2013). They may also act apathetically, not caring if another person such as a parent is feeling sad or angry (Amaral, Geschwind, & Dawson, 2011).
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
Abnormal psychology is arguably, one of the most interesting subgroups in the world of psychology. There is an abundant amount of research done on abnormal diseases to understand the causes, functions, and effects or the diseases. One of the most widely known abnormal disorders is Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is a complicated disorder because it represents a wide range of developmental disorders categorized by criteria such as: impaired social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication breakdowns, and repetitive behaviors.
In order to analyze a language sample, I transcribed a video of a four-year-old boy named Max. Max has a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of disorders that vary in severity but share commonalities such as impairments in social interaction, communication, and behavioral differences (Kuder, 2013, p.172). Max appears to be using a “singsong voice,” which typically means that his tone and pitch fluctuates while he talks. The setting in which this video took place appears to be at his house, and his mother seems to be the person asking the questions. Throughout this paper I will discuss the content, form, and use of Max’s language and how the context affects each. Finally, I will explain assessments that I would use for Max and interventions that he would benefit him.
Autism is defined as a developmental disability of the brain. However it is not a form of mental retardation. A person with autism can actually be very intelligent. Autism develops before a child is 30 months of age. It occurs is approximately 4 out of every 10,000 children. Children with autism are unable to develop normal relationships with others. Their hearing and sight senses are heightened. A noise that would not bother a normal person might drive an autistic child crazy. They have a difficult time understanding what is going on around them. If something suddenly happens, like someone laughs or cries they go into confusion because they are wondering why this is happening and they might go into panic. Sometimes they may lose their