Autism Spectrum Disorder Essay

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 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 spectrum disorder (ASD) may be a disorder in the brain, caused by genetic, environmental or neural levels. Autism effects data processing in the brain by alerting how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs not understand. (Johnson.2004)

Autistic infants often show little or no interest in other people and lack typical social behaviors. For example, they may not smile at their mother's voice or make eye contact with caregivers. Autistic children fail to develop normal relationships with their parents, brothers or sisters, and other children. Often they seem unaware of the needs and feelings of other people, and may not respond if another person is hurt or in distress. They also fail to make friends.

Most parents wonder what is the next chapter for their child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) after they graduate from high school. For some individuals, it is to move onto higher education. As stated by Cai and Richdale (2015), the USA has one of the lowest rates of college enrollment for individuals with ASD, with over 50% of these individuals being in neither education nor employment following their secondary school (p. 31). Individuals with ASD who move forward in gaining a higher education will have to learn to adapt and determine how to transition into higher education. Mentioned by Cai and Richdale (2015), a USA national survey illustrated poor outcomes from transitioning from secondary school into adult-hood. The findings show that after young adults with ASD left the public school system, 80% live at home, 32% attended postsecondary education, only 6% had competitive jobs, and 21% had no employment or education experience at all. In addition, 40% reported having no friends. (p. 32)

Autism has had a 10-fold increase in prevalence in the last 40 years in the United States. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified that 1 in 68 American children are classified as autistic, which affects over 3 million individuals in the United States (“What Is Autism,” n.d.). Current estimates are that 1 out of 42 boys and 1 out of 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in this country(“What Is Autism,” n.d.). Autism affects all races, ethnicities, and social groups.

Social justice can be applied in all the expressive therapies, but I will briefly explain how it is being used now and what my recommendations are. I chose this topic because I am very interested in this research and I feel as though we did not get to go into detail about this topic in class. In our readings, there were a few sections that mentioned this client population, but I wanted to do more research to see if the expressive arts would be a good fit for the beginning stages of getting to know these clients. I am currently being trained in working with selectively mute children in my internship. The training is coming from a cognitive-behavioral model, but there are components of

Autism spectrum disorder is said to affect tens of millions of individuals worldwide (Autism Speaks, 2014, p.01). Additionally, government autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased ten to seventeen percent annually in recent years (Autism Speaks, 2014, p.01). The prevalence is the number of cases of a condition that exists at a particular time in a defined population (Hall, 2013, p.04). The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has significantly increased since 2003 to rates as high as 1 in 68 in children and 1 in 102 in adults (Cheak- Zamora and Teti, 2014, p.02). There is no established explanation for this

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of complex “neurological developmental disorders” consisting of Aspergers, Autism, and pervasive development disorder (Perry, Hockenberry, Lowdermilk, Wilson, 2010, P. 1198). Recognized around twenty-four to forty-eight months of age, ASD is more common in males than females, and occurs in “1 to 166 children,” and can range from mild to severe (Perry, 2010, p. 1198). A mild case of autism can require little supervision, while a severe case of autism requires intense supervision because of their tendency to harm themselves (Perry, 2010, p. 1198).

Researchers have found that ASD appears to follow two likely developmental courses, the first development being a gradual progression, parents describe growing or potential concerns in development over the first two years of life and diagnosis is made around 3-4 years old. Potential early

Autism is a neurological disorder with many forms and severities, better known as autism spectrum disorder, that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout the individual’s life. Autism spectrum disorder is defined as developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges (CDC). Previously, autism was recognized in distinct groups and types. Now, autism is referred to as a spectrum because there is an overlap among all the different forms of autism and a wide variation in symptoms. Autism is a very common disorder, and is more common among boys than girls. Autism spectrum disorder affects one out of every sixty-eight children in the United States (NIMH).

This paper will discuss the characteristics or Autism Spectrum Disorder, including its symptoms, treatments, and possible causes. This paper will also highlight the differences between Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) and Asperger Disorder(AD). Autism spectrum disorders effect one in 110 births in the United States. Autism spectrum disorders are severe, incurable developmental disorders whose symptoms, including impairments in social interaction and communication, emerge during the first two years of life. Asperger disorder distinguishes from Autistic disorder because its presence may not become clear until primary school, when its social and behavioral effects become problematic.

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.

Social interaction skills – such as the ability to understand other people's feelings and respond to them