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Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Paper

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Abstract
The purpose of this research paper is to reflect on the understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in depths. Autism Spectrum Disorder is categorized as a set of complex neurodevelopment disorders that accompany repetitive and specific patterns of behaviors along with difficulty with social interaction (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes [NINDS], 2015). This research paper will discuss Autism Spectrum Disorder in several aspects such as definition, symptoms, cause, diagnosis, treatment and relatable disorders.

One of the most compelling advances in research is that of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The growth of individuals being diagnosed with ASD seems to increase with time. According …show more content…

It is also accompanied by repetitive behaviors, interests and activities (NINDS, 2015). These characteristics can cause a substantial amount of issues in social interaction and in additional functional areas. According to American Psychiatric Association's Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, 2013), “Autism” has been revised and is now known as Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is now a group of developmental disorders that have merged into one single disorder that includes a “wide range of symptoms and severity” (Mayo Clinic, 2014). This disorder can be demonstrated as one umbrella of diagnosis with subtype disorders beneath it. The subtype disorders are Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). (“What is Autism?” …show more content…

But they do have core symptoms in areas such as social interaction and relationship, verbal and nonverbal communication, and limited interests in activity and play. (WebMD, 2014). It is often common for individuals with ASD to have issues with social interaction. For example, they may have issues with making eye contact with others or lack facial expressions. Individuals with ASD may also have a hard time understanding others emotions. They may also have a difficult time establishing friendships. Some verbal and non-verbal communication symptoms are that they may lack or are delayed in learning how to talking (Web MD, 2014). Research has shown that about “40% of people with autism never speak” (Volkmar FR, et al., 2009). Another symptom that occurs is repetitive use of words or phrases. For example, they will repeat something that they may have overheard from others. It is also problematic for individuals to intercept what others are trying to say. For example, if someone is trying to be sarcastic, they may not understand what the individual meant or interpret it literal. Some examples of limited interest in activities and play, is that they focus on an unusual part of an item. For example, they will focus on the rope of a yo-yo and not play with the actual toy. They may also preoccupy themselves on a certain topic such as cars or music. One of the most common symptom of limited interest would

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