Introduction: This research paper is on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This paper is being written from a nursing standpoint, leading into a further investigation and understanding about what this disorder is, beyond a summarized section in a nursing textbook. In nursing, it is important that we try to learn as much as possible about diseases and disorders, so we can provide proper care.
Pathophysiology:
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). Many of the clinical manifestations of ASD may appear during social interaction, during communication, and may also be observed in their behavior (Perry, 2010, p. 1198). One common sign of ASD can be observed during communication/ interaction with the child, as many will present with a lack of eye contact and body contact (Perry, 2010, p. 1198). Some other signs that a child may present with is the failure of peer relationship formation, lack of spontaneity/ interest, language
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.
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.
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
Autism is known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) this is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by reduced social interaction, verbal, and non-verbal communication and restricted and repetitive behavior. (Langone, 2002, p. 3). ASD can also be linked with many other symptoms such as intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination, attention, and physical health issues. Sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances, are known as the physical health issues (Langone, 2002, p. 4). Autism appears to develop and show signs in the early stages of the brain development, specifically between the ages of 2 and 3 years old.
Autism is defined as, “A complex neurobehavioral disorder that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills and rigid, repetitive behaviors. The disorder covers a large spectrum of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment. It ranges in severity from a handicap that limits an otherwise normal life to a devastating disability that may require institutional care.” (Melillo, 1)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a life-long developmental disorder with a neuro-biological basis that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that formerly were diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, and Asperger syndrome. ASD varies significantly in character and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group. Males are four times more likely to have an ASD than females (NINDS, 2014).
There is a wide variety of symptoms that have been associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, the name adopted in 2013) including, repetitive movements, emotional difficulties, sensory problems, etc. The exact cause of these symptoms is a widely debated topic. In this paper, I will discuss the overall prevalent causes for Autism as well as the different variations and subgroups. People are familiar with other disorders such as Down syndrome or Trisomy 21. These types of disorders are discusses frequently because of the knowledge and commonality of them. However, not everybody is familiar with a disorder such as Autism. This is due to the uncertainty of the cause for Autism. The overall concept of Autism is simple, but the causes are widely disputed.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) refers to a group of developmental brain disorders that affect a child’s cognitive, behavioral, and social abilities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). There are several forms of ASD that have different impairments and levels of severity. Recent research has been looking at the increased prevalence of ASD and possible causes of this increase.
Many children with a diagnosis of ASD experience challenges within the areas of social interaction and communication (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This can lead to challenges developing social and communication skills needed for play, such as sharing, turn-taking, copying simple actions and responding to others (Raising Children Network, 2013). Engagement in play for a child is important, as it promotes the development of gross and fine motor skills, language and communication, thinking and problem solving and creativity (Kasari, Chang & Patterson, 2013). Furthermore, a growing body of research has highlighted how play can influence social and emotional development in children with ASD (Hobson et al., 2013; Kasari, Chang & Patterson, 2013; Lindsey & Colwell, 2013; Rutherford & Rogers, 2003). Play is a broad term, and there are several types of play (Stagnitti, 2014). Some of these include exploratory play, cause and effect play, functional play, constructive play and imaginary play.
Autism has many faces and facets involved in a complex disorder. Autism is a distinct group of complex disorders that involve issues with communicative disorders, social impairment as well as other complexities such as restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior. Autism Spectrum Disorders include disorders such as Asperger’s, Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Development Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Asperger’s Syndrome is considered by many to be the least debilitative of the Autism Spectrum Disorders. It is considered that with treatment the individuals with Asperger’s will function in daily life with little
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 signifiers
According to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Autism is defined as a spectrum disorder (ASD). It refers to a wide range of complex neurodevelopment conditions characterized by repetitive and distinctive patterns of behavior and difficulties with social skills, communication, and interaction. The symptoms start from early childhood and affect daily functioning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximates ASD’s prevalence as 1 in 68 children in the United States. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Autistic disorder, Rett’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
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.
Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that joins cripplings in social association and developmental vernacular and social capacities combined with unbendable, excess practices. Because of the extent of signs, this condition is right now called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It covers an unlimited scope of signs, capacities, and levels of the prevention. ASD keeps running in reality from a handicapped person that to some degree limitations a by and large run of the mill life to a mind-boggling failure that may require institutional care.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also referred to as “autism”, is characterized by defects in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and atypical behaviors. The word autism is from the Greek word autos which means “self”. As the name “Spectrum” suggests, the degree of severity spans a wide range and varies by each individual. Research on this disorder dates back to 1911 when Eugen Bleuler first coined the term autism while referencing patients with schizophrenia who were “socially withdrawn” (Parks 88). Every decade the amount of individuals diagnosed with ASD rises. The Centers of Disease Control estimated about 1 in 150 children have autism. But, in the past autism was seen in 4 to 5 children per 10,000