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Essay on Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Autism is a disorder enshrouded in enigma. This perplexing thing we call autism has left many developmental experts scratching their heads time and again as to what the specific causes may be. Dead ends and an endless multitude of potential factors seem to be the most common results researchers stumble upon as it relates to the origins of autism. Although it is postulated that autism has a somewhat strong genetic basis involving but not limited to rare and complex gene mutations, it is still a mystery as to how the environment may contribute or cause these genetic variants to express themselves (Arndt, Stodgell, & Rodier, 2005). According to Arndt et al. (2005) and Johnson & Myers (2007), many controversial theories surrounding the …show more content…

Many researchers appear to be tracing the recent rise in prevalence rates for Autism Spectrum Disorders over the past decade or so back to the fact that the DSM-IV-TR (2000) includes Asperger’s Disorder in its category of Autism Spectrum Disorders. While many notable personalities in the field of developmental disorders argue that Asperger’s should not be included on the Autism radar and should merely be cited as a social impairment, it is clear that this disorder we call autism has established itself as a serious force to be reckoned with in our modern world. For the remainder of the paper, I will first cover the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders in children, including the difference between Autism and Asperger’s; I will then discuss Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders – including ABA techniques/ methods and research on its efficacy interwoven in the delineation of the treatment. Autism spectrum disorders, which are categorized under the Pervasive Developmental Disorder umbrella of the DSM-IV-TR, are considered to impair neural development and are most notably characterized by less than adequate social interaction, especially in the realm of communication and interpersonal relating or empathy skills along with the defining trait of

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