Autism Prevalence 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. In attempts to determine reasons for the increased prevalence of ASD, Schieve et al. examined the relationship between the risk factors of pregnancy and the increase in ASD. A mathematical model was created to identify and measure if such a relationship existed. In the model, the research looked at each risk factor of pregnancy, individually and in combination, and if there was any evidence that these risk factors impacted an ASD (Schieve et al., 2011). If there was an impact found, they looked at how much of an impact it made. The pregnancy data is from the U.S population-based surveillance datasets. Although the different pregnancy risk factors were associated with ASDs, Schieve et al. determined that the increase in ASD due to pregnancy risk factors is minimal (2011). Another study looked into a different explanation for the increased prevalence of ASD in the population. As compared to the Schieve et al. (2011) study, Kogan et al. (2009) conducted research by using randomly dialed telephone surveys. The research participants consisted children between the ages of 3-17
Specific data in regards to the individual’s social development and behaviour is collected. Inquiries about core ASD symptoms including, unusual, or repetitive behaviours and social relatedness are done, the family’s input is important.
Potential populations where the tool may not be useful would be low-income families and/or families with no medical insurance. Families with no resource for medical assistance would have no opportunities to discover ASD in their children earlier and get their children into treatment (Stein, 2011). The study does not list the families’ ethnicities or cultural backgrounds, and does not state whether the questionnaires were listed in English only or other
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.
People with ASD, more than other DD populations, exhibit an increased risk for developing or engaging in SIB (Minshawi et al., 2014). This may result from the vast array of challenges children with ASD face depending on severity of symptoms, early intervention, and personal and environmental risk factors. Predictors of SIB include: the diagnosis of intellectual disability (ID) and degree of intellectual impairment, impairment of adaptive function skills (communication deficits, social skill deficits, motor impairments, lack of self-care skills), sleep
Studies has shown that as an individual diagnosed with ASD grows they have an significantly increased risk of developing medical and psychiatric disorders which is contributed from the biological make-up of the individual (perkins et al, 2012) including dyslipidaemia gastrointestinal problem epilepsy hearing and visual impairments asthma hypertension heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. and autoimmune conditions throughout a varied age group (Croen et al, 2014).
When working at my internship, there were only 10 girls out of 55 students there with ASD. “ASD is four times more common in males than in females” (Chahrour, 2016). It has been hard to show and understand why it is more common in males than females but there have been quite a few studies based upon this (Chahrour, 2016). “Approximately 80% of the children diagnosed are boys” with ASD (Schaafsma, 2016). One theory that has been considered was how “females tend to display more compensatory behavioral changes, which could lead to underdiagnoses” (Chahrour, 2016). There has also been a “three-hit” theory that has been investigated when talking about how males are more predominating to have ASD (Schaafsma, 2016). This three-hit factor includes genetics, environmental factors, and sex (Schaafsma, 2016). This has been considered to help explain why there is the male predominance and why there are not as many females diagnosed with ASD (Schaafsma,
This study will involve three male high school students who have a diagnosis of ASD. Students will have an IQ of 80 or above with a first-grade reading level. Students will be able to demonstrate listening and comprehension levels of the first grade as well the ability to communicate using both verbal and written forms. Using
(Will, Barnfather, & Lesley, 2013). Since cases of ASD are becoming more prevalent, nurses in every
As well as increased knowledge on ASD lead to more in home interventions for the children.
On researching the historical, theoretical and clinical perspectives regarding ASD, I found the information concerning the Triad of Impairments especially interesting as it explains the main difficulties I encounter within my profession, being that of problems in social communication, interaction and imagination. I had previously considered these secondary issues resulting from ASD and not the primary aspects. On realising this, it has helped me revise my practice into dealing with these principal characteristics instead of treating them as a derivative cause.
“A group of complex brain development disorders, which are characterised by difficulties in social interaction and communication and a restricted and repetitive repertoire of interests and activities”.
With a search bar, finding information about ASD was never an issue as the website had a dedicated page to ASD and all of its information. So far there is a positive reputation for this website considering that it is one of the most popular health websites on the Web. Although it seems scholarly and well-trusted, the website’s content on ASD has to be examined to prove whether the information is a viable resource for my paper.
The main ways in which ASD can be observed fall under 3 specific areas of difficulty;
The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate the scientific research base of PECS research with individuals with ASD using single subject research (Battaglia, McDonald, Winter 2015).
Previous research confirms the belief that those diagnosed with ASD are at an increased risk for diagnosis of a secondary disorder. As many as 70% of 12-year-old children in a recent study met criteria for at least one additional psychiatric disorder and at least 40% met the criteria for two or more disorders. Research fails to identify, however, the reasons for these high rates. Additionally, previous studies conducted by the same researches found that there was an absence of risk factor association with co-occurring disorders.