Diagnosing Autism Essay

Autism is most commonly described as a developmental disability that is diagnosed over a broad spectrum of impairment and identifiers; and within the first three to five years of life. The number of cases of ASD have steadily grown over the past several decades and can be seen in 1 in every 88 births (Ogletree, Morrow-Odom, &

(The Summary of Best Practices for Autism disorders, page 37 of Evidence-Based Practices for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Children’s Mental Health Government Ontario has a good chart with a breakdown of the different tests) A Parental Stress Index (PSI-SF) and Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation (F-Copes) may also be done should it be felt it is necessary. As this is multidisciplinary team the tests will be conducted by the individuals then combine and assessed by the authorized person who will refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to make the diagnosis. This breaks down the signs and symptoms of ASD into categories and also states how many of these must be present in each category to confirm a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis of autism has been established, a severity rating is also determined by DSM-5 criteria. A report is then typically written and the parents are apprised of the results. The process may take months, many parents are confused and overwhelmed by the process and the number of people involved can be a source of stress for the family. A single person who co-ordinates the process and acts as a primary contact is helpful, as is receiving written information in

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a growing problem throughout the entire globe. Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined as deficits in social reciprocity and communication, as well as unusual, restricted and repetitive behaviors (Lord). Such behaviors may include running back and forth, excessive cleaning, noises, and clapping. These also vary greatly with age and ability, and the notion of ASD has been introduced to recognize these diversities (Firth). Autism was first discovered in 1943 when Leo Kanner observed 11 children with several common traits such as, impairments in social interaction, anguish for changes, good memory, belated echolalia, over sensitivity to certain stimuli (especially sound), food problems, limitations in spontaneous activity,

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.

1 in 68 people in the US have autism, this includes 1 in 189 girls and 1 in 42 boys. Autism is a difference in perception; technically it’s a developmental disorder that is the result of a difference in brain chemicals. Scientists don’t know what causes autism or why it’s stayed in the human gene pool for so long. People with autism could have a wide variety of symptoms, but some of the most common characteristics are fixations on things they like, reliance on routines,and lack of social skills. Autism can be formally diagnosed at ages as young as 3. There is no medical test to diagnose autism, rather a trained professional in the psychology field will perform a developmental screening and a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. When a child is diagnosed with autism, therapy is strongly recommended. The earlier treatment starts the better because certain aspects of the disorder can be lessened through therapy. Therapy helps the mind and the body, certain therapies can help rebuild your brain, so to speak.

The first three years of a child’s life is the most important and central time for the brain’s development. Autism is a disorder that can be diagnosed during the infant or toddler stage. Children can be diagnosed with autism by having different impairments such as social interaction, pattern of behavior, eye contact and speech impairment. Having the child being diagnosed with ASD can change a parent’s life view. Parents can learn different things in order to help their child. Parents will be provided by health providers different treatment, different placement in education and knowing about the different risk factor to make a difference for their autistic child now and in the future.

Diagnosis. The earliest indicators of autism are impairments of verbal and nonverbal communication. A child with autism will have difficulties responding to their name, smiling and making eye contact, babbling or cooing by twelve months, and using single or two word phrases by twenty-four months (NIMH, n.d.). A proper diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is a two part process. The child is first given a general screening to check for developmental issues. If the child is not making satisfactory developmental progress according to his or her age group, the child would be referred for additional screening. At this stage, the child will need to be screened to check for specific symptoms of autism. The screening can be based solely on the parent’s observation of the

severity of their cognitive delay. It is always better for a child with autism to get diagnosed at an

Experts do not know yet exactly what causes these differences for most people with ASD. However, some people with ASD have known difference, such as a genetic condition, Environmental factors and Neural levels. There are numerous reasons for ASD, although most are not known yet.

     Autism is a developmental disability that affects all areas of behavior and perception. Approximately 10 out of every 10,000 children are diagnosed with autism and four out of five are males. Autism is the third most common developmental disability, more common than Down Syndrome. Children with Autism are characterized by impairment in several areas of development such as: Cognitive, Language, Play/Socialization skills and exhibit many challenging behaviors. Behavior Patterns of Autism:

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.

When doing assessments of younger children, it is a good practice to allow flexibility. In doing so, I will be able to effectively communicate assessment results with parents. Developmental and behavioral tools often lack the sensitivity to screen specifically for autism spectrum disorder. Therefore, follow up screening tools are essential when a developmental screening raises concerns. To address ongoing assessment, I will use a checklist to assess how Zakai progresses with the three (3) objectives I have set for him. Additionally, I will I would observe Zakai and watch how he progresses in the classroom. By observing Zakai, I will also be able to create a portfolio for him that will allow his parents to see his progress as

Screening tools used by these professionals would support early recognition and referral of children with questionable development. Therefore, when nurses carry out routine well-child visits, they should consider a critical opportunity to obtain developmental information which help in the identification of children with developmental delays such as autism. These children, if treated as early as possible with the best interventions available, will have a better life with academic achievement, higher IQ, better job opportunities, decrease criminal history, etc. Furthermore, nurses are educators and have the responsibility in helping parents to understand the developmental milestones and inform them of the available community resources to support families with an autistic child. Education is important because parents have the responsibility to help and teach their child affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders

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.

Neurological disorders are complex in nature and often the least understood. Given the recent boom in imaging technology and other diagnostic methods, it is now possible to see more clearly into the scope of neurological development and accurately determine the etiology of these diseases. One of such disorders is Autism; a multifactorial condition impairing normal brain development. It affects many aspects of development, including social behavior, cognitive ability and communication skills1 and is commonly diagnosed in children before the age of three1. The symptoms of this condition can vary greatly between individuals; hence its classification as a spectrum disorder. Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome and pervasive