Practice Pathway Study

Autistic spectrum condition is a lifelong disability which affects how an individual communicates and relates to, other people. The understanding of autism has greatly improved since the 1940s when it was identified and one thing that we are aware of is that there is no cure however, there are many things that can be done to support people with autism. There are a large number of symptoms that are in relation to autism, such as a delay in speech development, not responding when their name is called and despite being able to hear, being intolerant of others entering their personal space. In addition to these, there are behavioural symptoms such as insisting on a familiar routine and becoming very anxious or upset if this is disrupted or changed, they will sometime talk at people rather than having a two-way conversation and a failure to understand or implement social rules.

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,

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.

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.

Max Stier President and Chief Executive Officer, Partnership for Public Service began his testimony by saying the problems addressed in this committee are problems that are affecting all government. Mr. Stier cited concerns that stand out to him. the first being the limited demographic that exists at the VA (noting that 2/3 of 1% of the VA employees are under the age of 25). Secondly only .5% of new hires since 2012 are under the Pathways Program, lastly the VA is consistently ranked among not being able to hire the personal they need. Mr. Stier acknowledged that the VA hiring program should be based on market compensation and competiveness and encourages the VA to use the authority Congress is providing them. He also praised the VA for holding the political appointees to the same standard as VA career professionals. He noted three additional suggestions to improve the drafted bill 1) suggest to remove restriction of VA employees who have left the VA and returned by only allowing them a 1 grade pay improvement 2) veterans preference to the SES, noting now is not the time to make this task more difficult 3) the executive management program, the cap

The most recent data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (CDC, 2014). Children diagnosed with ASD often have difficulty with functional performance in several key areas including; social participation, communication, school based activities, motor performance and play. These impairments in functional performance are not exclusive to the child alone as the caregiver often assumes a great deal of burden in managing the symptoms of a child with ASD. Furthermore, these difficulties along with the rising diagnosis rate has pushed ASD to the forefront of clinical research and has raised issues regarding which Ayres

The research below was aimed at helping patients who face several forms of psychiatric disorders. An example of a disorder in this category is the disruptive behavior and Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

One in sixty eight children meets the criteria for an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis (CDC, 2014). When a child receives an Autism diagnosis, the parent takes on the role of advocate who must determine how their child will get the support or therapies necessary to help him or her live a life to the fullest potential. For many parents and children Early Intensive Behavioral Therapy provides one of the most empirically effective treatment strategies. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), based on the Lovaas Model first developed by Dr. Ivaar Lovaas, is a form of Early Intensive Intervention Therapy for children who have been diagnosed with ASD. The original studies of Dr. Lovaas show half of children who receive an average of 40 hours of ABA for at

There are many evidence – based assessment tools that are used when diagnosing children who demonstrate symptoms of ASD. However, this paper will outline two assessment tools used when identifying ASD. One intervention used for assessing children with ASD is called the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R). The second assessment tool is Autism Diagnostic and Observation Schedule (ADOS).

The hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involve marked deficits in social interaction as well as engagement in repetitive behaviors and language difficulties (Leblanc, Richardson, & Warnie, 2005). Although autism can have a profound impact on the capabilities and functioning of the individual, emerging research indicates that applied behavioral analysis (ABA) can be an effective tool for addressing many of the deficits that children with ASD face (Boutot & Myles, 2016). In fact, emerging research indicates that when ABA is utilized for the treatment of young children with ASD many of the challenges faced by this group can be ameliorated (Boutot & Myles, 2016). With these issues in mind the current investigation considers the seven elements of ABA identified by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) in their seminal article on applied behavioral analysis and their application to individuals with ASD. Through a critical review of the seven elements of ABA in relation to ASD it will be possible to illustrate how this approach can be effective for improving outcomes for individuals diagnosed with autism.

Currently there are several different types of therapies, dietary regimens, and other interventions available to the families of children who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, only one set of techniques has been thoroughly researched enough to show unequivocally how efficacious the results have been for almost forty years. The principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) have been applied in several settings and have shown remarkable results. The positive treatment results have helped improve the lives of children who are diagnosed with ASD as well the lives of their families and caregivers. This paper will explore the beginnings of ABA therapy and track the progress of current research has made

Research by Bultas, Hellings et al and Matson 1 have demonstrated that common practices of autism, including shouting or verbalizations, fits of rage, hostility toward self or others, anxiety, uneasiness, fears, and irritability; confound the delivery of health care for children with autism on the grounds that these practices

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition that manifests in children through impaired language, speech, impaired social skills and abnormal patterns in individual interest and behavior and activities (Gavalas, Christina, Toron, & Marjorie, n.d., p. 32). Children with ASD in most cases involve in unusual behaviors such as rocking, flapping of arms and maneuvering of objects. Such children engage in harmful and injurious personal behaviors ranging from medium to severe. Sometimes such children are always aggressive and move around aimlessly in an attempt to balance sensory inputs in the body (Leew, Stein, & Gibbard, 2010, p. 36).

Autism or autism spectrum disorder(ASD) is a vast neurological mental condition, presented in early childhood. Autism is characterized by the repetitive behaviour patterns and the great struggle one presents in: using language to communicate, forming relationships with other individuals and in abstract thinking. This disorder is a widely-spread condition with levels of severity that effects one’s skills in basic daily

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known as a neurodevelopmental disorder that is capable of weakening communication, behavior and socialization. The term ASD includes three major subtypes which is Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Asperger’s Disorder. About 9.0 in 1000 children have ASD and certain types of autism might not be identified until three years of life. The probability of boys being diagnosed is higher compared to girls (Bravaccio et al. 2013). Autism is not curable, but it can be controlled using certain type of treatments as there is no specific or one treatment for autism. The question that arises for this literature review, if the treatment used for autism is effective?