Autism is a common disability that when diagnosed in the pre- school stage, affects the development of the child when going through the pre school developmental stage. This will be demonstrated through an examination of not only what autism is, but also the various areas of development that it affects. These areas include, cognitive, social, emotional, speech, gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Many developmental theories can also be applied to autistic children in the pre school developmental stage; however, the two theories that will be discussed will be the social learning theory and the socio cultural theory, as they can be used to not only explain the behaviour of Autistic children but can also assist Autistic children in learning. …show more content…
The socio cultural theory examines society’s contribution to the development of each individual and places an emphasis on the interaction between development and the culture in which they live(Education 2013). Vygotsky believed that parents, caregivers, peers and the culture at large, were all contributors to a person’s development. A focus that the theory was formed around was the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which is the area between a child’s area of current abilities and the area where the child is not ready to learn (TESOL 2013). The area of a child’s current abilities refers to the things that the child can do, whereas the area where the child is not ready to learn refers to the things that are too hard for the child to have the motivation and will to do. Other focuses of the theory include the importance of play and social interaction, as well as the significance of language and speech in cognitive development, particularly in three forms of speech; social, private and silent. Social speech begins in the pre school developmental stage and refers to the child talking to the outside world with what ever they can get to come out (TESOL 2013). Silent inner speech begins in the stage after the pre school stage and is where the speech become self-regulated and flows as a natural conversation. Private speech is directed to the child themselves and is the …show more content…
This is demonstrated in an article by Carmel Conn which analyses Autism through a socio cultural perspective. In her findings, she noted that Autism is often characterised by a range of conditions leading to different experiences (Conn 2014). These experiences have been said to be due to differing cognitive, social, sensory- perceptual and motor functioning (Conn 2014). Conn argues that this view on Autism focuses on the autistic child’s deficits as reasons why they go through these experiences (Conn 2014). Conn proposed that by looking at Autism through a socio- cultural lens, it focuses on the interaction, communication and play which therefore finds alternative forms of supporting children with autism (Conn 2014). Moreover, Conn also discuses how these interactions actually facilitate learning and development in line with personal and group resources, interests and needs in autistic children (Conn 2014). These views regarding the use of the socio cultural theory challenges the common views on Autism which places a focus on the individual’s deficits. Conn’s writing places an emphasis on the diversity element of culture and how the disabling factors of an Autistic child can be heightened due to a lack of a comprehensive, reflective and adaptive environment (Conn 2014). Although the socio cultural theory can be used to benefit Autistic children
Autism is a developmental disorder, which is characterized by a dyad of difficulties in a) communication and social interaction and b) restricted interests and imagination (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might find it challenging to understand what other people think or what the reasons for their behaviours are, as their ‘theory of mind’ may not be well developed (Schuwerk, Vuori & Sodian, 2015). It is possible that this is why they might behave in socially inappropriate ways, being unable to differentiate between different contexts, while they might also find it difficult to make friends. Moreover, it is likely that they are fond of routines, repetition and structure (Carnahan, Musti-Rao, & Bailey, 2009), as they might be nervous with unknown, new situations. In addition, some of them might not do eye contact with other people, whereas some others might not endure to be touched and might have a difficulty developing speech (Jordan, 2005). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might sometimes be prohibited to initiate conversations and might struggle with finding different ways to play and behave, due to the possible deficit of imagination, which in some cases might result in them having a narrow sphere of interests. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this group of people is rather heterogeneous, as characteristics of autism may differ from one individual to another (Gwynette, 2013). Another point is that people with Autism
Leo Kanner (1943) believes autism is a result of emotional deprivation. He notes that parents of autistic children are intellectually and analytically oriented, but lack emotional warmth (Meyer, Chapman, & Weaver, 2009).Some psychodynamic theorist believe autistic children were born normal, but became autistic after experiencing painful interactions with hostile or cold parents (Hansell & Damour, 2008). The term autistic implies a failure to effectively relate to the environment. Autistic individuals are perceived as elusive and distant (Meyer, Chapman, & Weaver, 2009). Behavioral programs are most effective with autistic children and are used to teach them language, communication skills, self-care, and adaptation to the community (Hansell & Damour, 2008).
Lev Vygotsky believed that social and cognitive development work simultaneously to build and evolve on one another. He believed that social, cultural and personal experience cannot be detached from each other and many things influence the way children learn and develop, not just their own experiences, thus Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory. Vygotsky’s ideas were and remain controversial as he had no specific training in psychology or children’s development. His preeminent contribution to children’s development is his recognition of the value of progressing knowledge by means of interaction with educators, peers and family (Mooney, 2000, p. 83). The major ideas of Vygotsky’s theory are scaffolding and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Scaffolding is a process Vygotsky described as the framework or temporary support for children’s learning. In order for scaffolding to be beneficial, it must be responsive to the child’s needs (Coon & Mitterer, 2013, pp. 106-107).
In this paper, I will be discussing the disorder of Autism, a sever disorder that affects the function of the brain. It causes problems in such areas as social contact, intelligence, language and speech impediments, along with ritualistic or compulsive behaviors, as well as different responses to the environment that an autistic individual may have different than individuals not having autism would exhibit. I will be discussing generally about the history and description of autism. Also I will be discussing the charactistics that mark an autistic individual, the actual treatment that an autistic person may receive, risk factors that an autistic person may encounter, and interventions/treatments activities that an individual who has autism may take part in. I feel that by doing all of this that I will gain a greater sense of understanding for individuals with autism. I will be giving this information to you by going through each topic that I have outlined in the introduction and explaining what each means and how they affect an individual with autism.
Autism is a neurodevelopment syndrome which is displayed in a person by difficulties in social environment, a lack of, or inexistent communication skills, or unusual restricted and repetitive behaviors. Autism can be detected in infancy or the first three years of life. A young child growing up with autism may not communicate with words but be able to recite difficult passages or say the alphabet before other kids of his or her age. These kids may seem to be very gifted at the ages when social skills are not expected but once the children around them become for socially gifted while the one with autism does not it becomes apparent and an easy diagnosis for even the child’s school mates to make. Kids around them may avoid the ‘weird’ kid and
Autism is a disorder that has to do with developmental issues that lead to communication and interaction impairments.Fifty years ago people would be clueless as to how to help people with Autism, fortunately medical technology has improved greatly since then and we are much more successful at understanding and treating Autism. Although a cure has not been found for Autism yet scientists are still working 24/7 to make this happen. In the meanwhile, it would greatly benefit us all to have some essential information about it so that if one ever does come to meet a person with Autism he or she can be respectful and helpful. Autism Spectrum Disorders are difficult to live with and around but with proper knowledge of the neurological disorder life can be made easier for everyone.
In this book, “Helping children with autism learn: Treatment approaches for parents and professionals” Siegel gives parents of autistic children what they need most: hope. Siegel explains that how to take an inventory of a child particular disabilities that break down the various kinds unique to autism. Many other signs and symptoms are also seen in a child suffering from autism are atypical eating, lack of intuition and less attention to social stimuli. This book has been a great help in the research as it explains about the key understanding of each autism case as a discrete set of learning disabilities, each of which must be treated individually. This book is relevant to my research as it has important documentation and papers about the conference. It provides a detailed account of the issues, at the same time, Siegel offer a new understanding and a practical, thoughtful approach that will give parents a new hope.
Autism is defined as the brain disorder that begins in early childhood and persists throughout adulthood. Autism affects three areas of human development: (1) verbal and nonverbal communication, (2) social interaction, and (3) creative or imaginative play. Autism is considered a severe disorder and developmental disability that prevents individuals from properly understanding what they see, hear and sense. The cause of autism remains unknown. Current theories indicate a problem with the function or structure of the central nervous system. This essay overviews the history of autism and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It provides an idea of the population and causes of autism. It takes about the program services and the current operational issues related to autism.
Autism is a mental imbalance a provide Entitled, extremely introverted Disturbances of Affective Contact this fundamental state turned into the construct for all review with respect to what came to be known as Autism. It is a turmoil described by shortfalls in three noteworthy regions of conduct ¬ social, informative and the show of monotonous or limited practices. Autism records the fundamental components as "the nearness of extraordinarily irregular or hindered advancement in social association and correspondences and a uniquely limited collection of exercises and premiums. The social issues incorporate less eye contact, less consideration regarding social jolts and trouble in learning and utilizing the social abilities expected to work
The topic of investigation for this paper is effective techniques for helping students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) succeed in school. Communication and socialization were the two areas of focus. If students with ASD are helped in these two areas, the likelihood of success in school increases. With ASD increasing, literature reviews with effective techniques can assist school personnel in selecting the best options for students with ASD in less time than completing formal research. This is a topic of interest to me, because of two reasons. One reason is my work
Whenever I hear stories about Autism being addressed in today’s society, I’ve always hear these phrases, “Autistic people have no empathy for others, and therefore they can’t develop long-lasting friendships”. However, I never believed in this statement, because it was a common misconception about Autism. This is coming from someone who has lived with autism though out his life. This means that I only see the world in black and white with no gray area like my peers. So it makes communication with other people a challenge for me due to my social differences with the misconceptions trying to limit my potential of success. But, I’ve choose not to let the misconceptions define me for who I am and stop me from doing my own thing that I have a passion
Autism is the second types of brain disease. According to Scheruermann and Webber (2002), autism is a development of disorder that caused by neurological impairment affecting brain chemistry and or brain structure. Even the exact reason of the neurological impairment is not yet known, but it is mostly due to the genetic links. Nevertheless, this symptoms is well-defined, hence essential information for educational treatment been contributed. Understanding based on autistic symptomology is the best way to teach student with autism. Presently, there are three main theories explaining the existence of common symptoms. The first theory is a perceptual/cognitive theory. Autism children may have specific differences in capability of their thinking and the way they receive external input, due to the brain defects. They also have to withdraw, and have a complicated time making sense of or processing, physical phenomena because of they might be stimulated by auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli. A second theory is from a developmental explanation holds that brain defects is the reason individuals with autism difficult to evolve in language, cognition, social, and motor domains. Scheruermann and Webber also stated that, it is estimated that the students need to improve through developmentally sequenced experiences for them to expert the necessary skills just as children without disabilities because they are developmentally delayed. The last theory is the behavioral explanation, holds
The intention of this research paper was to investigate a specific activity group for youth on the autism spectrum. The group runs concurrently with a parent group and is funded through a respite funding provision.
Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of development suggested that to develop cognitively, children must have social interaction. He also “believed that this lifelong process of development was dependent of social interaction and that social learning actually leads to cognitive development” (Riddle, 1999). Vygotsky believed that children 's social learning must come before social development. Vygotsky also believed that "human activities take place in cultural settings and cannot be understood apart from these settings" (Woolfolk, 2004). Therefore, our culture helps shape our cognition.
Unlike Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, which stresses that cognitive development was expected to mature through self initiated discovery, Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory places greater emphasis on the influence a child’s culture, social factor, and language. Meaning, Vygotsky believed a child learns more from personal interaction with in his/her culture, rather than through individual experiences of chance and random. Social interaction with one’s culture plays a tremendous role in the cognitive development of an individual. Culturally specific tools and language, taught and passes from generation to generation, are perceived practice for one’s survival in social