...Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder Psychology PS501-03 Dr. Valerie Balldin March 18, 2014 Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder Abstract Autism refers to a group of development brain syndromes, collectively known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).The term spectrum is a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability, or impairments that children with ASD can have. Some of the ASD children are insignificantly impaired by their symptoms while others are severe. Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder According to American Psychiatric Association; "Autism is a neuro-development syndrome defined by deficits in social reciprocity and communication, and by unusual restricted, repetitive behaviors.” (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). It is a condition that usually begins at infancy-before or by three years old. Affected children begin by not using words to communicate though they may recite the alphabet and familiar passages. There is a wide variation of the degree in the way autism spectrum affects individuals. Each child with autism has a unique abilities, challenges and symptoms. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Even though Autism is not a single Disorder; but it is a spectrum of closely related Disorders with a shared core of symptoms:...
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...What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Michelle Murphy Adelphi University Abstract Autism spectrum disorder is the most rapidly growing developmental disorder in the United States, affecting 1 in every 88 children (Autism Speaks, 2012). The 1930s brought about the discovery of this disorder by Dr. Leo Kanner when he studied eleven children who possessed similar qualities that did not coincide with any known psychological disorders. Since Dr. Kanner’s initial research with Autism, many signs that he observed in the children he studied began to be noticed in many more children. The most common sign of Autism is an individual’s inability to communicate and express him or herself in the correct way. Furthermore, a lack of social skills, inability to speak, emotionless attitude, and obsessive behavior when performing certain tasks are common qualities seen amongst people with Autism (Wing, 2001.) These signs vary depending on the type of Autism the individual is diagnosed with. Autism is organized into five subcategories: Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Classic Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Rett’s Syndrome ("Autism community- Autism," 2010). Each of these subcategories help psychologists and researchers to better understand the form of Autism they are dealing with, and as a result provide more effective treatment methods in accordance with the individual’s diagnosis. Although a variety of treatment methods have been established to aid people...
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...Running head: COMPLETING THE PUZZLE Completing the Puzzle of Autism Spectrum Disorder Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) most commonly known as Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the normal brain function. It is a disorder characterized by deficits in three major areas of behavior-social, communicative and the display of repetitive or restricted behaviors. This research paper will provide a review of people with autism spectrum disorders, including the symptoms, diagnosis criteria, and possible causes. In addition, it will describe with how it has impacted the society, families and themselves. Completing the Puzzle of Autism Spectrum Disorder Can you imagine trying to understand what your parents or peers are saying but you don’t really know what the words mean? Sometimes this can make a child very upset and frustrated just because they can’t come up with the right words to express his or her feelings or thoughts. These kids with special needs try to live their lives by learning to handle stuff that are challenging and annoying for them. People with autism can make a significant contribution to society, as well as to their families. However, having autism is generally difficult for the person themselves and their family, it also involves great financial sacrifice. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) most commonly known as “Autism” is a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal...
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...Final Paper: Autism in Children: Conceptualizing the Complexities Genesis Cuesta The Chicago School of Professional Psychology December 13, 2012 Autism is a disorder that is becoming more and more common in our everyday society, despite a lack of everyday knowledge on this multifaceted disorder. Children are diagnosed with a range of autism disorders, fearing the consequences that come with it. In a short amount of time, the fields of medicine and psychology have advanced tremendously in their knowledge of this disorder and how it affects the development of children. In this paper, we will explore aspects of autism, from the different causes offered by researchers, common symptoms, and the latest treatments to combat this complex disorder. Overview Autism is not one disorder, but rather a group of developmental brain disorders, collectively referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) (2011) the term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment, or disability that children with ASD can have. As indicated by Johnson and Myers, Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins University first described autism in a small group of children in 1943 (as cited in Kanner, 1943). Kanner documented that they showed extreme aloofness and total indifference to other people. In 1944, Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician published an...
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...Autism is part of a group of neurological disorders. There are two specified groups pertaining to autism. Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). within PDD-NOS falls Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorders. Autism is referred to in today’s medical field as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). (NICHD.gov) Although there are different level of autism; levels referring to severity, everyone that has autism falls under the category of “ASD“, Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism affects the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. This disorder makes it hard for them to relate to the outside world. It is hard for them to communicate with others. Aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present in some cases. (Autism Speaks, 2009) The word "Autism," which has used for the last one-hundred years, comes from the Greek word "autos," meaning "self." The term describes conditions in which a person is removed from social interaction (self removed). Eugene Bleuler, who was a Swiss psychiatrist, was the first person to use the term Autism in 1911 (Wikipedia ). Autism research and discovery is greatly in part to the research of Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist who became the first physician in the world to be titled...
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...Autism Autism or PPD (pervasive developmental disorder) is defined by the Columbia encyclopedia as a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the inability to relate to and perceive the environment in a realistic manner. The onset of the disorder is in infancy or early childhood, generally before the age of thirty months, and males are affected four times as often as females. Symptoms include impairment in social interaction, fixation on inanimate objects, inability to communicate normally, and resistance to changes in daily routine (Anthes, 1997). Characteristics of Autism Diagnosing Autism is based on four characteristics: difficulty with language, abnormal responses to sensory stimuli, resistance to change and difficulty with social interaction. ?Other characteristics of autism may include: making the same repetitive motion for hours, repeating a sound or phrase, inability to hold a conversation, practicing unusual play patterns, and extreme sensitivity to sound and touch? (Riccio, 1999). Autistics can exhibit any combination of these characteristics in any degree. That is why autism is referred to as a ?spectrum? disorder, because at one end of the disorder a child may be inflicted with some symptoms, while at the opposite end a child may be inflicted with multiple symptoms with many areas in between. Children who display few symptoms may be characterized as ?mildly autistic?. Early signs of Autism may appear in the first months of life. Autistic infants...
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...August 8, 2011 Project Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) “Putting Together the Pieces” Introduction:. The diagnosis of autism in one’s child can shatter a parent. There is a substantial amount of confusion and controversy found in all areas of the disorder, from diagnosis to treatment. Most parents who seek treatment for a child labeled with autism face many dead-ends and obstacles concerning what are best for their child. . Having a child who is autistic will be a struggle throughout both of your lives. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) adversely affects a child’s communication, socialization, and behavior. It has symptoms ranging from mild cognitive, social, and behavioral deficits to more severe symptoms where children may suffer from intellectual disabilities and be nonverbal. The five subtypes of ASD are: Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Because each are so broad, I narrowed down my research to Autism Disorder, a sever disorder that affects the development and function of the brain. It causes problems in such areas as social contact, emotional response, 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 that differ with individuals not having autism would exhibit. I will be talking generally about the...
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...either Down Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Seven years later, I am still assistant coaching and more than ever I want to learn more about the disorder. After learning that “as many as 1 in 110 people have autism, which is more common in guys than in girls” (Teenshealth) I wanted to learn a little bit more about the disorder that is becoming so common in today’s society. Autism has many different characteristics which helps identify the disorder but unfortunately where the disorder is from is still unknown. However, with constant research and with the information that is known treatments are being introduced to those who are diagnosed with Autism. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke “Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Autistic disorder, sometimes called autism or classical ASD, is the most severe form of ASD, while other conditions along the spectrum include a milder form known as Asperger syndrome, the rare condition called Rett syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). ASD varies significantly in character and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group” (Ninds.nih). Another way to describe Autism is the “lack...
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... By Nicole Alonso CDD 2251-04 Speech Language Hearing Disorder Kean University November 26,2011 Introduction Detailed overview of disorder “Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. ( 1.PubMed Health, 2010)” Autism is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD). “ Health care providers think of autism as a “spectrum” disorder, since it is a group of disorders with similar features. (National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, 2011 paragraph)” A child who has autism may have symptoms that span from mild to severe. There are several types of autism that fall under the spectrum. They include Aspergers Syndrome, RETT Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS). “These disorders are characterized in varying degrees, be it difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non- verbal communication and repetitive behaviors.” ( Autism Speaks, 2011) Aspergers syndrome is a high functioning form of autism. A child with Aspergers might have difficulty interacting with others, awkwardness, and display repetitive behaviors. “Rett syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system that leads to developmental reversals, especially in the areas of expressive language and hand use.” (2.PubMed Health,2010) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is when a child is...
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...in Autism Abstract Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by the inability to relate and perceive the environment in a realistic manner. Brain development is affected in the areas of communication, cognition, and social interaction. There is a great variability in the disorder from person to person. There has been evidence to show that 60-90% of autism can be considered hereditary. Many researchers are attempting to understand the genetic determinism of the disease in order to pinpoint treatment. There are gene mutations and variants that have been discovered but due to the disease being heterogeneous and complex it is difficult to find consistency. There is also research indicating that the cause is neurological. The gap between genetics and neurology concerning autism is where the connection needs to be made in order to understand the disability wholly. Autism is a complex developmental disability as the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. The onset of the disability is in infancy or early childhood with males being affected four times as often as females. Autism shows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. The term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is used because it is covering a group of disabilities with similar features. There are three categories of autism spectrum disorder known as Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and...
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...What is autism? Definition Autism is a severely incapacitating developmental disorder of brain function characterized by three major types of symptoms: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. The definition of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is provided by the Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Children with autism are less able to interact with the world as other children do. To provide a comprehensive definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder, there are separate labels given to children with autism for different points on the Autism spectrum. At the least affected end, you may find labels such as "Asperger's Syndrome", "High Functioning Autism" and "Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified" (PDD-NOS). At the other end of the spectrum you may find labels such as "Autism", "Classic Autism" and "Kanner Autism". Description Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. The diagnostic criteria require that symptoms become apparent before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood. It is one of three recognized disorders in the autism spectrum (ASDs), the other two...
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...Until Every Piece Fits Autism: a pervasive developmental brain disorder, has taken over controversial issue debates, and impacted families all across the globe. Autism has been a part of my life beginning at age five, before I could even conceptualize what a complex disorder it truly is. I was in kindergarten and like any other five year-old, I was curious about how other people acted. I noticed that some kids were more socially isolated than others, had trouble making friends or even playing with others. I noticed that when it got really loud, or whenever we were doing an activity involving a lot of tactile input, certain kids would pull away and repeat certain behaviors. One particular kid would hunch his back, hyper-extend his fingers, shake them vigorously, as if to dry them off in absence of paper towels, and rock back and forth on his heels. These types of behaviors were relatively commonplace in my experience and I accepted them as absolutely harmless. I had seen the calming affect these rituals had on my classmate. My five year-old self was unknowingly picking up on behaviors that were the hallmark of autism. I attended an elementary school that was located in the autism hub of the county; so several students with autism were mainstreamed, or assimilated, into my classes. These students were not the majority. Rather, neurotypical students, a term used to describe children without a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, composed the majority of our school’s population...
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...Mothering Children with Autism The mothering stories that Bergum (1997) describes of being and becoming mother are proliferative in the literature of the story of mothering and caring for a child 20 with a disability. In her interactive narrative study interviewing mothers with children with a variety of complex and chronic disabilities, Green (2003) shows that the experience of mothering a child with a disability transcends the disability diagnosis. As a mother with a daughter diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Green dialogues with a mother with twins, where one twin is diagnosed with autism. The experience of mothering a child with a physical or developmental disability had both very similar characteristics, and too, there were divergent features of what it is...
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...Two to six children out of every thousand will end up with Autism. Autism is one of the fastest growing disorders with a great amount of studies being put behind it. With its vast amount of different signs and symptoms, different forms, how its treated, and arguments about how exactly the disorder came to be , Austin can very well be one of the most confusing, and researched disorders, for its a disorder that stirs up tons of questions but yet gets hardly any answers. Autism is usually developed between ages of one and three, it effects communication and how the child interacts with others. It is defined by behaviors of the child and “ spectrum disorders” that re different with each person. (About Autism, 2008, para 1). Symptoms of autism can very in many different ways, and even different categories. Take the category of social interaction and relationships symptoms include : non verbal communication development problems such as , eye - to - eye gazing, body language, and facial expressions, failure to make friends with people their own age, lack of interest, and lack of empathy. The category for verbal and non verbal symptoms include : Delay or lack when learning to talk, about forty person of people with autism never speak, problems with starting, and keeping conversations, repetitive use of language, and difficulty understanding what someone is saying. Finally the category of interests and play include : unusual focus on pieces, preoccupation on certain topics, a need for...
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...Autism is classified as a spectrum disorder. There are different degrees in the way it affects children who are diagnosed. However, every autistic child experiences symptoms, challenges, and unique abilities. One major challenge most of the children encounter are difficulties with controlling their behaviors. It is common for children with autism to irrationally react to a stimuli or situation that would not cause a typical functioning child to react. This is due to a dysfunction in their sensory processing system. There have been many studies conducted focusing on the sensory problems autistic children face. It is clear that many children who are diagnosed react much different to certain stimuli than other children. Tomchek and Dunn (2007)...
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