Premium Essay

Autism

In:

Submitted By caitlinharmony
Words 448
Pages 2
Autism is a disorder that is characterized by the affects it has on normal brain development in the early years of a child's life. It effects the development of social and communication skills and is diagnosed after behavior evaluations are administered by specially trained psychologists and physicians. Autism symptoms tend to emerge in children around 12-18 months old. Behaviors such as playing with toys in strange and repetitive ways, not making eye contact, and not responding to their name are some of the indicators early on that your child may have autism. According to the US centers for disease control and prevention, autism occurs in 1 of every 68 children. Because autism is so common, it's important to be aware and knowledgeable about the topic. This means also knowing what accommodations kids with autism need and what unnecessary measures some people may take. Each individual with autism is different. Some have exceptional abilities in the arts or academics and, according to the Autism Speaks organization, around 40 percent have intellectual disability (meaning an IQ below 70). Some are non-verbal, but can communicate in various other ways (such as gestures, visuals, and eye contact) , and some can easily use verbal communication. Considering that there is such a broad spectrum of affects autism can have on each individual it is important to get to know your child's/friend's specific needs and do your best to meet those needs. Because every child with autism is different, therapies and treatments are all unique to that child's specific needs. Behavioral treatments involving therapy with the child's family are common, as well as therapy in the classroom or in a specialized center. Medicine is also a common treatment for different conditions that kids with autism often have such as seizures, GI distress, and sleep troubles. Another

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Autism

...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...

Words: 1739 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Autism

...Autism Autism is the most common condition in a list of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). People with autism may display impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonberbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests ("What is autism," 2011). As of today there is no official cure for autism but through education and training of parents most can have some sort of productive life. The word “autism” has been used for about 100 years comes from the Greek word “autos” meaning “self” (Nickolson, 2008). The term describes conditions in which a person is removed from social interaction or other words an “isolated self”. In 1911, Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, was the first person to use the term autism. Austic children at one time thought or classified as schizophrenic as it was thought to be a behavioral issue. There are many key dates in the history of autism since 1911 and some more important than others. Here is a list of some of the important dates in the history of autism: * 1944 - Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger publishes his work on autistic symptoms, Autistic Psychopathy in Childhood. * 1964 - American psychologist Bernard Rimland writes in Infantile Autism: The Syndrom and Its Implications For a Neural Theory of Behavior that autism is a biological disorder. * 1967 - Bernard Rimland founds the Autism Research Institute ARI in San Diego. Bruno Bettelheim...

Words: 1850 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Autism

...Autism spectrum Disorder The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) defines autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a disorder that interferes with an individual’s ability to understand what is seen, heard, and/or touched. This can cause tremendous problems in personal behavior and in the ability to relate and communicate with others. A person with autism has to be taught to communicate normally and how to have relationships with people, objects and events in their lives. However, not all individuals suffer to the same degree of impairment. There is a whole area of different symptoms that individuals can suffer from, which can range from mild symptoms to severe. “Autism occurs in as many as one or two per 1,000 children (Sternberg 2003). It affects all ages, and approximately one child in 160 or so may develop autism. It is four times more common in males than females” (NINDS). Parents with Autistic kids ought to know that some kids can grow up live on their own, do their own things and have a normal life. Children with autism generally have problems in three essential areas of development. These are social interaction, language and behavior. But because autism symptoms and severity vary greatly, two children with the same diagnosis may act quite differently and have strikingly different skills. (Kalderimis 6). Children with severe autism have marked impairments or a complete inability to communicate or interact with other people in some cases...

Words: 1067 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Autism

...Autism and children Contents Autism Defined Qualitative Impairments in Social Interaction Qualitative Impairments in Communication Restricted Repetitive and Stereotyped Behaviors, Interests, and Activities The Diagnosis of Autism Causes of Autism Treatment for Autism What research is being done? References Autism Defined Autism is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association (2000, pp. 70-71), children with autism demonstrate the three core symptoms: qualitative impairments in social interaction, qualitative impairments in communication, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interest, and activities. The symptoms vary according to the severity of the disorder. Qualitative Impairments in Social Interaction Social interaction is characterized as having problems with interacting with other people. Among the symptoms with infants is they do not exhibit any eye contact, and this is something...

Words: 1677 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Autism

...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...

Words: 2736 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Autism

...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 talking generally about the history and description of autism, the cause, affected age group, signs and symptoms that mark a autistic individual, the people who an autistic individual may go to for medical help and treatment, the actual treatment that a autistic person may receive, risk factors that a autistic person may encounter, how you would asses someone with autism, activities that a individual who has autism may take part in, and also the long term affects and treatment goals for someone who has autism should be trying to accomplish. I feel that by doing all of this that I will gain a greater sense of understanding for individuals with autism so as to better help them if I should ever have the privilege to work with an autistic person. 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. Definition of Autism Before anything else, I feel that I should give a scientific definition of Autism. Autism is a sever disorder of brain function marked...

Words: 960 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Autism

...Student’s name Teacher’s name Course name Date The impact of immunization on the development of autism In recent years, a worldwide concern over immunization and its schedule has increased dramatically. The vaccine-autism hypothesis belongs to the most extensively debated theories related to the origins of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Critics of dangerous ingredients contained in vaccines designate that such preservatives may contribute to, or cause, a range of cognitive disorders in children. When administered at early age, immunization may seriously affect neurological and not completely developed immune systems. In contrast, both biological and epidemiological studies tend to contradict the vaccine-autism theory. Given this fact, it is of vital importance to thoroughly examine both sides of the coin and come to a reasonable conclusion. PECULIARITIES OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER Autism, or, more broadly, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), includes a number of complex cognitive and communicational disorders. According to Richard Lathe, the molecular biologist, autism is difficult to define (20). However, there exists a range of distinctive peculiarities, by which one can recognize ASD. Repetitive patterns of behavior, a withdrawal from social relatedness and interaction, and specific movement patterns characterize autism. The symptoms occur from early childhood, usually at age of 2-3 years, and affect daily functioning (Lathe 32). The diagnosis of ASD incorporates the evaluation...

Words: 2115 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Autism

...Autism The Search Story I am writing my research paper over Autism. Autism is one of many mental disabilities; there are mild and severe forms of autism. People who are diagnosed with autsim are hard to visually point out because other than the far away look in their eyes, they physically look like everyone else. People with a mild form of autism talk slower and keep to themselves and have a very childish personality. Those with severe autism seem to be in a different world, they usually have one hobby and stick to it, they are generally very happy and jump around and like to make noises. All people with autism prefer to be left alone and they are very intelligent despite their first impressions. My cousin Nick was diagnosed with autism when he was 18 months old, he is extemely compassionate and constantly happy. He does prefer to be alone to watch his Disneys movies repeatedly. Nick will be 19 this coming September and we still don’t know what caused his disability, his mother is sure that it was caused by the vaccines but the doctors are begging to differ on that opinion. What I want to know the most about autism is how it is diagnosed and how children get it. How does the doctor know that it is autism and not another disability? Is autism given through immunizations when the child is born, or is it genetic? The Search Results Screening for autism is difficult because there is no medical test, so doctors have to look to the behaviors of the children (“Autism Spectrum Disorder...

Words: 736 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Autism

...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...

Words: 5586 - Pages: 23

Premium Essay

Autism

...Autistic spectrum disorder, otherwise known as autism, is a complex disorder of the central nervous system and a developmental disability that comes from a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. (Dowshen, 2008). It is not something one can catch or pass along to someone else. It makes interacting with other people incredibly difficult. Autism was first identified in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Autism spectrum disorder can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 3, however new research is pushing back the age of diagnosis to as early as six months. Autism is a developmental disorder that makes it very difficult for one to communicate with others and live a normal life. (What is Autism? An Overview, 2008) The cause of autism remains undiscovered, however many researchers believe autism is linked to differences in brain chemicals and neurotransmitters. No one has yet to have a definite answer as to where these differences come from, however; many believe the differences are in our genes. Some also believe that maternal rubella, PKU, encephalitis, and meningitis may predispose a child to it. It is somewhat more common in particular families, but not inherited in any recognizable pattern. Doctors often tell families who have one child with autism that research shows they have a very high risk of having another child with autism or a similar disorder. (eMedicineHealth, 2009). According to the statistics provided by the...

Words: 1715 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Autism

...Autism Autism is one in a group of very many developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Within the first three years of a child’s life a doctor will be able to tell if a child is autistic by running special test to look at their communication, language and social skills. I chose to research autism due to the fact that it is so popular and interested me more than the other topics. Autism can be found in males and females of all ages rather it is a small case or large case simple things a child does can place them on the autism spectrum. In January of 2010 the national autistic society announced that the ratio of autistic kids between boys and girls is one to four. There are many interesting facts and characteristics of autism that the people of this day and age should be aware of because you never know when a child you interact with on daily bases may be autistic. The severity of autism in a child can vary from very serious to just a minor case, but all autism disorders affect a child’s ability to communicate, talk and their social skills. It can also make them act in unusual ways. They might flap their hands, say certain words over and over, have temper tantrums, or play with only one particular toy. Most kids with autism do not like a change in their regular routine; they like to stay on a repetitive schedule that does not involve different interactions with different people or different actions they have to take to compete the routine. They...

Words: 1237 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Autism

...Autism Autism is a complex developmental disability that causes problems with social interaction and communication. It appears in the first 3 years of life causing problems in many different skills that develop from infancy to adulthood. Autism is one of a serious group of developmental problems called Autism Spectrum Disorders. There are different types of Autism; these are the three primary kinds: Autistic Disorder “classic autism” is what most people think of when they hear the word autism. People with this autistic disorder usually have social and communication challenges, usual behaviors and interests and significant language delays. Most people with this disorder also have intellectual disabilities. Asperger Syndrome, people with this type of autism have milder symptoms. They have social challenges and usual behaviors and interest but don’t typically have problems with language and are not intellectual challenged. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is also known as atypical autism. People with this type of autism meet some but not all of the symptoms to be diagnosed with Autistic Disorder or Asperger Syndrome. These people have some or fewer but definitely milder symptoms. Children with autism generally have problems in three crucial areas; social interaction, language and behavior. Because autism symptoms and severity vary greatly there are no two cases that are the same even if the children have the same...

Words: 647 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Autism

...Autism Jennifer Van Puymbrouck ENGL 112, Composition DeVry University Autism, what is autism? Autism “is a complex neurobehavioral disorder that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors” (WebMD). Autism spectrum disorder or ASD for short; is how the doctors are recognizing any child or adult that falls within the Autism category. Clearly we have a growing problem with ASD, it is estimated that “1 out of every 88 children” will be given a diagnosis of autism (Jaslow, 2014). Why instead of decreasing, are autism cases rising? Some say it due to the ways that doctors are able to diagnose autism, but I think there is a different cause. There is one thing that most children have in common and that is the immunizations that are given to most children from birth. Doctors have found that ASD affect boys more that girls and they are “almost five times more likely” to be diagnosed with some form of ASD then girls (Jaslow, 2014). There is enough evidence at present to say that the rise in autism cases can be linked to immunizations. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism can be defined by “a group of complex disorders of the brain development” and “has roots in very early brain development” (Autism Speaks, 2015). Children typically show some signs of autism between 2 to 3 years old. Some of the most common characteristics that most ASD patients display would include: difficulties...

Words: 2137 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Autism

...Challenges of Autism Tanisha Taylor Com/156 April 28, 2013 Lawrence Daly Challenges of Autism 1 out of 88 children age 8 will have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 30, 2012) This information is very shocking to some because everybody does not know a lot about autism and its affects unless encountered with a close relative or friend of a person diagnosed with the disorder. Not all parent share with the neighbors or co-workers that they have an autistic child and because of this those who have no experience with a child diagnose may not have a full understanding of the disorder. Autism is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. This is a disorder that occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects all age groups. In fact the number of children diagnosed with autism is rising more and more. (Hall & Graff 2011) There are many challenges that come along with being autistic or even having a family member diagnosed with autism. It is important that we are aware so that in the event we are encountered with a child with autism or the parent we can be of support and show understanding. Children with autism go through many difficulties in life because of communication problems; parents are faced with these challenges and look for ways to help...

Words: 1562 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Autism

...INTRODUCTION Autism Not until the middle of the twentieth century was there a name for a disorder that now appears to affect an estimated 3.4 every 1,000 children ages 3-10, a disorder that causes disruption in families and unfulfilled lives for many children. Research from 2009 suggests autism now affects every 1 in 110 children. In 1943 Dr. Leo Kanner of the Johns Hopkins Hospital studied a group of 11 children and introduced the label early infantile autism into the English language. At the same time a German scientist, Dr. Hans Asperger, described a milder form of the disorder that became known as Asperger syndrome. Thus these two disorders were described and are today listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as two of the five pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), more often referred to today as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). All these disorders are characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills, social interactions, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. On first sight of a child with autism it would be very unlikely that you would tell them apart from any other child. There are no obvious visual clues, which is why so many children are mistaken for being naughty or rude. Autism is a disabling brain order. It affects the way in which people understand and react to the world around them. This causes them to act differently than others. Many autistic people have a hard time using...

Words: 828 - Pages: 4