...Critically evaluate the theory of mind hypothesis of autism Childhood Autism is a rare and severe developmental disorder that affects about 4 in every 10,000 children (Baron-Cohen, Leslie & Frith, 1985). Autism affects how an individual communicates, socialises and even how they make sense of the world around them. Many theories have tried to explain what causes autism in an attempt to achieve greater understanding of the disorder and potentially aid those with autism to live happier and more fulfilling lives. In this essay I will be focusing on the symptoms of autism, the ‘theory of mind’ hypothesis and its strengths and weaknesses. The three main symptoms of autism were outlined by Wing and Gould (1979) and are known as the triad of impairments. These three impairments were identified as communication, socialisation and imagination. Many studies have found a distinct lack of communication skills in autistic children. Prior et al. (1998) found that autistic infants don’t attempt ‘babbling’ and they don’t follow the usual patterns of language development displayed by most infants, such as being able to speak simple one syllable words by the age of one, which over half of autistic children don’t do. Then, even when they begin to form understandable sentences, they often make grammatical errors and fail to use or comprehend emotional tone. This impairment of communication, both verbal and non-verbal, most likely plays a part in a lack of social understanding and stable...
Words: 1922 - Pages: 8
...personality whether our behavior , or ability or our intelligence. Autism in children is a subject that can be clarified by nature or nurture. This essay will discuss the difficulties, symptoms, and the causes of autism. Firstly, many autistic children have obstruction issues in a language, social, and behavioral issues. So, we have to understand the communication and social challenges experienced by children with autism. (Wetherby and Prizant , 2000). Secondly, there's no biological test for autism. But some symptoms are behavioral and others are biological. Slow development and abnormal brain size, certain genetic indicators and many others are biological symptoms. Inability to understand the language or inability to understand human faces, these are some of behavioral symptoms. (Mary Jo & McCormick , 2006). Thirdly, the scientists thought that "specific genes" are suspected to be causal in autism. Carlson (2011) explains how in the autistic brain the value of white matter containing short range axons was increased and not connected with the brain (Wegiel et. Al., 2010, p. 755). On the other hand, some parents thought that environmental factors coursed their child's autism while other parents feel that children are affected by biological indicators (Wetherby and Prizant , 2000). Briefly, scientists have discussed this issue that our development is born nature or made by nurture. This essay talked about difficulties, symptoms, and the causes of autism. Some believe it's...
Words: 377 - Pages: 2
..."abnormal", must necessarily be "inferior", Atwood (2006) truly underlines what Autism and Asperser’s Syndrome is and how it is becoming more and more of a concern in America. This concern of Autism and Asperger’s rises, as more children are being diagnosed everyday. In order to understand the affects of these diseases one must first understand the characteristics and the children that live with Autism. Research on Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome will take the reader into areas that before hand have not been considered by most. Although this disease has been heard of, many have not experienced it in their lives. This paper will explore the emotions of autistic children and parents and the grief of realizing that these children are autistic, how these children learn, the challenges they face and how society views these children through medical and scientific research as well as the author’s personal research and life experiences with this disease. To understand Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, the reader must first be able to identify and define what it is and what the characteristics are. In the article Autism and Genetic Disorders, Dr. A.L. Reiss (1986) who is head of the Department of Developmental Neuropsychiatry, Kennedy Institute for Handicapped Children, he describes and defines the signs and symptoms of the disease. It has been said that this disease is caused by childhood immunizations as many parents and doctors believe. An article written by the United Press International...
Words: 1100 - Pages: 5
...of neurodiversity movement is starting to “reduce barriers created by society” (Owren and Stenhammer, 2013), and is stopping to favour the majority. Neurodiversity is about creating an environment in which each person can explore his potential. High-functioning autistic people can now work in spaces, such as busy offices which suit their needs to be as excluded from society or to be as precise with their work as they need and still be able to produce outstanding results (Silberman, 2001). One of the most recent and most popular...
Words: 1103 - Pages: 5
...Literature Review on Autism Wilfredo Garcia Table of Contents Abstract 3 Autism 4 Videogames and young people with Developmental disorders 10 Funding of Applied Behavior Analysis 11 Executive function in individuals with sub threshold Autism traits 12 Conclusion 14 References 15 Abstract The increasing number of individuals with Learning Disabilities (LD) and psychiatric disorders presents a key challenge to their assessment and treatment in mental health services. Children and young people with LD are more likely to experience mental health than the general population (Allington-Smith, 2006). There is a close relationship between autism spectrum disorder and learning disability. Epidemiological studies suggest that autism is more frequent in people with LD, nearly 40% of people with LD also have autism on the other hand, and nearly 70% of people with autism also have LD (La Mafa, 2004). The strong association between autism and LD (Bradley, 2004) also associates an increased risk of mental health problems. It is suggested that adults with LD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience symptoms of anxiety at a greater level than the general population; however, this requires more conclusive evidence in relation to the prevalence of anxiety disorders in adults with LD and autism. ...
Words: 3759 - Pages: 16
...Mag Fos English 2 Research essay 11/30/11 What Is Autism, What Can Cause It, and What Treatments Are There? I remember the first time I watched my two year old niece Melody. It was the middle of July so I decided to take her to the local swimming pool. I thought we would have a blast but I was quickly met with the realization that the day was going to be very challenging. Melody was not at all entertained by the company of all the other children there. She was quite content in her own company. She also seemed to have trouble understanding me, which made it extremely hard for me to comfort her, or persuade her to stay in the pool area where we were set up, or pretty much anything that I wanted her to do. Melody was constantly walking away to the other end of swimming pool, when I tried to get her to come back she screamed, and not any old scream it was a horrific scream, like I was really hurting her. Since then I have been over to my brother’s house several times to see Melody but I am yet to take her on my own again. After observing Melody on those few occasions I decided to do some research on autism and other associated disorders. What is Autism? Autism is a disorder that affects brain development that impairs social interaction and communication (Autism-Help.Org, 2000-2010). Autism is not fully understood by doctors and scientist but is often referred to as one of the disorders listed under the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism spectrum disorders have...
Words: 1464 - Pages: 6
...of Mind and how deficits may relate to Autistic Spectrum Conditions. The concept of theory of mind (TOM) is a complex one with various considerations, and as we cannot see or touch the mind we therefore have to infer about other’s mental states from the things they say or from their overt behaviour (Smith, Cowie & Blades, 2011). Theory of mind was originally defined by Premack & Woodruff (1978) as having the inclination to make attributions about behaviour based on our acquired knowledge of mental states, such as desires, beliefs and intentions. An equally important facet of theory of mind is the individual’s ability to comprehend the subjectivity of mental states and the comprehension that other individuals also have desires, beliefs and intentions that notably differ from that of our own. This understanding is highly significant to human functioning according to Baren-Cohen (1995). Premack & Woodruff (1978) stated that theory of mind is particularly important for social cognition and that being able to comprehend the world through another’s eyes and to appreciate their emotions and points of view will make it possible to predict what their behaviour and actions may be in certain situations. It has also been researched how deficits and impairments in the development of theory of mind can relate to autistic spectrum conditions. Research into cognitive development mainly begins with Piaget (1962) who claimed that children usually begin development by being cognitively...
Words: 2818 - Pages: 12
...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. As I have received more schooling and worldly experience, I have come to know and love the autistic community. I even chose a career path that will lead me to help treat children with autism as an Occupational Therapist. As I set out on my journey researching autism spectrum disorders, I sought answers to the loaded question, what is the best hope for a child diagnosed with an autism...
Words: 2036 - Pages: 9
...directing a chunk of it’s funding to teacher development, giving students the option to transfer, changing it’s curriculum, or having the school shut down altogether. My claim is that we should adjust or amend the No Child Left Behind Act. No Child Left Behind’s attempt to narrow achievement gaps by ensuring that all children receive a quality education is admirable, but it is hardly realistic. Teachers would have to devote their entire time to teaching specifically just math and English. By doing that they block out any other subjects such as science, history, art, or any other important elective or subject. We should adjust the law by having less harsh punishments that way the students and teachers are not constantly stressing, and most importantly because we want to keep the students from doubting themselves academically. Some people may argue that 2 over time the achievement gap will close because we will have devoted enough time to math and English to prove that no child is getting left behind. I will address this concern by stating that we should not ban this law, just simply make simple yet extravagant changes such as fewer penalties, removing disabled children from the act, and including other subjects into the testing. With...
Words: 1594 - Pages: 7
...Educational Psychology is a branch of psychology concerned with improving learning ability. It draws from many other areas of psychology such as behavioural, cognitive, social and developmental, occupational, clinical and neuropsychology (Fredrickson & Miller, 2008). This essay will explain how educational psychology is used in educational practice through theoretical and practical examples. Educational Psychology has developed different methods of studying learning abilities such as hypothesis, IQ tests and psychometric testing. Jean Piaget, became one of the most well-known psychologists through his study of children’s thinking (Fontana, 1995). In part, his study has been dismissed by psychologists today, but his theory of the “child as a product of an interaction between biological maturation and the environment, is universally recognised” (Fontana, 1995, P. 52). Such studies of children and learning by Piaget and other psychologists, have laid the foundation for educational psychology in practice today. Cognitive development, self-efficacy and individual differences are three important areas studied, in relation to the development of learning. Cognitive development studies how a person processes information and concepts, their perception, thinking processes and language skills. In turn, self-efficacy is the belief a person has in their own abilities, which in turn has a profound impact on their learning abilities. Finally, individual differences characterise...
Words: 441 - Pages: 2
...Educational Debate NAME University of Phoenix COM150 Effective Essay Writing Shelagh Smith February 21, 2010 Introduction There is widespread debate about whether or not special needs students should be exempt from graduation and exit-level tests. Many believe that testing will place students where they belong in society. Under this belief pattern, is it fair to judge special needs students by these standards? Many parents and educators believe that it is unfair for special needs children to be judged or tested in the same manner as children who do not have special needs. The major concern here is not so much whether or not special needs students should take exit level tests; but rather how special needs students are classified, whether or not the correct accommodations are provided, and if a single indicator is used for assessment. To identify a special needs students capability levels, multiple indicators must be given. These multiple indicators include: tests, observations, psychological reports, student work samples, and parent and teacher interviews. Because it is difficult or almost impossible for educators to determine what level of accommodation is needed for each student, educators must consider giving students exit level tests according to their individual academic level. This must be done on a case-by-case basis. Timothy Bush, a special education teacher at Sanford high school in Delaware, said it best: “The national demand for high standards and accountability...
Words: 1867 - Pages: 8
...1 ESSAY WRITING SKILLS © Graham Davey WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO WRITE A GOOD ESSAY? 1. 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 2. 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 3. 3.1 3.2 4. 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 5. WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU START ANYTHING Am I familiar with the Assessment Guidelines? Am I certain that I know the Submission Deadline? How much does the mark for my essay contribute to the final mark for this course/module? Do I know what the word limit for this essay is? How many credits do I get for completing this particular course/module successfully? HOW TO PREPARE BEFORE PLANNING & WRITING THE ESSAY What essay titles can I choose from? What references do I need to read? At what level am I writing the essay? What internet resources should I access and use? Can I use my lecture notes as a source of information for my essay? PLANNING YOUR ESSAY How much should I read and when should I begin writing? How can I get the most benefit from my reading? WRITING YOUR ESSAY How should I structure my essay? Am I sure I’m answering the question? How do I write a scholarly essay? How should I present my reference list or bibliography? How should I format my essay? How can I avoid plagiarism? THINGS TO REMMEBER AFTER YOU’VE FINISHED WRITING YOUR ESSAY Essays are arguably the most widely used form of assessment for psychology students. They allow an examiner to assess a student’s factual knowledge, as well as their ability to create logical arguments and critically...
Words: 13887 - Pages: 56
...The Role of Heredity and Environment in Learning Theory The role of heredity and environment in the learning theory is one with varying views. Each view relies strongly on the developmental process of children. Urie Bronfenbrenner posits that a child’s environment plays the biggest role in the child’s development and learning experience (Ormrod, 2014). While Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky believe that a child’s cognitive development is most important to the learning experience (Ormrod, 2014). The purpose of this essay is to explore each of these theories and how they apply to my personal knowledge and understanding of the learning experience. I will begin with an overview of each theory and then move to how aspects of each apply to personal experiences and beliefs. Ultimately coming to the conclusion that no single theory fully represents my understanding of learning. While each theory as many strengths, one cannot have a fully developed understanding of the learning process without aspects of all three theories. According to Ormrod (2014), Bronfenbrenner’s theory of development relies strongly on the “multiple layers of environmental influence” (p. 21). At the most basic level is the child’s family, next is the child’s neighborhood and community, and finally the child’s state and country (Ormrod, 2014). Bronfenbrenner believed that the child’s culture played a significate role in effecting the child’s development in every layer. Furthermore, these layers interact with...
Words: 935 - Pages: 4
...Introduction: In this essay with the research that I have conducted I will provide three reason in the accuracy of sensory information. Also describing the three factors contributing to the accuracy of sensory data. Futhermore you will see the many roles in nature and nurture with regard to the interpretation and evaluation of sensory data. Active listening is a person’s ability and willingness to listen and understand. Often we people talk to each other. We might not listen at a time because lack of attentiveness, which can distract the speaker. In way active listening can be called as responding to another person that develops mutual understanding. Active listening is process in which the listener paraphrases in its own words what the speaker had said to confirm or clarify of accuracy of the message. “Active listening involves listening with your head and your heart; that is, you listen to the content of the message but also the feelings behind the message. The skill of active listening involves paying attention with empathy to the listener, as opposed to distracted denying, cynical or ostrich behavior. (Hogan, 2000) Children and adults with autism, as well as those with other developmental disabilities, may have a dysfunctional sensory system. Sometimes one or more senses are either over- or under-reactive to stimulation. Such sensory problems may be the underlying reason for such behaviors as rocking, spinning, and hand-flapping. Although the receptors for the senses...
Words: 571 - Pages: 3
...Tammy Tevis ENG-105 Analyzing a Concept 1 May 13, 2013 Russell Tiedt Autism, ADHD and ADD: The Lasting Effects When a baby is born a parent hopes for their children to be healthy, happy and normal. No parent ever hopes to raise a child with abnormalities or handicaps yet unfortunately, a percentage of babies born will have some form of a disability. Whether the condition a child has is of the mildest form requiring only supervision or is considered severe requiring lifelong care and medication, parents stress and have difficulties dealing with the everyday life their child goes through and deals with throughout his or her life wondering if they are doing all they can to make sure their child is well taken care of. This essay will examine the effects of ADD, ADHD and autism focusing on adolescents and children with these impairments and the parents and caregivers who struggle to maintain a daily balanced life. As a mother with a son who has ADHD I can speak first hand on the struggles a parent has to face and the challenges we deal with raising a child. My son was diagnosed shortly after he began kindergarten when he first started displaying signs of anxiousness during class time and how his teacher would struggle to keep him under control. His dad and I were called in to a parent-teacher conference to discuss my son’s behavior during class. It was recommended by the teacher that we have our son evaluated for ADHD as that was what she believed he had. We made an appointment...
Words: 1238 - Pages: 5
