...Redefining Autism as a Disability Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Introduction The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has been on the rise with autism amongst infants topping the list leaving many puzzling mysteries. The causes, effects, signs, symptoms, and treatment for autism have left many unresolved questions in the medical world. By bearing in mind viewpoints of autistics themselves, together with evidence from medical journals, it becomes apparent that autism spectrum disorders are not always the debilitating conditions as portrayed. Recent studies consider Autism a broad spectrum condition implying the degree on how it affects different individuals varies from mild to severe. In fact, autism indeed associates with a number of abilities with precise focus on intelligence, communication, and social skills (Wall, 2010, p.49). This article calls into question the idea autism is indeed a traditional disability and argues a new comprehensive understanding of autism ought to be taken into account. Body From the medical perspective, autism can be defined as complex development regression characterized by difficulties in social interaction, impaired verbal and non-verbal abilities, and acute responses to sensory stimulations such as sound (Schopler, 1994, p.82). Autistic individuals show less interest in the environment surrounding them, and have a lifelong disability on how they communicate, and interact to others. In addition, such individuals usually find...
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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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...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...
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...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 being Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive development and language, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (commonly...
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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...
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...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. A...
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... 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. Autism Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. This is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning...
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...ST. PAUL’S UNIVERSITY DEPT: COURSE: UNIT CODE: UNIT NAME: REG. NO: FULL NAMES: LECTURER: SUBMISSION DATE: Introduction It is right to say that autism is a disability and wrong to say that it is a mental disorder. However much people may think that autism appears to be a mental disorder, it is not. Autism occurs when there is a problem in the central nervous system. Autism is only a mental deficiency. Some autism victims clearly communicate and interact with the rest of the community while others need a lifetime of specialist support. It is a spectrum condition which means that while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition affect them in different ways. Autism victims experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colors. People with autism are more likely than the general population to have accompanying problems such as dyslexia (difficulty with reading, spelling and/or writing), dyspraxia (severe difficulty with tasks requiring fine motor skills such as drawing or writing) and digestive problems. They are also vulnerable to developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Causes of Autism Autism can be caused by a variety of physical factors all of which affect brain development. The abnormal blood vessels functioning in the body causes ineffectual oxidation throughout the nervous system and this causes autism. Genetics is another cause for autism. Evidence suggests that genetic factors generate...
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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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...Introduction/ Statement of Area Psychology is a vast field with several areas to focus on or specialize in as one grows and develops throughout his or her psychological career. One of the most popular fields of psychology is clinical psychology. Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the assessment and treatment of mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychiatric problems. This field integrates the science of psychology with the treatment of complex human problems, making it an exciting career choice for people who are looking for a challenging and rewarding field. Within this field, there are many specializations, and those who achieve their Ph. D (Doctor of Philosophy) or Psy. D (Doctor of Psychology) can choose from several career options. Many work in hospitals, schools, government jobs, and private practices. Those who achieve a Ph. D in clinical psychology have chosen the most flexible option of the two. A Ph. D in clinical psychology is both scientifically and behaviorally focused allowing those who finish the program can work in clinical, research or educational settings. Whereas, those with Psy. D have completed coursework that is more specifically geared towards counseling in mental health settings. Clinical psychologists often have to diagnose and assess people with mental disorders. There are different tracks within clinical psychology that one can choose to specialize in, such as adult clinical psychology or child clinical psychology. With...
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...Autism’s Rise Autism: Will the rise continue? Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, is a widespread complex brain disorder that has affected many children. There are many different forms and levels of ASD, for example, Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. According to the article Diseases and Conditions from the Mayo Clinic Staff, autistic children may possess social interaction or behavior pattern problems. Social interaction characteristics may include: little or no speech, abnormal tone or rhythm, repetition of words, little facial expressions and eye contact. Additionally, behavior pattern characteristics can include: rocking, spinning, flapping, constant movement, possible sensitivity towards light or sound, and may be uncooperative towards...
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...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 being Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive development and language, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (commonly abbreviated as PDD-NOS), which is diagnosed when the full set of criteria for autism or Asperger syndrome are not met. There are different unknown causes of autism but the condition is linked to biology and chemical abnormality in the brain, the children and parents affected with autism face different challenges to live a normal life. Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research. There are probably combinations of factors that lead to autism. Genetic factors are important causes of autism. Also, language abnormalities are more common in relatives of autistic children. Chromosomal abnormalities and other nervous system (neurological) problems are also more common in families with autism. Several lines of evidence point to synaptic dysfunction as a cause of autism. Some rare mutations may lead to autism by disrupting some synaptic pathways, such as those involved with cell adhesion. Gene replacement studies in mice suggest that autistic symptoms are closely related to later developmental steps that depend on activity in synapses and on activity-dependent...
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...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 three main groups, and two rare, severe autistic like conditions; Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, autistic disorder, Rett's syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder (Web MD, 2010). There is no one type of autism, every individual case is unique. The type of behaviors and severity differ in every individual case. Autism affects the way that children behave,...
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...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 a “Child Psychiatrist” and who while at John Hopkins University Hospital wrote a paper on autism called "Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact" (Wikipedia ), this paper continues to the basis for autism disorder today. And many...
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