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Childhood and Cognitive Disorders

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Childhood and Cognitive disorders
Nicole Foster
Psy 410
February 24, 2014
Sarah Wyckoff

Childhood and Cognitive disorders
Autism- a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.
Biological Components – Many experts feel that Autism is caused by biological factors. The cause of Autism has yet to be identified and a cure had not yet been discovered. As the years have passed important information in regards to the source that Autism has some biological components has emerged sparking the hope for a cure. Genetic factors “studies of monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs show that autism has an extremely strong genetic component” (page 517 Hansell, Damour). In some studies it is shown that Autism may be linked to having an older father, Autism appears in equal number of sons and daughters of older fathers. Anatomical Anomalies – researchers have shown that it appears to be a disruption in people suffering from Autism (chapter 13 page 517). Children who suffer from Autism according to Dr. Eric Courchesne. “In addition to anomalies in brain size the white matter of people suffering from Autism grows excessively and asymmetrically” (page 518 Hansell, Damour).White matter shows the communication function in the brain, persons suffering from Autism display less white matter in their brain then in someone who is not suffering from Autism. Prenatal, Birth and neuro-chemical factor, there is a list of prenatal birth complications that have been linked to Autism but nothing is said to be the 100 percent cause of Autism. Maternal bleeding, prematurity, breech birth, forceps deliveries show a hire result of Autistic births. There seems to be a link between birth and Autism what it is has not yet been discovered. There is really no intervention that can be given biological for the cause of Autism so the intervention would be steps most parents take in the process of trying, becoming, and bringing life into the world. Behavior Components- are widely used in the treatment of Autism, operant conditioning is the main principal used. This along with behavioral intervention is used to teach Autistic children “language, communication skills. Self care, and community adaption” ( page 519 Hansell , Damour). Children are normally put on a positive reinforcement routine were positive behavior such as talking, making eye contact are rewarded and negative behavior , yelling ,over stemming are redirected or given a consequence. Psychodynamic Components- This is different when it comes to Autism because some psychodynamic therapists feel that Autism is caused by parents. Children who are Autistic are born “normal” until some child hood trauma caused them to withdraw and shut down communication. This of course is a very rare belief in this day and age. And treatments are set up to help families deal with the difficulties of dealing with a child Autism.
ADHD- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able control behavior, or a combination of these. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for a person's age and development.
Biological Components- “At present evidence suggest that many cases of ADHD result at least in part, from genetic and neurological factors” (pg 522 Hansel, Damour). ADHD is shown to be partly inherited, parents who have children with ADHD more than likely suffer from ADHD themselves. Medication can be taken that will slow down the nervous system. This seems to have the opposite effect on children with ADHD it has a calming effect. Psychodynamic Component- ADHD systems are also seen in children who are experiencing emotional distress clinicians have to make sure that the child is truly suffering from ADHD. When diagnosing a child with ADHD a process of elimination should be used, when the behavior occurs and why. (ch.13 Hansel, Damour)
Behavioral /Cognitive Components- are designed to help parents using family systems it also incorporates behavioral and cognitive components. It works with an award and consequence system positive behavior is rewarded is rewarded negative has a consequence. In conclusion when it comes to children and abnormal behavior it is very hard to diagnose the process is long and drawn out. Because children go through so many changes and any little thing can make them have a great day or not it is hard to diagnose little Tommy with ADHD maybe he is just not getting something that he needs from home. It’s hard to say that I think my 1 year old is Autistic because he isn’t talking maybe he is not ready to talk or doesn’t feel the need to talk. There are so many issues when it comes to this but as we grow as a society the ability to determine the cause of these disorders will come to light.

References
Hansell, J and Damour, L 2008 Abnormal Psychology 2nd addition Hoboken NJ Wiley

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