Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Disability knowledge and analysis-Autism The term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses 5 neurobiological disorders (Phetrasuwan). These include Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett’s Disorder (Phetrasuwan). Autism itself can be diagnosed in about 1 out of every 88 children, and it is estimated that it is more prevalent in boys than in girls (autismspeaks.org). All children with ASD have issues with social and communication skills, however, the range of these developmental delays vary by individual (music in SpEd book). While the characteristics of ASD last throughout the individual’s life, with the aid of interventions

Behavioral difficulties with ASD can range from intense to mild, and it is beneficial to decipher antecedents and consequences to better develop strategies and adaptations to facilitate the appropriate behaviors (music in sped book). While behavioral issues can be present in children with ASD, many may not exhibit any that require treatment (managing problem behaviors). The problems that do manifest in some individuals can come out as self-injurious or aggression towards others (Exceptional lives book?). Some of the behaviors displayed by those with ASD may also be symptoms of anxiety or stress, including pacing, becoming distracted, acting out, nail biting, and other repetitive actions (autismspeeks.org). Socially, mild deficit can be making and maintaining eye contact to more severe and not being able to share experiences and interest with others (music in sped book). It can be seen in only a few months of age many do not make eye contact, they may also seem indifferent to others and may resist attention (autismspeeks.org). Children with ASD can become hyperfocused or obsessed on objects, in a classroom setting this can take the form of a toy or any other stimuli. A child with ASD can develop more appropriate social behaviors through trainings, and over time their abilities to interact, make friends, inclusion into a classroom and social skills can be enhanced (music in

These conditions include, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, Depression, Bipolar I and II, and Addiction (MT mental health book). Every year it is estimated that 1 in 5 adults will experience some form of a mental health condition, and 1 in 20 lives with a serious mental illness (nami.org). Most conditions manifest by the age of 24 (75%) although 50% can manifest by the age of 14 (nami.org). PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder that can be cause by direct or indirect exposure to traumatic experience, either actual or threatened (Research Starters). Symptoms of this disorder typically manifest 3 months following the traumatic event, but can have a delayed onset years later