Diagnosis And Treatment Of Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Autism Spectrum Disorder is a brain-based developmental disorder that involves multiple abnormal perceptual, cognitive, linguistic and social behaviors. With rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder rising, it is important that we improve our understanding of the causes of the disorder and become more culturally aware and sensitive to screening for the disorder in order to find effective interventions. Understanding of the current clinical picture, etiology and treatment of ASD will be discussed.
Autism was a label coined in the early 20th century from the Greek word autos meaning “self” as it was used to refer to individuals who would “withdrawal from the fabric of social life into the self” (Hallahan, Kauffman, Pullen, 2015, pp.210). Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder typically occur before the age of three and include extreme unresponsiveness to other people, severe communication deficits, and highly rigid and repetitive behaviors, interests and activities (Comer, 2014). It is important to note that ASD includes many symptoms of varied severity. Daniel P. Hallahan, James M. Kauffman and Paige C. Pullen point out that “ the term spectrum emphasizes that the disabilities associated with ASD fall on a continuum from relatively mild to severe” (Hallahan, Kauffman, Pullen, 2015, pp. 211). According to the Diagnostic and Statistaical Manual of Mental Disorders, the symptoms for ASD are wide ranging and are divided into two general domains: “social communication impairment” and “repetitive/restricited behaviors” (Hallahan, Kauffman, Pullen, 2015, pp. 211). Children who fall towards the mild end of the spectrum are called “high functioning”. These children often have special gifts or talents in specialized areas such as math or ...

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...symptoms are the same, the cause of it from child to child differs and their reactions to the symptoms vary. Early intervention shows the greatest improvement in children with ASD. Particular treatments that help include cognitive-behavioral therapy, therapy, communication training, parent training, and community integration as well as some medications (Comer, 2014). Methods to improve communication and socialization as well as an increase in services in schools has had some success but still there are mixed results.
With prevalence rates on the rise, understanding, development, respect and support all become increasingly crucial to the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Identifying the source of this brain-based development disorder will help to determine the individualized plan that will help to hopefully cure, if not at least help improve a person living with ASD.

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