Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism has been on the rise in the past 20 years, and is getting dangerously close to reaching epidemic proportions (Zelan, 1). Statistically, Autism rates have been rising in the United States with Autism now effecting 1 in every 150 children ages 10 and younger (Zelan, 1). Autism can occur in any race and does not gender discriminate, though boys are four times more likely to have Autism than girls (Castrogiovanni). The causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism are the main aspects that most interest researchers today. If studies continue to have good results, the quality of life for Autistics could improve exponentially. Autism is a developmental disorder that has baffled researchers for years, but research breakthroughs in the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism allow for a better understanding of the condition.
There are many theories regarding Autism, however, the actual cause(s) remain unknown. Autism could have several possible triggers, but any information is still in the earliest stages of research. Genetics, familial connections, having an excess of testosterone, and vaccines have all been speculated as potential causes. Genetic testing has revealed interesting information, but no gene or genes have been linked to Autism directly. One researcher states, “Autism probably results from abnormalities in at least three to twenty genes and very likely has no single causal gene.” (Fredericks, 35) Researchers have also found that Autistics under 12 have an overall larger brain size in comparison to normal children. (Fredericks, 35) This information really expresses the need for more in-depth research regarding genetic links (Fredericks, 15). The idea that Auti...
... middle of paper ...
...oadedFiles/public/TESAutisticSpectrum.pdf>.
"Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists in diagnosis, assessment,
and treatment of autism spectrum disorders across the life span." . N.p., 2006.
Web. 6 Mar 2012. .
Schopler, Eric, Robert Reichler, and Barbara Rochen Renner. Childhood Autism Rating Scale.
Western Psychological Services, 1986. Print.
Self, Trisha L. and LaDonna S. Hale and Daiquire Crumrine. “Pharmacotherapy and Children
with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Tutorial for Speech Language Pathologists.” Language, Speech and Hearing Services in School. Vol. 41. July 2010: 367-375. Text.
“Types of Autism.” Autism-diagnosis.com. Autism Diagnosis. N.d. Web.
Zelan, Karen, Between Their World and Ours: Breakthtoughs with Autistic Children. New York:
St. Martis Press, Print. May 2003.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that effects the brains development. It is characterized by affecting communication, cognition and social interaction. The spectrum of the disorders ranges from a mild condition called Asperger’s syndrome to a more severe form, which severely impairer’s development. The Office of Communications and Public Liaison states that the disorder affects one and eighty-eight children, however ASD effects boys more frequently than girls (Office of Communications and Public Liaison, 2013). ASD emerges in all age, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The significant varied character and severity of the disorder is why ASD is considered a spectrum that poses a broad range of symptoms.
Despite its 50 year-old diagnosis, autism is still one of the mostly commonly contracted and rarely treated childhood diseases. Studies suggest that as many as 1 in 500 children may display autistic symptoms. Manifestations of this disability include the stereotypical physical contortions and hand-flapping motions commonly associated with autism, as well as inability to relate to the outside world, limited social skills, lack of concentration, and hypersensitivity to certain stimuli-particularly noise (1). Perceived causes include poor fetal development, genetics, allergies, and a lack of crucial enzymes. Because for many years the disorder was thought to be a result of poor parenting, only recent studies have begun any attempts to identify the causes of childhood autism. Many diagnosis and potential treatments have been tried only by the parents of autistics; undergoing research is still slow and often under-funded.
Admittedly, when I first chose to explore autism, I figured it would be an easier psychological issue to discuss than bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia. Only after researching autism for an hour or so, I quickly realized this was not the case. Autism may very well be one of the most complex and examined disorders, for it’s a disorder that stirs up tons of questions yet yields very few answers. So what exactly is it? What are the causes and symptoms? Is there a cure? How many people are affected by autism? Is it being properly portrayed in mainstream media? In this paper, I’ll do my very best to touch on these questions and hopefully leave the ones reading with a better understanding of this disorder.
Every year doctors diagnose thousands of adults and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Due to the growing awareness of autism and recent developments in technology, scientists and doctors can now discover and observe the effects of autism on society, and people. Starting with its discovery, researchers have been able to diagnose people more effectively. Doctors are beginning to discover what causes this disorder, and are currently trying to find ways to prevent and treat it. Many places have opened their doors to people with this disorder, creating autistic friendly environments where people are patient and understanding. Schools have also become accommodating to autistic children and adults. Autism also puts great strain on family and home lives.
According to Autism Speaks Inc. (2015) Autism, also known as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) effects about 3 million people in the United States. Autism is a development disability that typically shows during the first three years. Autism is an effect of a neurological disorder that disturbs the functioning of the brain. Autism is four more times dominant in boys than girls. Autism shows no cultural, racial or social boundaries. Family salary, lifestyle and education also does not affect the chance of autism. Autisms linked behaviors have been estimated to occur in at least 1 in 68 children. (Autism Speaks.org). I will discuss the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of Autism while also discussing an interview I had with a caregiver of a child with
Figure 1 shows the variants of autism spectrum disorders. In many cases children are either diagnosed with either Autism or PDD-NOS (Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified). Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 88 American children are diagnosed with autism, additionally exhibiting that autism is four to five times more prevalent among boys than girls. Regime autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have incremented 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years. ...
The Autism Spectrum is a mystery. With no cause or cure, researchers have been working hard, to the best of their abilities, to diagnose, treat, and educate those with autism. For centuries, since 1943, with enhanced technology, the view on autism has improved tremendously. New advancements have been developed to diagnose autism earlier, help create more successful treatments, and to help better an educational plan for people with autism.
Autism (or ASD) is a wide-spectrum disorder leading to no two people with ASD will have an exact same symptom.[2] The different variations of ASD symptoms, some people will have mild symptoms while others will have severe ones. Although ASD varies significantly in character and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group.[2] For many years ASD was uncommon - happening in just five children out of 10,000. However, since the early 1990s, the rate of autism has increased sharply around the world, as high as 60 per 10,000.[6] In March, 2012, the US federal Centers for Disease Control stated that 1 in 88 children in the US is conducted with ASDs according to estimates from CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) network.[6]...
Autism is a widely known disorder that often has many different misconceptions. Breakthrough studies and research are being done for the typical person to better understand the condition of this disorder. Autism affects many, but not all who are affected allow for their diagnosis to consume their lives. The functionality of this disorder is one that should not go undocumented or misunderstood. There is more hope out there for autistics to help them to life of a more prosperous and functioning life.
There is no known single cause of autism. Researchers are investigating a number of possible theories including genetics, heredity, medical problems, problems during pregnancy or delivery, as well as environmental influences. It is widely accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in the brain structure or function. There is evidence from neuropathological studies that autism has its origins in abnormal brain development early in prenatal life which continues postnatally, showing acceleration in brain growth measured by head circumference (Zwaigenbaum, L., Bryson, S., Rogers, T., Roberts, W., Brian, J., & Szatmari, P., 2005). The disorder also seems to have a genetic basis, although researchers have yet to find the specific genes that link to the onset of autism. There could be a cluster of genes that have somehow interfered with normal brain development and function. Studies show that twins of children with autism were more likely to be autistic themselves than the regular population, demonstrating there is a heredity lin...
In our society communication is a key component and vital to existence in success in this day in age. Not only communication but social skills, motor skills, and our basic senses are the platforms on which we build off of, well, in the world of autism communication is impacted and for that reason an audible disturbance can come off as a heavy impairment…..to the naked eye. In my experience working with autistic boys & girls has showed me the sheer beauty and honesty of how they communicate and relay their feelings and emotions. The autism spectrum disorder is commonly known. Autism has wide spectrum of severity ranging from low to high and in between. This literature review dissects the value of full functioning beings and autistic beings, and explains my interpretation of autism and their ability to find new components to life.
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder of the brain that severely impacts socialization, communication, and may even cause obsessive or repetitive behaviors. Autism delays the brain's normal development, and is also correlated with a milder form of the syndrome known as a pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-N OS). Since it was first identified in 1943, there has been increasing rate in new diagnoses each year. Muhle, Trenracoste, and Rapin (2004) found that the rate of diagnosis for Autism has risen 556% between the years of 1991 and 1997. Many feel that this increase is due to a shifting of diagnostic criteria, or newer defining characteristics of the syndrome. The expansion of the diagnostic criteria also indirectly relates to the increase of services provided for Autistic children, therefore increasing the shift. Because of this increase of diagnoses, more awareness has been brought to pediatricians, further increasing the rate in which Autism is diagnosed ("Autism," 2010). Glasson et al. (2004) found that the frequency in which the disorder is diagnosed has risen to almost 60 per 10000 people. Another factor in the increase of the diagnosis of Autism is that children are being diagnosed at a much earlier age. Parents are identifying problematic behaviors earlier in a child's life, sometimes as early as 8 months of age (Bristol-Power & Spinella 1999).
Autism usually occurs within the first three years of life, and drastically affects the development of a child. It is also the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States (Autism Project, 2014). One out of eighty- eight children is diagnosed with Autism, and boys are five times more likely to be diagnosed (ASDS 2013). Many areas of development are affected by autism. This is a disease that disturbs the brains normal development of communication, social interaction, and sensory processing (Inc 2013).
Autism is most common and most missed diagnosed disease. Autism is considered as a spectrum because each person have their own personal trait and characteristic. “Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult, since there is no medical test, like blood test, to diagnose the disorders. They look at the child’s behavior to make a diagnosis” (www.cdc.gov). Some parents are in denial with this disease and will not get the early intervention that could help. We need to educate as much as possible about autism. Autism is a lifelong condition and with early detection, intervention and therapy. This can help to increase skills and abilities to help children grow and reduce the symptoms cause by this
Autism is a developmental disorder which affects many small aspects of the person's life and can sometimes affect major parts. Autism affects 1 in 68 children and for most it’s a lifelong