Autism Spectrum Disorders

1735 Words4 Pages

This paper will discuss the characteristics or Autism Spectrum Disorder, including its symptoms, treatments, and possible causes. This paper will also highlight the differences between Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) and Asperger Disorder(AD). Autism spectrum disorders effect one in 110 births in the United States. Autism spectrum disorders are severe, incurable developmental disorders whose symptoms, including impairments in social interaction and communication, emerge during the first two years of life. Asperger disorder distinguishes from Autistic disorder because its presence may not become clear until primary school, when its social and behavioral effects become problematic. Autism spectrum disorders, a research paper written by Bruce Tonge and Avril Brereton, reveals that “Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are serious neurodevelopmental disorders affecting approximately one in 160 Australians.” There is no single known cause for autism, but genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its onset. Although no case of autism is identical, several common symptoms help to identify that a person is suffering from the disorder. For diagnosis of Autism, problems in communication, socialization, and/or restricted behavior must be present before the age of three. The Department of Health and Human Services explains that ASD usually appears between 12 and 36 months. Possible indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorders include the child not babbling, pointing, or making meaningful gestures by the age of one, the child not speaking one word by 16 months, the child not combining two words by age two, and the child's inability to respond to its name. Other indicators include poor eye contact, appearing to have impaired hearing, excessi... ... middle of paper ... ...is a two-stage process composed of a screening and a comprehensive diagnostic screening. Although incurable, there are medication and therapy options that can lessen the symptoms of autism-spectrum-disorders. Works Cited Research Paper: Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Bruce Tonge and Avril Brereton http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/ http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-MADS00348/Autism?q=autism+causes#causes http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2005/feb/12/weekend7.weekend2 http://www.healthcommunities.com/autism/children/causes-of-autism.shtml http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism/complete-index.shtml http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asd.cfm http://www.healthguideinfo.com/aspergers-syndrome/p31859/

In this essay, the author

  • Explains the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder, including its symptoms, treatments, and possible causes. autism spectrum disorders affect one in 110 births in the united states.
  • Explains that autism spectrum disorders are serious neurodevelopmental disorders affecting approximately one in 160 australians. there is no single cause for autism, but genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its onset.
Show More

More about Autism Spectrum Disorders

Open Document