Giving a speech in front of classmates. Hugging a best friend after a rough day. Changing up the daily routine at school. These are a few examples of activities most Autistic children consider as their worst nightmare. Even though a child with Autism could be, and probably is, brilliant, they find themselves trapped inside. The Autistic Spectrum Disorder, universally known as Autism, is a disease that causes a child to face mental, physical, and emotional challenges.
“A wealth of new brain research is lifting the veil” on Autism and revealing its effects on a child`s mind (Cray and Wallis 43). Neuroscientist Eric Courchesne at Children`s Hospital of San Diego revealed that “while children with autism are born with ordinary-size brains, they experience a rapid expansion by age two” (Cray and Wallis 45). Much of this growth is due to the excessive amount of white matter, the nerve fibers that link different areas of the brain. The abundance of white matter has led doctors to believe Autism to be a problem with the way the brain is wired. Marcel Just, director of Carnegie Mellon`s Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wrote that “there is a lack of synchronization” between the different areas of the brain (Cray and Wallis 46). Local areas of the brain, such as the frontal lobes and the amygdala, are over-connected while links between more distant regions, such as the right and left hemispheres, are poorly connected. One area of the Autistic brain that is enlarged is the amygdala. The amygdala`s job is to assess threats in the environment or in emotional and social behavior. It could be enlarged due to the fact that autistic children maintain a high level of anxiety when having to relate to other people. Ano...
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Structure and function can not be separated from one another and changes in one indicate alterations in the other. Because an autistic person has brain defects, a reasonable assumption is made that changes in structure will alter the behavior. An autistic person is characterized by having impaired social interaction, difficulty with communication both verbal and nonverbal, trouble with imagination, and limited activities and interests. By analyzing the abnormal behaviors of the autistic person, the roles that the cerebellum, the corpus callosum, the amygdala, and the hippocampus play in the disease can be inferred.
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Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. . Center for the Study of Autism. Web. 23 October 2011.
First off, autism is not a form of mental retardation despite what the general public may have you believe. In actuality, autism, which was first described by Kanner (1943) in his study of 11 children with “autistic disturbances of affective contact” (US: American Psychological Ass...
application to autism and autism related disorders. (pp. 15-32). Iowa City, IA: Springer Science and Business Media
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most common developmental disabilities in our society today. Most commonly delineated with impairments in social and cognitive processes, specifically social interaction (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2006). Today, this disability is more prevalent than in year’s prior, and continues to complicate the lives of many individuals. Although ASD is a social disorder, some research also provides evidence of a deficit in an individual’s perception of movement, which too stems from both social and cognitive processes (Kasier & Shiffrar, 2009).
Autism is a neurological developmental disability that affects a person’s behavior and communication skills (AutismResearchNetwork.org). Commonly, those with Autism are diagnosed very early in childhood. Autism is the fastest- growing developmental disability known, with its prevalence appearing in 1 out of every 68 births (www.autismspeaks.org). The autism spectrum is so large, ranging from mild to severe symptoms, that no two people diagnosed are alike. With autism being the most common disorder among the human race (www.webmd.com), doctors and science, have come together to improve the technology in helping those with autism in many ways. 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. There are many theories but no known single cause for autism. There are also many treatments but no known cure for autism. In my paper, I am going to review the technology aspect into this disorder. Technology has enhanced different treatments, enabled earlier diagnoses, and furthered education levels in those with autism. The focus of my report will be on these three categories; diagnoses, treatments and education.
A couple of autistic children tend to excel in intelligence as about 40% have above average intellectual disabilities (“What is Autism,1”). Their talent is also impressive, “Many of the positively affected excel in visual skills, music, math and art” (“What is Autism,1”). ASD proves to be a disorder that may luckily impact a person’s life in a positive manner. Despite there being some positivity in autism, there is also a negative side. Autistic children may struggle in their daily lives as “ASD causes difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues” (“What is Autism,2”).The disorder causes abnormalities that create uncomfortability such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances (“What is Autism,2”). ASD also has the ability to antagonize life. ASD will either positively affect someone’s life, or make it an
John, L.R.; Morrow, Eric M.; Walsh, Christopher A. “Autism and Brain Development”. The Cell, 2008, 135:396–400.
Autism is a form of neurodevelopment disorder in the autism spectrum disorders. It is characterized by impaired development in social interactions and communication, both verbal and non-verbal. There is an observed lack of spontaneous acts of communication; both receptive and expressed, as well as speech impairments. A person diagnosed with Autism will also show a limited range of activities and interests, as well as forming and maintain peer relationships. The individuals will display limited interests, which are often very focused and repetitive. He or she is likely to be very routine oriented and may show behavioral symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggressiveness, and self-injurious behaviors.
Autism is a brain dysfunction genetically passed down and resulting with abnormalities in the corpus callosum which allows for one to efficiently communicate. Amygdala which facilitates regular emotions and social behavior, and lastly the cerebellum which determines hand eye and motor skill as well as neuron activity that affect the brain in autism. Spect scans of children with autism show an unusual amount of nerve fibers in the brain. At birth their brains are disproportionately smaller than most beings but in short lapse of a year there brains grow rapidly and above average for their age at a year and a half old. All these facets play a role in the main reasoning for lack of transmission from one side to the other (delaying responses and reactions). In scientific research there is no clear explanation of which autism originates or is spawne...
Andrews, K. (2002). Interpreting autism: a critique of Davidson on thought and language. Philosophical Psychology, 15(3). Retrieved from:
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).
Every person with autism has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Some autistic people mildly affected may exhibit only slight delays in language and communication and greater challenges with social interactions. The abilities of an autistic child may fluctuate from day to day due to difficulties in processing, concentration or anxiety. They may show evidence of learning one day, but not the next. Learning can be affected by external stimuli and anxiety. They may have average or above average verbal, memory or spatial skills but find it difficult to be imaginative or join in activities with others.