Autism continues to spark countless discussions and debates throughout the medical field. Some doctors believe that autism is a neurological disorder that can and should be treated, as others continue to think it is simply a difference in human adaption that needs to be nurtured and acknowledged. Regardless of what autism may be, it continues to dramatically rise in the number of children and families affected. With autism being based on such a broad spectrum, the affects and causes leaves the medical world searching for answers in unending stacks of research.
Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder, which affects impairments in social interaction, communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. Before May 2013, autism disorders were viewed in different subgroups labeled as autistic disorder, disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder and Asperger syndrome, but noticing the broad relations to each they have now been merged into a single diagnosis called Autism spectrum disorder. The CDC has found that, “More of an impact is shown towards males as it affects an estimated one out of forty-two boys and only one out of a hundred and eighty-nine girls”. One out of sixty-eight American children fall on the Autism Spectrum There has been a ten to seventeen-percent increase annually over recent years, though there is no real explanation to this, it is most likely due to the recent awareness being taken in this disorder.
Autism begins to affect brain
Autism spectrum disorders are a class of developmental disorders that impair social skills, behavior, and communication (Center for Disease Control). ASDs are considered ‘spectrum’ disorders because each patient has a unique experience in the nature and severity of their symptoms (Center for Disease Control). Under the umbrella of ASDs, there are three types of disorders, including Autistic disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (Center for Disease Control). Autistic disorder is the most severe of the three, and patients exhibit significant problems with language, communication, and behavior (Center for Disease Control). Furthermore, people with Autistic disorder often have some intellectual impairment (Center for Disease Control). Asperger Syndrome is a milder form of autistic disorder where patients have some developmental delays, but their language and intellect are not affected (Center for Disease Control). The mildest of the ASDs is the pervasive developmental disorder. These patients usually don’t meet all of the criteria for autistic disorder, but do show some signs of social and communication problems (Center for Disease Control). The number of children diagnosed with ASD is growing, and currently 1 in 88 children fall somewhere on the spectrum (Mari-Bauset et al., 2013). Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism, and while the exact cause of these disorders is unknown, both genetic and
Autism is a developmental disability that affects all areas of behavior and perception. Approximately 10 out of every 10,000 children are diagnosed with autism and four out of five are males. Autism is the third most common developmental disability, more common than Down Syndrome. Children with Autism are characterized by impairment in several areas of development such as: Cognitive, Language, Play/Socialization skills and exhibit many challenging behaviors. Behavior Patterns of Autism:
Today, we are seeing a rising increase in the occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. What once used to be a rare disorder is now commonly recognized in the medical field as well as in the community. Not only is autism a health issue in itself, but many health issues come along with the disorder. This paper will discuss the description of the population, the top health issues and their relevance, and interventions and outcomes that can help reduce these health issues in this specific population.
Many of us have heard about Autism, also knows as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some have a family member, a friend, or know someone who has ASD. Increasingly it is becoming a more common disability. “Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S” (Autism Speaks). Autism has no respect for gender, race, social class and or ethnicity. “Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain.” (Autism Center of Excellence) People who have autism have a lot of difficulties with social skills, communication and also will develop behavior issues. These behavior problems of an individual with autism can vary at times and can go from mild to severe. According to the Autism Science Foundation it says,” Many people with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASD can vary—from gifted to severely challenged.” The causes and symptoms, as well as the diagnosis, and the treatments of autism vary.
Autism is one of the most common disorders among children in the United States. Autism affects 1 in 68 children (Center for Disease Control, 2014). By comparison, this is more children than are affected by diabetes, AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy or Down syndrome – combined (Autism Speaks, 2012). Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls. This disorder typically appears during the first three years of life.
In the United States, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that between 1 in 80 and 1 in 240, for an average of 1 in 110 children have an autism spectrum disorder, “ASD” (Nirv, Shah 2011). According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, up to six out of every 1,000 children may be diagnosed with some form of autism. In addition, boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism. This means that as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. Unfortunately, the numbers appear to be increasing rapidly. Autism is a disability that frequently appears during the first three years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the
The history of autism dates back to about one hundred years ago, the word autism was by Eugene bleuler in 1908 to describe a group of people similar to schizophrenia. Later in the 1940s the united states began to use it to describe a group of children with emotional and social problems. Autism and schizophrenia were regarded in the same context, till 1960 when medical professionals began to separate their understanding of autistic children. For a very long time autism and psychosis continued to be confused and till this day many parents find a hard time understanding the real meaning of autism and till this day researchers still haven’t found the cause of autism. Autism is a complexed
Parents of an autistic children might ask, “why did my child develop autism?” Well scientists, doctors and researchers have came to a conclusion that autism is not only a disorder but a spectrum. “Autism Spectrum Disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM -5) in 2013, autistic disorder were classified as distinct subtypes, includes Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative (CDD), and pervasive development disorder (PDD)” (“Autism Opposing Viewpoints”). Autism is a characterized by symptoms sach as inability to socialize, hyperactive, and are likely to have severe intellectual disabilities, which is categories as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Scientists and doctors have said that the cause of autism
Autism is a pervasive, lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder or disability that is behaviourally described. It is often presented early on in the individuals life and affects how they communicates with and relate to other people. The term Autism was first coined by doctor and Austrian American psychiatrist Leo Kanner in the 1940’s (Kanner, 1943). The naming of this disorder has changed many times over the years from Childhood Schizophrenia to Psychosis to Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which has led it to land on the current language; ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’. It is important to understand that we are labelling the individuals with Autism as such after looking at symptoms and trying to define them because it becomes necessary for diagnosis as well as to provide services. Autism was first included in the DSM-III 30 years ago which was when we first recognised Autism as a distinctive category. Since then it has undergone a series of changes, one of which is the revised DSM-III in 1987 that first provided the inclusion of pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. These continuous changes are normal and needed within the diagnostic criteria, and as research continues, it is likely that changes will occur in the future. The revised DSM-5 Criteria for Autism spectrum disorder defines and classifies the disorder not solely on the presence of impairments or deficits, but also by the severity to which these impairments are present (American Psychiatric
One the biggest psychological disorders in our society is childhood autism. Childhood autism is defined as “A pervasive developmental disorder defined by the presence of abnormal and/or impaired development that is manifest before the age of 3 years, and by the characteristic type of abnormal functioning in all three areas of social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviour.” (MHresource.org). Furthermore, boys are three to four more times likely to develop childhood autism than girls (MHresources.org). Statistics also show that the prevalence of childhood autism in births is one in fifty-nine and has grown 119.4 percent from 2000 to 2010 (CDC). Now, researchers are looking into what causes childhood autism. They are
According to the CDC, autism is “a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges (Facts About Autism, 2016)”. Autism was first discussed in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner, after he observed 11 children who had fixations on the inanimate environment rather than people (Quick Facts About Autism). It affects about one percent of the population, and is
Many people know someone who’s life has been affected by Autism. Awareness of Autism is on the rise and the discovery of both the etiology and the cure for Autism can be achieved. Autism can create strain on families and impacts both the family ad individual’s lives. People with Autism can live fulfilling lives and be functional members of society through treatment and
Autism affects many different individuals in today’s society. In fact, 1 in 68 people have some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (“Autism Fact Sheet”). It affects every race and ethnic group but studies have shown it is typically shown more in males. Autism indicates a group of complicated neurodevelopment disorders depicted by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and struggles with social communication and interaction. There is no exact cause of autism but it is believed that certain genes are associated with the disorder. Researchers have noticed some differences in some regions of the brain. It is also believed that genetics and environment may play a role.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an intricate developmental disability. Symptoms appear during early stages of childhood and affect a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. According to the Center for Disease Control, their latest statistics show that 1 out of 68 children have been identified with having autism spectrum disorder. Autism affects many who have been diagnosed differently because of the wide range of symptoms and levels of functioning that take place. Early signs of Autism are, not being able to verbalize a single word by age 16 months, overly focused on a certain object, avoids making eye contact, doesn’t respond to their name, does not smile or respond in social environments. The severity of ASD varies greatly. There is no correct answer as to what causes Autism, but Scientist believe genetics and the environment play a key role. With an early diagnosis from a licensed medical professional and early treatment, children can enjoy a healthy, fun and memorable childhood, and grow to become productive members of society. An excellent treatment for children with
Tens of millions of people have been diagnosed with Autism worldwide, effecting both genders, all races, ethnicities and people from all socioeconomic classes. In 2010 a Surveillance Summary was conducted in the United States, where it identified that one in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). It has been recognised