Download Autism Spectrum Disorder

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
By: Nicholas Brooks and
McKensey Heins
WHAT IS AUTISM?
The cause of autism is still a puzzling question we have
today. Over the years the research has grown into what
we currently understand. We now know many genes
are linked to the cause of ASD also known as Autism
Spectrum Disorder. A huge issue is our understanding
of these genes. Over one thousand genes have been
linked to autism but no clear distinction of a cause has
been discovered
Autism is neurodevelopmental disorders characterized
by social and communication impairments, repetitive
behaviors, and sensory reactivity issues.
People with this disorder usually have intellectual issues,
poor motor skills, problems paying attention, and even
problems sleeping.
THEN WHAT IS THE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER?
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is
relatively new. Research in the past only
focused on the worst form of autism, now it
is focused on the entire spectrum of the
disorder.
The Autistic Spectrum Disorder is not just
Autism, but also Asperger Syndrome, and
Pervasive Development Disorder.
Within the spectrum there is a wide range
of symptoms, skills, and the level of
impairment.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
Currently there are no causes of (ASD). Some believe
vaccinations as being the cause. Scientists have disproved this
theory but, many still believe in this theory. The National
Autism Association believes,” Vaccinations can trigger or
exacerbate autism in some, if not many, children, especially
those who are genetically predisposed to immune,
autoimmune or inflammatory conditions” (“Causes of”, n.d.).
Scientists have found many other links to the cause of autism.
Being exposed to pesticides, certain pharmaceuticals, and
even the distance away from highways are possible causes of
autism. The age of the mother is also a contributing factor.
The National Autism Association also stated, “A study found
that women who are 40 years old have a 50 percent greater
risk of having a child with autism than women who are
between 20 and 29 years old” (“Causes of”, n.d.). All the
theories proven or not are something to
ARE THERE ANY SIGNS?
The symptoms of a child with (ASD) vary from child to child. Most common symptoms
are their sensitivity to touch, some sort of self-stimulation, and limited talking. As a
child they are likely to cry more. Their sensitivity to touch makes the early stages of
life extremely difficult. Simply being picked up and touched in anyway could make
them cry. Self-stimulation is a way a person with (ASD) copes. Usually they flap their
arms everywhere and rock back in forth. The intensity of the flapping and swaying
back in forth could determine if they are going to have a tantrum. So many things
can bother a person with (ASD). A simple thing out of place, how loud it is, and even
the lighting could alter their mood. Phycology Today stated,” A toddler may throw
himself on the supermarket floor and exhibit the signs of a temper tantrum. That is
what a sensory meltdown can look like in a young child” (“Why do”, n.d.).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO1W7iXTSQE
GETTING HELP
. Since there is no medical test,” specially trained physicians and
psychologists administer autism-specific behavioral evaluations”
(“How is”, n.p.). These evaluations are critical for the child’s life).
Without the evaluation many parents wouldn’t know the proper
ways to handle a child with (ASD).The evaluations, “involves a
multi-disciplinary team of doctors including a pediatrician,
psychologist, speech and language pathologist and occupational
therapist. Genetic testing may likewise be recommended, as well as
screening for related medical issues such as sleep difficulties. This
type of comprehensive examination helps parents understand as
much as possible about their child's strengths and needs. (For local
and regional centers specializing in the coordinated medical care
of children and adolescents with autism” (“How is”, n.p.). These
specially trained physicians help give guidance to the parents to
better the child’s life.
STEREOTYPES
People with the Autism Spectrum Disorder appear as being
weird and uneducated to many individuals. This is not true.
Many people with the Autism Spectrum Disorder can be highly
educated in some cases. There are many examples of children
with autism that excel in school. www.autismspeaks.org gives us
a chart of displaying not only the strengths but their challenges
as well.
Strengths
Attention to detail
Often highly skilled in a particular area
Deep study resulting in encyclopedic knowledge on areas of interest
Tendency to be logical (helpful in decisionmaking where emotions may
interfere)
Challenges
Grasping the “big” picture
Uneven set of skills
Difficulty in developing motivation to study areas not of interest
Difficulty perceiving emotional states of other
Perceiving unwritten rules of social interaction. But can learn these
Less concern for what others may think of them (can be a strength and
rules through direct instruction and social narratives social as Power
a challenge).
Cards (Gagnon, 2004)
Also known as independent thinking. Often results in novel "big
Difficulty processing in non-favorite modalities such as aural,
picture" insights due to different ways of looking at things, ideas, and kinesthetic, etc.
concepts.
Usually visual processing (thinking in pictures or video)
Difficulty parsing out and summarizing important information for a
conversation
Often very verbal (Propensity of giving detailed descriptions may be Sensory integration problems where input may register unevenly,
useful in providing directions to lost persons)
distorted, and difficulty in screening out background noise
Direct communication
Loyalty
Honesty
Nonjudgemental listening
Average to above average intelligence
Honesty
Generalization of skills and concepts
Difficulty expressing empathy in ways that others expect or
understand
Executive functioning resulting in difficulties planning long-term tasks
OUR VIDEOS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4G0HTIUBlI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO1W7iXTSQE
WORK CITED PAGE
Why do children and adults with autism act the way they do? (Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist)
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-autism-advocate/201106/why-do-children-and-adults-autism-act-the-way-they-do
Autistic Kids Learn To Survive, And Thrive, In College (NPR)
By: Hood, Grace.
http://www.npr.org/2011/04/13/135345982/colleges-address-autistic-students-struggles
Causes of Autism (National Autism Association RSS)
http://nationalautismassociation.org/about-autism/causes-of-autism/
About autism (Autism)