...Research has found that children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at an exceptionally increased risk of developing comorbid mental health conditions, with the most common comorbid mental health conditions reported alongside ASD being anxiety disorders (Brereton, Tonge, & Einfeld, 2006; Skokauskas & Gallagher, 2011). In fact, previous studies have found that anywhere from 11-84% of individuals with ASD experience clinically significant levels of anxiety (White, Oswald, Ollendick, & Scahill, 2009). The ASD population experiences much greater levels of anxiety than typically developing children (APA, 2000). The symptoms associated with anxiety can severely impact a child’s ability to participate in a variety of school,...
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...AUTISTIC SPECTRUM 1 Autistic Spectrum Disorder Clinton T. Ashe Professor: Dr. Janice Spagenburg February18, 2013 AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2 Autism Spectrum Disorders Autism is a disorder that use to affect an estimated 3.4 out of every 1,000 children ages 3-10. And now research suggests that autism now affects 1 out of 110 children. These types of Disorders can cause disruption in families and unfulfilled lives for many children who have this disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorders range from a severe form which is called autistic disorder to a mild form known as Asperger syndrome. The risk for this disorder is higher for males than females. In 1942 while working at John Hopkins Hospital, Dr. Leo Kanner conducted a study with a group of 11 children and at the end of the study introduced the label of “early infantile autism” into the English language. During that same time frame and half way around the world, Dr. Hans Asperger described a lesser form of the disorder that became known as “asperger syndrome”. These two disorders have been described and are currently listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as two out of five pervasive developmental disorders and are often referred to as autism spectrum disorders...
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...The Autism Spectrum Disorder is a very broad disorder, ranging from a brilliant scientist to a person who remains nonverbal with a severe disability. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of neural developmental disabilities that can cause impaired social interactions, communication, and restrict and repetitive behavior challenge. Due to the increase of children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is important for people to understand the effects of ASD. Knowing the causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of Autism Spectrum Disorder, will help in early detection and acceptance. There is no absolute known cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The abnormalities, likely caused during fetal development, are centered...
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...Autism Spectrum Syndrome is a term used to describe abnormalities in neurological and brain developments. People affected by Autism suffer a wide range of symptoms with varying severities. Autism is characterized by symptoms such as social impairments, difficulties in emotional connection and communication, and repeated stereotyped behaviors such as hang flapping and rocking (as cited in Uno, Y., Uchiyama, T., Kurosawa, M., Aleksic, B, and Ozaki, N, 2012). Since the discovery of the fist vaccines up until now, thousands of lives have been saved. Contagious diseases speared so rapidly and the effects can be devastating and sometimes irreversible. Infectious diseases spread quickly in communities; in the past some of these diseases effected large...
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...Autism is part of a group of neurological disorders. There are two specified groups pertaining to autism. Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). within PDD-NOS falls Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorders. Autism is referred to in today’s medical field as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). (NICHD.gov) Although there are different level of autism; levels referring to severity, everyone that has autism falls under the category of “ASD“, Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism affects the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. This disorder makes it hard for them to relate to the outside world. It is hard for them to communicate with others. Aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present in some cases. (Autism Speaks, 2009) The word "Autism," which has used for the last one-hundred years, comes from the Greek word "autos," meaning "self." The term describes conditions in which a person is removed from social interaction (self removed). Eugene Bleuler, who was a Swiss psychiatrist, was the first person to use the term Autism in 1911 (Wikipedia ). Autism research and discovery is greatly in part to the research of Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist who became the first physician in the world to be titled...
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...What is autism? Definition Autism is a severely incapacitating developmental disorder of brain function characterized by three major types of symptoms: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. The definition of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is provided by the Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Children with autism are less able to interact with the world as other children do. To provide a comprehensive definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder, there are separate labels given to children with autism for different points on the Autism spectrum. At the least affected end, you may find labels such as "Asperger's Syndrome", "High Functioning Autism" and "Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified" (PDD-NOS). At the other end of the spectrum you may find labels such as "Autism", "Classic Autism" and "Kanner Autism". Description Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. The diagnostic criteria require that symptoms become apparent before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood. It is one of three recognized disorders in the autism spectrum (ASDs), the other two...
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...August 8, 2011 Project Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) “Putting Together the Pieces” Introduction:. The diagnosis of autism in one’s child can shatter a parent. There is a substantial amount of confusion and controversy found in all areas of the disorder, from diagnosis to treatment. Most parents who seek treatment for a child labeled with autism face many dead-ends and obstacles concerning what are best for their child. . Having a child who is autistic will be a struggle throughout both of your lives. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) adversely affects a child’s communication, socialization, and behavior. It has symptoms ranging from mild cognitive, social, and behavioral deficits to more severe symptoms where children may suffer from intellectual disabilities and be nonverbal. The five subtypes of ASD are: Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Because each are so broad, I narrowed down my research to Autism Disorder, a sever disorder that affects the development and function of the brain. It causes problems in such areas as social contact, emotional response, intelligence, language and speech impediments, along with ritualistic or compulsive behaviors, as well as different responses to the environment that an autistic individual may have that differ with individuals not having autism would exhibit. I will be talking generally about the...
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...Final Paper: Autism in Children: Conceptualizing the Complexities Genesis Cuesta The Chicago School of Professional Psychology December 13, 2012 Autism is a disorder that is becoming more and more common in our everyday society, despite a lack of everyday knowledge on this multifaceted disorder. Children are diagnosed with a range of autism disorders, fearing the consequences that come with it. In a short amount of time, the fields of medicine and psychology have advanced tremendously in their knowledge of this disorder and how it affects the development of children. In this paper, we will explore aspects of autism, from the different causes offered by researchers, common symptoms, and the latest treatments to combat this complex disorder. Overview Autism is not one disorder, but rather a group of developmental brain disorders, collectively referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) (2011) the term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment, or disability that children with ASD can have. As indicated by Johnson and Myers, Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins University first described autism in a small group of children in 1943 (as cited in Kanner, 1943). Kanner documented that they showed extreme aloofness and total indifference to other people. In 1944, Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician published an...
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...become more aware of autism, yet we still don’t talk about it like we should. Autism Spectrum Disorder, better known as autism, is a complex disorder of the brain that affects development and impairs the ability to socialize and communicate. It’s a disorder that affects about 76 million people across the globe, and 1 in 68 children born in the US are affected (“Autism Facts and Statistics”). People across the world suffer from this disorder, and yet half the population doesn’t know what autism really is. Autism is unique to every person affected by it, and the universe as a whole should be more educated on Autism and how this disorder works. Usually when people hear the word ‘autism’, they think of one...
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...COMPLETING THE PUZZLE Completing the Puzzle of Autism Spectrum Disorder Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) most commonly known as Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the normal brain function. It is a disorder characterized by deficits in three major areas of behavior-social, communicative and the display of repetitive or restricted behaviors. This research paper will provide a review of people with autism spectrum disorders, including the symptoms, diagnosis criteria, and possible causes. In addition, it will describe with how it has impacted the society, families and themselves. Completing the Puzzle of Autism Spectrum Disorder Can you imagine trying to understand what your parents or peers are saying but you don’t really know what the words mean? Sometimes this can make a child very upset and frustrated just because they can’t come up with the right words to express his or her feelings or thoughts. These kids with special needs try to live their lives by learning to handle stuff that are challenging and annoying for them. People with autism can make a significant contribution to society, as well as to their families. However, having autism is generally difficult for the person themselves and their family, it also involves great financial sacrifice. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) most commonly known as “Autism” is a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function...
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...A Look at the Social Conflicts with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder By: Satonya Serrano Final Paper 4.17.11 Social skills are a constant challenge for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I chose this subject because at the daycare facility that I work my assistant teacher’s nephew has Autism. She is constantly at her sister’s helping her with her son and she comes to work telling me things about David. Before doing any research I was unaware of what it exactly meant to be Autistic. Although I only researched one challenge that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder face, I now feel I have a good understanding of that challenge, and can empathize with this individuals and can only hope that more research goes into this field and can further help and assist individuals with this disorder. I now can understand a little more of what my assistant tells me about David and can appreciate her stories more. For my research I read three articles. The first article was called,” Strategies for Increasing Positive Social Interactions in Children with Autism: A Case Study” by Evonn Welton, Shernavaz VaKil and Carolyn Carasea. The article was about a 13 year old girl named Caryn and the effects that Autism has on herself as well as any Autistic child’s social interactions. It discussed how Caryn has now overcome her challenge of social skills and how she did it. They give strategies as to what methods can help children...
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...This disorder can be diagnosed during the childhood. The signs and symptoms of autism can affect the communication, social interactions and repetitive behaviors. People with autism can have very different characteristics and symptoms not always could be the same ones. Children with this disorder may have trouble to speak or be so distracted when you are talking to them. They may have to do another activity first to then be able to pay attention to you, or say the same phrase over and over again to calm down. They may flap their arms to indicate that they are happy, or hurt to show that they are not. Some people with autism never learn to speak. The causes of autism are unanswered. When been diagnose autism and aware of not cure for it, patients must live with this disorder throughout of the whole life. There is no cure for autism, but treatment can help. Treatments include behavioral therapies of communication and they help to control the symptoms. Outline Autism 1.- Introduction 2.- Definition 3.- Causes 4.- Characteristics a) Social Behavior b) Communication (language) c) Behavior d) Cognitive Attitudes 5.- Treatment 6.- Theories 7.- Conclusion References Cohen, S. (2006). Targeting autism : what we know, don't know, and can do to help young children with autism spectrum disorders / Shirley Cohen. Berkeley : University of California Press, c2006. Frith, Uta. (2003). Autism: Explaining the Enigma. Library of Congress-in- Publication Data. Second Edition. Gallo, Donald P. (2010)...
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...Neurotransmitters in Autism Abstract Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by the inability to relate and perceive the environment in a realistic manner. Brain development is affected in the areas of communication, cognition, and social interaction. There is a great variability in the disorder from person to person. There has been evidence to show that 60-90% of autism can be considered hereditary. Many researchers are attempting to understand the genetic determinism of the disease in order to pinpoint treatment. There are gene mutations and variants that have been discovered but due to the disease being heterogeneous and complex it is difficult to find consistency. There is also research indicating that the cause is neurological. The gap between genetics and neurology concerning autism is where the connection needs to be made in order to understand the disability wholly. Autism is a complex developmental disability as the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. The onset of the disability is in infancy or early childhood with males being affected four times as often as females. Autism shows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. The term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is used because it is covering a group of disabilities with similar features. There are three categories of autism spectrum disorder known as Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome...
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...Research essay 11/30/11 What Is Autism, What Can Cause It, and What Treatments Are There? I remember the first time I watched my two year old niece Melody. It was the middle of July so I decided to take her to the local swimming pool. I thought we would have a blast but I was quickly met with the realization that the day was going to be very challenging. Melody was not at all entertained by the company of all the other children there. She was quite content in her own company. She also seemed to have trouble understanding me, which made it extremely hard for me to comfort her, or persuade her to stay in the pool area where we were set up, or pretty much anything that I wanted her to do. Melody was constantly walking away to the other end of swimming pool, when I tried to get her to come back she screamed, and not any old scream it was a horrific scream, like I was really hurting her. Since then I have been over to my brother’s house several times to see Melody but I am yet to take her on my own again. After observing Melody on those few occasions I decided to do some research on autism and other associated disorders. What is Autism? Autism is a disorder that affects brain development that impairs social interaction and communication (Autism-Help.Org, 2000-2010). Autism is not fully understood by doctors and scientist but is often referred to as one of the disorders listed under the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism spectrum disorders have three main groups, and two...
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...on Autism Wilfredo Garcia Table of Contents Abstract 3 Autism 4 Videogames and young people with Developmental disorders 10 Funding of Applied Behavior Analysis 11 Executive function in individuals with sub threshold Autism traits 12 Conclusion 14 References 15 Abstract The increasing number of individuals with Learning Disabilities (LD) and psychiatric disorders presents a key challenge to their assessment and treatment in mental health services. Children and young people with LD are more likely to experience mental health than the general population (Allington-Smith, 2006). There is a close relationship between autism spectrum disorder and learning disability. Epidemiological studies suggest that autism is more frequent in people with LD, nearly 40% of people with LD also have autism on the other hand, and nearly 70% of people with autism also have LD (La Mafa, 2004). The strong association between autism and LD (Bradley, 2004) also associates an increased risk of mental health problems. It is suggested that adults with LD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience symptoms of anxiety at a greater level than the general population; however, this requires more conclusive evidence in relation to the prevalence of anxiety disorders in adults with LD and autism. Autism ...
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