...Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is attributed to various conditions distinguished by complications with “social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as unique strengths and differences” (“What Is Autism?”, 2012). This is the reason why the term “Spectrum” is used, it “reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths passed by each person” (“What Is Autism?”, 2012). ASD does not come in one form, but varied types caused by distinct blends of genetic and environmental influences (“What Is Autism?”, 2012). ASD can be diagnosed by 18 months, but symptoms usually arrive at 2 and 3 years of age. There is currently no medical test that diagnoses ASD, but behavioral evaluations that are done by trained physicians...
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...This is what it feels like to live in America with Autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a complex brain development disorder. ASD has varying degrees of severity and many sub groups, including Asperger's syndrome. Most people with ASD are born with the disorder and can be diagnosed as early 2 years old, although symptoms...
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...Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents an etiologically heterogeneous disorder in which a myriad of genetic and environmental risk factors perturb common underlying molecular pathways in the brain. ASD patients along with core behavioral deficits also exhibit other psychiatric and medical conditions, such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disorders1-3. Significant ASD population also exhibit increased anxiety such as phobias, withdrawal in social situation and obsessive compulsive disorder 4, 5. Additionally, there are subsets of ASD population who exhibit impaired fear conditioning 6. Evidences from a vast majority of twin and family studies have suggested ASD to have a strong genetic basis7-11. Autism genetics is highly...
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...ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder and can also be called Autistic Spectrum Disorder. ASD’s are any developmental disabilities that have caused brain abnormality. A person with ASD typically has difficulty with social and communication skills. A person with ASD often prefers to stick to a set of behaviors and may resist any major or minor changes to daily living. Autism Spectrum Disorder has no single cause, but both genetics and environment may play a role.Several genes seemed to be involved in ASD. Even for some some children, ASD can be associated with a genetic disorder such as Fragile X syndrome. (Fragile X syndrome is an inherited condition when the X Chromosome is abnormally susceptible to damage especially by Folic Acid Deficiency)....
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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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...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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...Topical Reference List: Inclusion of Autism Spectrum Disorder Students Lindsey Liermann Liberty University Abstract This paper includes a reference list of literature relating to components of successful inclusion for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In general, the literature seems to indicate what practices are effective for successfully including ASD students with typical peers, as well as, if inclusion is right for all ASD students. The literature includes evidence that the different components support students’ progress in general education settings. More empirical data needs to be collected to see if different components work for all students with Autism Spectrum Disorder while with typical peers. Keywords: students with ASD, inclusion, typical peers, successful strategies, perceptions of inclusion, support, and modification for students. Topical Reference List: Inclusion of Autism Spectrum Disorder Students Until recently, the common practice was to pull children with Autism or other disabilities out of regular education classrooms for majority of the day or even have them completely segregated. It seemed more efficient to provide specialized instruction in separate classrooms where children with Autism could received individualized attention without having to alter the mainstream curriculum that typical peers received. But, different practices were proposed in the 1980’s for greater efforts to “include”...
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...Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder Psychology PS501-03 Dr. Valerie Balldin March 18, 2014 Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder Abstract Autism refers to a group of development brain syndromes, collectively known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).The term spectrum is a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability, or impairments that children with ASD can have. Some of the ASD children are insignificantly impaired by their symptoms while others are severe. Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder According to American Psychiatric Association; "Autism is a neuro-development syndrome defined by deficits in social reciprocity and communication, and by unusual restricted, repetitive behaviors.” (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). It is a condition that usually begins at infancy-before or by three years old. Affected children begin by not using words to communicate though they may recite the alphabet and familiar passages. There is a wide variation of the degree in the way autism spectrum affects individuals. Each child with autism has a unique abilities, challenges and symptoms. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Even though Autism is not a single Disorder; but it is a spectrum of closely related Disorders with a shared core of symptoms:...
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...Literature Review on Autism Literature Review on Autistic Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become a widespread and familiar disorder in the 21st century. ASD is defined as an impairment of cognitional and emotional functioning. People with ASD will have difficulty interacting socially with their peers, and many struggle with developmental delays such as speech. Autistic children will often be less responsive to their caregivers than children without the disorder. In the research article by Tong &Brereton two important areas of difficulty for children with ASD is the ability to speak clearly, and the lack of skills needed to play and have an imagination (2010). Children with autism are very matter of fact, and rarely understand any metaphors. They may also be ritualistic and have compulsive behaviors. The cause and effect of ASD is still unknown, many researchers believe there are biological and genetic factors that play a role (Tong, Brereton, 2010). Since ASD as a behavioral disorder, can autism be cured? Will children who are diagnosed with the disorder live with the same delays and rituals as they did as a child? After reviewing many journals, I have failed to find any evidence of cures; I have however come across different therapy’s in there preliminary phases. Music and dog therapy are being used across the country. Gold, Wingram and Elefant explain in their article that music helps people who are non-verbal interact without the use of words...
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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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...Autism: It’s Time to Listen 1 Autism: It’s Time to Listen. Kelly Fitzpatrick Intro to Psychology Professor Carter 07, 2012 This paper is submitted in partial fulfillment of the Associate of Science Degree in the Medical Assisting Program at Southern Technical College Autism 2 Abstract This paper will discuss what Autism is, when it is usually diagnosed and what behaviors are usually displayed by those on the spectrum. This paper will also provide information about some possible causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as some facts about ASD. This paper will talk about treatments and resources available to individuals diagnosed with ASD and to their families. Autism 3 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are equally common terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. ASD and Autism are characteristic of, in fluctuating degrees, difficulty in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors (Autism Speaks, 2012). Autism can be connected to intellectual disabilities, problems with motor skills development, attention deficits, sleep issues, and gastrointestinal disorders (Autism Speaks, 2012). Autism is believed to originate in early brain development. While this is believed to be true most signs of Autism do not surface until the child is 2 to 3 years old. Other than the characteristics mentioned already ASD or Autism symptoms may include difficulty...
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...ELSE 6183 Teaching Students w/ASD Name: Melissa Garner 10/29/15 Directions During week 2, submit a brief explanation of your Autism Spectrum Disorder research topic. This is the first major step in the process of conducting relevant research to guide practice. The topic should address a strategy, method, or intervention that has been researched and proven effective for teaching students diagnosed w/ASD. This topic should be of personal interest and prove beneficial to all SpEd and Gen-Ed Teachers. Once you have decided on an area of interest, it is time to narrow your topic into a thesis statement. This thesis narrows the focus of your paper and presents an arguable assertion or hypothesis. For the Research Plan Assessment respond to the following: I. Identifying and Limiting the Research Topic: What instructional/teaching method of ASD are you interested in? The instructional intervention I am interested in is Discrete Trial Training, or DTT, and how it is effectively used to educate students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. It is helpful to understand the context of your problem. What problem do you see in your school, classroom, and/or educational context? What do you want to research? I am researching the applied behavior analysis procedure called Discrete Trial Training intervention and its effectiveness on...
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...Autism, a group of developmental brain disorders, is generally called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A wide range of symptoms, skills, and severity of impairment or disability term the word “spectrum”. There are currently five disorders, sometime referred to as pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), defined as ASD: autistic disorder (classic autism), Asperger’s disorder (Asperger syndrome), pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Rett’s disorder (Rett syndrome), and childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) (A Parent’s Guide, 2011). Symptoms of ASD differ with every child, but in general fall into three areas: social impairment, communication difficulties, and repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. Additionally, individuals with ASD display deficits in cognition, and have abnormal sensory perceptions (Hallahan, Kauffman, & Pullen, 2012). The prevalence of ASD has been increasing for many years. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a 78% increase in cases since 2007. Today, it is estimated that 1 in 88 children in the United States have been diagnosed with ASD (Why Are Autism, 2012). It is not completely clear what is causing these dramatic increases. The CDC suggests, “the increase is due to the way children are identified, diagnosed, and served in their local communities” (Why Are Autism, 2012). Better awareness by parents and professionals is also a likely source of increased cases. ASD is not bias to race, ethnicity...
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...and Diagnosing of Autism Spectrum Disorder Stephanie R. South University of Cincinnati Abstract This paper explores the symptoms and how to accurately diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is classified as a psychological condition that starts in adolescence. Psychology classes, specifically an introductory course, briefly cover this condition and its diagnosis. This paper will provide a great knowledge and understanding of diagnosing Autism. There are many symptoms and signs exhibited in children diagnosed with Autism. There is no clear answer for why or how this disorder occurs, making it hard to properly diagnose those afflicted. It is extremely important for the child’s caregiver to be proactive and seek out medical expertise at the onset of behavioral issues in their child. Diagnosing the child at a younger age can ensure proper treatment and interventions for him/her. I have chosen to write my paper on the symptoms and diagnosing of Autism. This disorder is mysterious, but also fascinating. Being a mother, I worry all the time about new and strange afflictions that are attacking our children. To be proactive in our children’s lives, we must be knowledgeable and observant for the early warning signs or symptoms. Throughout the research process of preparing my paper, I have gained a greater comprehension of this disorder and the first indicators that has prepared me to act promptly for the sake of my children. In the last decade, Autism has gained a lot...
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...developing (TD) children. The articles used assess different forms of cognitive function and executive function. It is hypothesized that individuals with autism will show impairments in executive function, prospective memory, inhibitory function, cognition, sensory-motor, and language when compared to TD individuals. Multiple measures were used to assess participant’s abilities with working memory, executive function, development, memory, awareness, and cognitive function; some of these measures were self-reported. One study by Rosenthal et al. (2013) found that older children with autism spectrum disorder show executive function impairments with age, meaning that different impairments are noticeable at different ages. In contrast, Iwanaga et al. (2000) found differences in cognitive function between Asperger’s syndrome and high functioning autism. The results of some studies found specific impairments are related to age. The findings from these studies suggest that children with autism show executive and cognitive function impairments, have difficulties with prospective memory, and show lack of awareness; children with autism are unfamiliar with familiarity. Differences in Cognitive Function between Autistic and Typically Developing Individuals Cognitive and executive functioning, or lack of, has been seen in individuals with autism. These are broad terms that cover different parts of how our brain functions. For the purpose of this paper, we will define cognitive function as,...
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