Autism Spectrum Disorder

Defining Autism Autism is a disability with deleterious effects that are specified with disruptions in communication development and a symptomology that cannot be diluted by simply stating that these children are mentally defective. While autistic children are apt to display bizarre behaviors, they should be identified early to address the confluence of symptoms that mark their intellectual disabilities. "Autism Spectrum disorder occurs in about 1 in 88 children in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with boys more likely to have the condition. Symptom severity can vary widely, but kids with autism typically have a hard time communicating and interacting with others (Gray, 2013, p. 1). Autism

Speech and language pathologists can address these speech delays as early as possible. However, accurate identification encompasses three types of differential diagnosis: a) speech sound disorder, b) language disorder, and c) global intellectual disabilities. In a few cases children have hearing loss, and some other minor impairments. Understanding that autism is a serious lifelong disability is important because these children continue their lives with deficits in social engagement. They develop lifelong routines that are both specific and rigid. They display behavior patterns that makes them comfortable. They also tend to have difficulty expressing themselves, and in some cases, they tend to injure themselves. The speech and language pathologist could identify the disorder and diagnose its pervasiveness depending on the impairment and the child's development of speech. Children who suffer from severe and pervasive impairment in social and communication skills, speech and language skills, and display stereotyped behaviors, interest in activities, are more likely to be diagnosed because they display symptoms of autism, one of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) (Camarata, 2014). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (2013) children who are diagnosed with PDD might suffer from autism, Asperger syndrome and other impairments in speech language and social communication. There is a correlation between the severity of the child's condition, and early identification of children with autism (Rondeau et al., 2011). In other words, children who display severe impairments are easily identified and diagnosed. The research also shows that toddlers aged 24 months who are identified early with autism have a