In the United States the onset age for intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities is before turning eighteen years old (Odom, Horner, Snell & Blacher, 2009). In my searching’s, I found a 27 year old, Alex, who was diagnosed with Autism at the early age of three years old. According to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), an intellectual disability is a disability in which is characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual use and in adaptive behavior. Intellectual functioning is also referred to as intelligence, which means the general mental capacity, such as learning, reasoning, problem solving etc. Adaptive behavior is seen is the collection of conceptual, social, and practical …show more content…
skills that are learned and performed by people in their everyday lives (AAIDD). The skills that are considered to be conceptual are language skills, literacy, money, time, concepts of numbers and self-direction (Odom et al., 2009). Alex was having difficulty with most of these tasks. He says that he did not mumble his first words until the age of 5 and was only repeating lines from television shows. He considered himself to be a very isolated person who became so fixed with his routines that he was “petrified of any change or anything new”. Alex has multiple different disorders, known as comorbidity. Alex, on top of Autism, also suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as well as social anxiety. Skinner 2 Alex felt that he had many sensory issues. He noted that he was not stimulated enough and often times got very bored which resulted in him lashing out or wandering off. He was so set into his routines that one day a vey important person in his life, his caretaker was no longer able to take care of Alex. Alex felt as though his world was shattered, he could not eat and could not talk. However, he was able to get the proper support and resources that he needed to help him get back into the swing of things. The Autism Spectrum is a neurodevelopmental disability, which is focused on the basis of early surfacing social, and communication impairments with vigorous and repetitive patterns of behavior and interest (Frith & Happe, 2005). Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development (Manning, Charman and Pellicano 2015). There are delays or abnormal functioning in social interaction, language or play by the age of 3 (Lord, Cook, Leventhal, and Amaral 2009). ASD is a heterogeneous disorder meaning that no two children or adults with autism have exactly the same profile making each case quite different (Lord et al., 2009). The most obvious signs and symptoms of Autism usually appear between the ages of 2 and 3, while early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes while increasing awareness (Manning et al., 2015). According the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition, Alex is effected by Autism. According to the diagnostic criteria for Autism one must have “deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example, from abnormal social approached and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of Skinner 3 interests, emotions, or affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interaction”. They also must have “deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures, to a total lack of facials expressions and nonverbal communications”. As stated in his story, Alex could not make simple sentences until the age of eight and would hardly leave the house making it hard to socially interact with others. Section B of the DSM-5 shares with us more diagnostic criteria to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Section B states that there needs to be at least 2 of the symptoms present that are pictured in Section B, and I believe that Alex is suffering from two. The first one states “stereotyped or repetitive movements, use of objects, or speech; for example simple motor stereotypies, lining up toys or flipping objects, echolalia or idiosyncratic phrases”. Echolalia is the act of repetition without awareness. This section also includes that “instance on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior”. For example, an individual might experience extreme distress at any slight small change, and have difficulty with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals, and the compelling notion of having to take the same route or eat the same food everyday. We read that Alex had “become so fixed in my routine that I was petrified of any change or anything new”. The DSM also states that symptoms to the Autism Spectrum Disorder must be present in the early developmental period, which it was definitely present in Alex’s case – being diagnosed at age 3. Skinner 4 The Autism Spectrum Disorder affects over 3 million people in the United States and over tens of millions of individuals worldwide (Manning et al., 2015). In recent years the government’s statistics propose that the likelihood of being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder have increased by 10%-17% in recent years (Manning et al., 2015). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 68 American Children are seen to be on the spectrum. Autism affects an estimated 1 out of every 42 boys and 1 out of every 189 girls are diagnosed (CDC). Parents first often become concerned with their child because they are not using words to communicate, even if their child may recite passages from videotapes or says the alphabet (Lord et al., 2009).
Though negative or nonexistent social interactions may not be immediately shown in early years, they gradually increase and become more prevalent as the child becomes more mobile and as other children become more socially interactive (Lord et al., 2009). Young children with Autism usually do not seek out others when they are happy, they tend to not show or point to objects of their interests, or call their parents by name (Odom et al., 2009). About 40% of individuals on the spectrum have “average” to “above average” intellectual abilities and often times have remarkable potential in visual skills, music and academic skills compared to social and interactive skills (Odom et al., 2009). About 25% of those living with ASD tend to be nonverbal but can learn to communicate using other means such as art, sign language and gestures (Manning at al., …show more content…
2015). First and foremost, in 2015 we now know that there is no one cause for Autism, just like there is not one specific type of ASD (Manning et al., 2015). However, over the Skinner 5 last 5 years or so scientists have identified a number of rare genetic changes or mutations that correlate with Autism, but a small number of these are enough to cause Autism by themselves (Manning et al., 2015). Factors including parental age at the time of conception, maternal illness during pregnancy, and periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain, in combination with genetic risk factors can have an increased risk for the child to be affected by Autism (Lord et al., 2009; Manning et al., 2015).
Those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a very hard time dealing and adapting to changes. Signs of ASD, again, begin during early childhood and mainly last a lifetime. Individuals with Autism avoid eye contact, prefer not to be held, have trouble relating to people, repeat or even echo words or phrases, have trouble with playing “pretend” and often times those individuals have a very difficult time expressing their needs using typical words (Manning et al., 2015).
As far as treatment goes there are no specific drugs or medications that these individuals can take. These people with Autism are all affected by it in various ways that there is no one type of treatment. Everyone has their own tailored plan to help and address their needs. At a previous internship site of mine, which then became my job, at the Barry Price Center: ASCENT Program I worked with a group of high school graduates in Newton which all were being affected by an intellectual disabilities of developmental disabilities – which included Autism. While there we were not “treating” this individuals but we were helping them be the best they could be. ASCENT (Advocacy, Social Skills, Career Exploration, Networking and Transitions) is
an Skinner 6 afternoon program that empowers young people with developmental disabilities to overcome barriers to post-secondary employment, independence and individual success. Suffering from such disorder must be exhausting, honestly. Having these routines that are the exact same day in and day out, not being able to communicate, being a very isolated person etc must be the most frustrating thing in the entire world. I think it would change not only myself but also everyone around me. I think it would greatly affect my thoughts, feelings and behaviors to those around me. I would most likely but a very introverted and non-communicative person. I would be stuck in my thoughts of my routines and making sure I am not changing my routines in the slightest bit. I think that my entire world would then revolved around my Autism Spectrum Disorder but I do not think that would be my only label. These individuals are not just “Autistic”, they are funny, they are kind, they are set in their schedules and I think that it was makes them – them. The Autism does not define anyone. It is imperative that when discussing disabilities we remember that we are indeed working with human beings. Their disability is secondary. Individuals are not just the disabled; they are people living with neurodevelopmental disabilities (Manning et al., 2015).
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has two main core criteria, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-5). The first of the two criteria is ‘Persistent Deficits in Social Communication and Interaction across Multiple Contexts’ under which there are three categories. The first being deficits in social emotional reciprocity which may include atypical social approach and failure of the back and forth exchange of normal conversation. In addition, there may be a failure to respond or initiate social interaction as well as reduced emotions, interest or effect sharing. In the scenario ‘Ben loves Trains’ it is indicated that Ben is content to play alone for hours, he doesn’t interact with his sister in
For example, our text describes two symptoms of ASD; 1. social communications and interactions 2. and limited patterns of repetitive behavior, interests, and or activities. This was all evident in the “Neurotypical” documentary. For example, Nicholas was unable to interact with girls or form relationships he believes he has nothing in common with them. Wolf suggested that autistic children are good at mimicking others and that nonverbal cues are important to watch out for. Violet, on the other hand, has a habit of repeating behaviors; she will repeat anything her parents say. In the text it also says severity of language problems vary child to child. In Violets case she does not fall under the mute category but instead she is able to speak in a few words, cry, and even laugh. Our text introduces the term for repetitive speech, echolalia. Violet tends to repeat a word or words her parents say either right away when she hears it or later
... can be difficult for a child with autism to initiate conversation on her own, by following your child’s lead and responding to what she does, you are encouraging further interaction. You can also help by encouraging friendships between your child with ASD and other children”
For the purpose of these literature review a search was done using PubMed which is available through the Medical Library of the National Guard Health Services. This research focus is Autism and its management. Using these four key words "Autism" "definition" , "symptoms", and "treatment". As result, nine papers were found and this literature review summarizes them.
Development of social skills is very important for children that are diagnosed with autism because of ...
Children who suffer from ASD usually have the appearance of normal development and then become withdrawn and regress from social interaction (Melinda Smith, 2013). The impaired social interaction of the disorder affects communication both verbally and non- verbally (Melinda Smith, 2013). Their communication with others and the world around them is also affected, as well as their thinking and behavior (Melinda Smith, 2013).
Autism is a form of neurodevelopment disorder in the autism spectrum disorders. It is characterized by impaired development in social interactions and communication, both verbal and non-verbal. There is an observed lack of spontaneous acts of communication; both receptive and expressed, as well as speech impairments. A person diagnosed with Autism will also show a limited range of activities and interests, as well as forming and maintain peer relationships. The individuals will display limited interests, which are often very focused and repetitive. He or she is likely to be very routine oriented and may show behavioral symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggressiveness, and self-injurious behaviors.
At the age of three I.A., was enrolled in special day classroom, with the eligibility of Intellectual Disability however, I.A. was diagnosis with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In reviewing his assessments, he shows signs of...
As Asperger’s is generally known as the most non-verbal and unsociable spectrum of autism, it is very difficult for Christopher to cope with as well as interact with those around him. Facial expressions, behaviour, as well as how one approaches someone can all be challenges faced. Christopher finds it relatively diff...
Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by difficulties in behavior, social interaction, and communication issues. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder may have difficulty responding to their environment. Behavior problems may occur as a result of sensitivity to sound or something they may have seen. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder may also have difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships. They may not be able to share their interests with other people because they are not able to express or understand their needs or their needs of others. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may withdraw into repetitive play and behavior, avoid interaction because of delay in speech, and struggle to make sense of nonverbal forms of communication. There are people with Autism Spectrum Disorder that speak fluency and there are people with speech impairment to a certain degree. However, there are some who can’t speak at all. Impaired communication is characterized by delayed language development. The different forms of spectrum disorders have many of the same symptoms but are different in severity, so it can be difficult to distinguish one disorder from the other if in the early stage. Classic autism is the most severe form of Autism Spectrum
In conclusion Autism is a disability with many different levels .Autism affects different people in different from high functioning to low functioning. All Autistic people just want to be treated as true real people. There is no cure or treatment for autism but the best cure is the cure of love. Showing them that they are equal real people and treating them as such. Having autism just means you learn different or develop slower but it doesn’t make you unequal. Coming from this Article you should learn to love and learn more about autism and that is the best cure that anyone can
Autism is a disease. One of the main characteristics is having social problems. Children with Autism have trouble interacting with other children. They won’t play with other children. They could be so focus...
Autism usually occurs within the first three years of life, and drastically affects the development of a child. It is also the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States (Autism Project, 2014). One out of eighty- eight children is diagnosed with autism, and boys are five times more likely to be diagnosed (ASDS 2013). Many areas of development are affected by autism. This is a disease that disturbs the brains normal development of communication, social interaction, and sensory processing (Inc 2013).
Symptoms. Children begin showing symptoms of autism as early as twelve months of life, making two to three years old the typical age of diagnosis. The symptoms of autism are truly of a spectrum, hence the name, meaning no child is affected by the disorder in quite the same way. However, symptoms of autism are generally categorized into three basic areas of impairment, the first of these being sociability. Most children with autism have trouble comprehending basic social situations. A child with autism likely makes little eye contact, fails respond to other people in their environment, and reacts inappropriately when others show extreme emotion. It is common for children with autism to misread emotional cues because they focus on a person’s mouth while speaking instead of their eyes as would an unaffected person. Likewise, people may have difficulties understanding the emotions of an autistic child. Many times their body language or tone of voice will not match the emotion that they are trying to express. The second area of impairment is communication. Children with autism ...
“Communication is a process whereby people collectively create and transmit meaning through the exchange of verbal and non-verbal messages in a particular context” (Oetzel, 2009). The communication process in how we understand people and how they understand us is an important exchange. It is not limited to language but includes non-verbal communication and understanding of symbols. It is essential for communication to decode messages and be able to code messages from others. This process can be complex. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represent a significant group of people that have no socially acceptable system of communication. This disorder impairs speech, social interaction and other functional communication skills.