Autism By Kanner Essay

(500 words) Individuals with autism vary greatly, therefore some symptoms in Refrigerator Mothers, Sue Rubin, and Nicky Gottlieb were very similar to those described by Kanner, some were very different, and some were both!

Behavioral symptoms described by Kanner included repeating movements/mannerisms, acting out destructively, and requiring routine. Repetition of movements/mannerisms, such as pacing (Peter) and hand clapping (Wendy), were observed in many of the individuals, however there were also individuals like Paul that showed little, much less repetitive movement. Active destruction towards self and others was observed through actions such as smearing their feces on the wall (Chris), biting themselves (Chris), and banging their head on objects (Sue); however, passive destruction was also exhibited by lack of hygiene/showering (Nicky). Routine, such as ordering the same meal (Wendy), gathering car

brochures (Steven), and watching tv shows (Nicky), was a common symptom observed across the individuals.

Emotional symptoms described by Kanner included intense sensitivity, intense focus, and lack of expression.

Environmental stimulus had the potential to become overwhelming, leading individuals like Paul and Chris to dislike being touched. However, some individuals expressed little to no reaction to environmental stimuli, such as being severely burned by a fire explosion (Peter), and others sought out an environmental stimulus of physical contact through hand-holding and forehead touching (Sue). Intense focus on an object or situation can lead to a lack of response or awareness of those around them, something Sue displays when running water over spoons and Nicky when watching tv shows/movies. However, other individuals struggle to latch onto/focus on a task or person present before them, like a mother attempting to share a word game (Paul). Paul also lacks much change in his expression, as did young Missy by report of her parents. However, when her parents visit her, she has a very large smile and twinkle in her eye. Nicky also displays big-smile

expressions.

Social symptoms described by Kanner included avoidance of interaction and lack of verbal communication. Individuals like Paul and Chris were reluctant to/did not make eye contact with people around them. Others were comfortable in engaging in social interaction, but only if the attention didn’t appear to be on themselves (Wendy). Other still didn’t seem to mind being in social settings, in large classrooms participating in discussions (Sue) or hosting parties being the center of attention (Nicky). Many of the individuals could/would not speak verbally, but were able to repeat back short words or phrases (i.e. Paul, Chris, Peter, Missy, Sue). However, Nicky had the ability to be very chatty, even though he did not speak during childhood. Sue was not verbal, but she was very articulate in her language abilities when using a helping device.

Intellectual symptoms described by Kanner included abnormal intelligence and advanced mental abilities. The individuals observed ranged across seemingly low-normal-high IQ levels. Some showed very specific abilities in specific interests, such as extensive knowledge about cars (Steven). However, most showed no advanced intellectual ability.