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Research paper on understanding autism
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In the News (Adolescence): How autism can make the teenage years even tougher
Leslie Hill
Southern Methodist UniversityThe research surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) primarily has focused on the effects on young children and not on the effects on teenagers and young adults. Deakin University in Melbourne Australia is working with teenagers to discover how ASD can amplify the pressures of adolescence. Teenagers with ASD can need additional accommodation and a teenager in the article, Jack, eloquently states, “I just wasn’t born with the appropriate social skills.” (Kermond, 2016). Adolescents with ASD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, and these disorders can transition with the individual into adulthood.
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This stage allows individuals to think more abstractly (Erford & Vernon, 2016) and begin to use meta-cognition. With these newly acquired characteristics, individuals can understand more human nuances and think beyond a single dimension. The way information is processed also begins to evolve both functionally and structurally. Both of these changes impact the ability to learn, remember, and process information to make decisions or problem solve. David Elkind’s three concepts: the invincibility fable, personal fable, and the imaginary audience (p. 264) illustrate how adolescents do not think of themselves as a part of a whole, but an individual where their experience is wholly unique to their peers. Emotionally, adolescents are developing a grasp of understanding other’s emotions and thoughts and are also slowly maturing their emotional stability. Vivian Seltzer’s frameworklessness model explains the inner turmoil an adolescent faces. They are trapped between the familiarity of childhood and the unfamiliarity of adolescence (p. 278). In order to survive, they adopt a process called attribute substitution. They imitate behaviors and characteristics seen in others (p. 278). Autistic children do not have innate skills to adapt to their new stage. The difficulties they experience with social interaction and information processing, sets them on a different pathway than their peers. Peer relationships are an integral component of this stage and lacking the ability to connect with others at this age, does not provide them with socialization skills that will benefit them in their later life
Part of the disruption in communication and social interaction that occurs with many individuals who have autism can be better explained by the Theory of Mind and Executive Function Theory. These two theories are very similar in nature in that they both place great emphasis on the executive function of the mind. Executive functions are “cognitive abilities that appear to depend on the prefrontal cortex” of the brain (Pinel, 2014, p. 349). Executive function also encompasses “innovative thinking, lateral thinking, insightful thinking, and assimilating new information to update plans and strategies” (Pinel, 2014, p. 349). This is significant because the executive function of the brain can impact one’s ability to empathize and relate to others, interpret and sustain social interactions, and process new information (Williams et al, 2014). Many times individuals with autism are unable to understand and process what others are feeling. For example, they can recognize sadness or when somebody is crying, but they do not associate with it. It’s not that they don’t feel these emotions themselves, they absolutely do. However, they may have trouble connecting and relating to those feelings when they see somebody else experiencing them. This can result in difficulty in making and sustaining relationships with
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.
For all teens, the transition into adulthood is generally seen as a challenging and scary process. For teens diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as their caregivers, this transition is often more complicated. The period of transition for individuals with ASD into adulthood is intensely more challenging due to their “unique characteristics, the lack of services that address the special needs of such individuals in adulthood, and the expectations of society for a typical path to adulthood in the face of atypical problems” (Geller and Greenberg, 2009, pg. 93). Without the necessary resources to transition, teens with ASD find themselves unprepared for life at work, in college, or community living. Through this paper, the reader will obtain knowledge in regards to what ASD is, the barriers it yields concerning the transition into adulthood, and the effects it has on the individual as well
The authors of this article begin by defining autism spectrum disorder. There has been significant increase in ASD cases have occurred in the past 10 years, and many of these students are enrolling in a higher education institution. Autism presents challenges, in general, but students that enroll in a higher education institution are at risk of other issues. The article discusses these challenges as well as the transition from high school to college from actual students with autism. Using these challenges,
“Where could anybody be without organizing their own thoughts”(Slater 1)? Imagine living in a world where one could not communicate with anyone around them on a truly rational level, even though the individual is completely rational. Imagine feeling so frightened by life, that one escapes to an Alternate reality, where they become catatonic, or even take on forms of different personalities to deal with everyday situations. Try not being able to communicate through one’s own words, only repeating what others have said in order to get along in life. This is what living with Autism is like. Autism, through the book definition is a “complex developmental disability…that appears during the first three years of life…the result of a neurological disorder that affects the brain.”(ASOA 1). Autism is often accompanied by Multiple Personality Disorder, which helps the person escape to a world, or situation where they can feel, “so called” normal. Multiple Personality Disorder is curable, and Autism is treatable, so with counseling and socialization with others, patients can be functiong members of society. Both disorders have to be treated, and worked at which is a form of re-socialization.
Erik Erikson formulated a model to understand the developmental tasks involved in the social and emotional development of children and teenagers which continues into adulthood. Each stage is regarded by Erikson as a “psychosocial crisis,” which arises and demands resolution before the next stage can be satisfactorily negotiated. Failure to successfully complete a stage can result in a
Every year doctors diagnose thousands of adults and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Due to the growing awareness of autism and recent developments in technology, scientists and doctors can now discover and observe the effects of autism on society, and people. Starting with its discovery, researchers have been able to diagnose people more effectively. Doctors are beginning to discover what causes this disorder, and are currently trying to find ways to prevent and treat it. Many places have opened their doors to people with this disorder, creating autistic friendly environments where people are patient and understanding. Schools have also become accommodating to autistic children and adults. Autism also puts great strain on family and home lives.
Children with autism have multiple characteristic impairments in their social interaction skills. This results from the lack of “Theory of Mind” in autistic individuals. Autistic children have difficulty interpreting what another person may be thinking or feeling. Social impairments may cause the child to act inappropriately in social interactions and prevent the children from truly taking part in interactions. The children have difficulty recognizing social cues and responding to cues. Autistic children have a hard time forming relationships as a result of these impairments. Social stories, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Pivotal Response Training are three therapy techniques that help children with autism learn appropriate social behavior. Social stories allow the children to practice the situation in a lower stress environment. Applied Behavior Analysis utilizes positive reinforce to teach desired skills. Pivotal Response Training allows the child to learn social skills while in a natural play environment. Learning social skills through these techniques enable the children to have more meaningful relationships and engage more in their community.
Seltzer, M. M., Shattuck, P., Abbeduto, L., & Greenberg, J. S. (2004). Trajectory of development in adolescents and adults with autism. Mental retardation and developmental disabilities research reviews, 10(4), 234-247.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disability that can make developing major social, communication, ...
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a general term for a group of complex disorders of brain development. They can be categorized, in many ways, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some people with ASD thrive in music, math, visual skills and art. The acute signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to appear between the ages of 2 to 3 years old. (Autism Speaks)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of neurological disorders that usually affect the normal functioning of the brain. They are characterized by highly repetitive behavior, extensive impairment in communication and social interactions as well as severely restricted interests. The spectrum encompasses Autism, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett Disorder, Pervasive Development Disorder, and Asperger’s Disorder.
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).
Out of the eight stages, the first four play a key role in developing ego identity (Gordon & Browne, 2014). Stage one is trust versus mistrust which occurs between birth and a year (Gordon & Browne, 2014). Erikson describes two levels of trust; the first is that significant adults will be present to meet their needs and the second is that they will believe in their ability to make changes and cope (Gordon & Browne, 2014). The characteristic for stage one is hope (Gordon & Browne, 2014). Stage two is autonomy versus doubt which occurs between 2 years of age to 3 (Gordon & Browne, 2014). In this stage the child learns to manage and control impulses and use motor and mental skills (Gordon & Browne, 2014). Willpower is the characteristic that best goes with stage two (Gordon & Browne, 2014). Stage three is initiative versus guilt which occurs between ages 3 to 5 or 6 years (Gordon & Browne, 2014). During this stage the child develops a sense of purpose and adult interaction is necessary for a positive outcome during this stage of life (Gordon & Browne, 2014). Purpose is best used to describe this stage in Erikson’s theory of development (Gordon & Browne,