Autism Essay Samples

Autism is a developmental disability that causes problems in social, communication and behavioral skills. It is diagnosed in early childhood, around ages 2 to 9 (Lord et al.). Scientists agree that the causes of Autism are genetic, although there is no concrete evidence at this time. There is no cure for Autism. The incidence for Autism is 1 in 68 children. Autism tends to affect more boys than girls (Center for Disease Control). The chances for the appearance of Autism is often higher in children who have a sibling who is Autistic and in children with older parents. The drugs valproic acid and thalidomide, when taken during pregnancy, have also been linked to Autism. Autism was first described by Kanner in 1943 as extreme aloneness and the cause might be due to the mother and her treatment of the child (O’Callaghan). Children with Autism display all levels of intellectual abilities, but due to the nature of the disorder, many children have difficulty learning.
The current DSM-5 describes Autism as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is an umbrella diagnosis. Children who previously were diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder are all now placed under the ASD umbrella (American Psychiatric Association). The diagnosis is generally made around ages 2 to three when parents notice problems with communication, social skills and repetitive behaviors. The diagnosis is generally made by a neurologist or psychiatrist. The DSM-5 has clear guidelines to rate the severity of the disability in each area and clearly defines the behaviors associated with each of the three domains. The manifestation of the three areas of concern is different in every child in the way it looks as well as severity.
Communication skills are affected in many different ways. Some children are able to communicate their needs and wants but they may communicate in a flat or monotone manner. Communication may be delayed in appearing in many children. Some children do not develop
verbal language skills at all. Early intervention and intensive speech and language therapy has proven to be successful in this respect. Picture communication and new technologies with computers are often used for children who have not developed language skills (CDC).
Social interaction is also extremely limited or nonexistent. Interaction may be a one way street for many children with Autism. If they are able to communicate they may only speak of things that interest or concern them. There is generally a lack of eye contact. Children with Autism to not seem to possess empathy for the people around them. A child with Autism will always play by themselves even if the room is full of other children who attempt to interact with them. Relationships are often formed however with immediate family members (O’Callaghan).
Repetitive behaviors come in a myriad of presentations. Children with Autism my rock or flap their hands in an unusual way. Children may be overly reliant on a schedule or routine, that when violated results in a full blown temper tantrum. Behaviors could also be very mild such as lining up toys for no apparent reason. Included in these behaviors are sensory issues that many Autistic children exhibit: over sensitivity to light or sound are common (O’Callaghan).
Medicine has yet to find the cause or a cure for Autism but early diagnosis and intervention greatly helps the child with Autism. Language therapy, behavioral and social interventions dramatically help children with Autism. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, school system provide plans and services for children as young as three. The earlier the diagnosis the greater the chances for success for these children.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Autism Spectrum Disorder. Retrieved from:
http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/Autism%20Spectrum%20Disorder%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
Centers for Disease Control. (2015). Facts about autism. Retrieved from:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
Lord, C., Risi, S., DiLavore, P.S., Shulman, C., Thurm, A., Pickles, A. (2006). Autism from
2 to 9 years of age. Arch General Psychology, 63(6), 694-701.
O’Callaghan, F.J. (2002). Autism-what is it and where does it come from? QJM an International