Essay about Autism - 1089 Words

There are many diseases and disorders that plague today’s society, but one of the most serious of those disorders is autism. Autism is not nearly as widely known as the familiar Down’s Syndrome, yet, surprisingly, autism is far more widespread. In fact, autism is the third most common developmental disability, affecting 400,000 people worldwide (Autism Society of America). As of yet there is no cure for this debilitating disorder, only a variety of treatments. Autism is a developmental disability, not a mental illness, that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects 15 of every 10,000 individuals. No one is certain why it occurs, but researchers have found that MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans of people with†¦show more content†¦Some of the treatments include behavioral training, teaching of communication and social skills, auditory training, medications, and a change in diet. Behavioral training or modification, as it is also called, deals with changing or extinguishing inappropriate behaviors and increasing positive behaviors. A few methods are used to do this. One way is self-management where the individual monitors their behavior and receives self-reinforcement. Another method used is modeling. This is when the teacher or therapist demonstrates what is being done so the child can â€Å"model† the steps. Behavioral training is effective in stopping self-inflicted pain by shaping and distributing positive reinforcement. The teaching of communication and social skills is an integral part of treating autism. Speech therapy may include gaining language skills or learning sign language. Some devices are used frequently such as picture communication boards. Another device is used with a trained professional supporting the hand or arm of the person helping them to punch keys on a device. This technique, called facilitated communication, is highly controversial because it is sometimes thought that the facilitator is directing the person’s arm unknowingly. One of the main characteristics of autism is the lack of understanding of social cues (Autism Society of America). The person with autism may be taught how to communicate in social situations or respond to certain facialShow MoreRelatedAutism And Childhood Of Autism Essay1382 Words   |  6 Pagesexplored of all youth psychiatric disorders, Autism continues to be a captivating condition. The conception and description of the disorder has evolved s ignificantly over time leaving some philosophies once held with principle to later verify to be unproven. Scientists and clinicians have provided the highest influences to the understanding of the illness, however, history does illustrate countless teachings and initial interpretations of a possible genesis of autism to be uncertain. The socio-politicalRead MoreAutism Between Autism And Autism756 Words   |  4 PagesMany people believe that autism is its own disorder that children are diagnosed with. However, autism is actually a term used for a wide range of disorders. Autism s clinical name is Autism Spectrum Disorder. The term spectrum is used because of the range of symptoms, intensity, and behaviors autism effects. There are also many different types of autism. There is classic autism which is associated with being non-verbal and anti-social. Another form of autism is Asperger Syndrome which is associatedRead MoreAutism On Children : Autism1066 Words   |  5 PagesPamela Su lger 27 November 2016 Autism in Children Autism according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary is defined as â€Å"a variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships, to commutate with others, and by stereotyped behavior patterns.† Autism was believed to be a psychiatric or emotional illness, and doctors told mothers that they were the cause. They were wrong. The cause for autism is still a mystery, howeverRead MoreAutism Between Autism And Autism2229 Words   |  9 Pagesand love. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders in the United States alone, including almost five times more boys than girls (2015). Autism is a neurobiological developmental disability that has swiftly become the fastest-growing developmental disability, as the rate of diagnosis continues to rise. Autism encompasses an entire spectrum of disorders, meaning that symptoms and s everity can vary greatly from childRead MoreAutism And The National Autism1994 Words   |  8 PagesAutism has become an increasingly important public health concern as the number of yearly diagnoses of the disorder has increased since the late 20th century. The National Institute of Health estimates that 1 in 88 children in the United States are classified as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (NINDS, 2009), a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs children s ability to learn and causes issues with social interaction and communication. Symptoms of ASD include delays in speechRead MoreAutism : Children With Autism2199 Words   |  9 PagesRunning head: AUTISM 1 AUTISM 10 Autism Name: Institution: Autism Introduction Autism is a disorder that is encompassed in the autism spectrum (ASDs) (Landa, 2007). Autism spectrum disorders describe the brain development disorders and encompass Asperger syndrome, autism, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) disorders. Features of the ASDs includes sensory and cognition problems, difficulty in communicating with other people, and repetitiveRead MoreThe Link Between Autism And Autism1580 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction There have been several controversies regarding the cause of autism over the years. For example, the main cause was assumed by some to be bad parenting. Today, however, there is general agreement that the symptoms of autism, with the exception of those of abandoned children, are a behavioral response by young children to an organic disease affecting their brains. In fact, it is now generally understood that autism is a complex developmental syndrome representing a heterogeneous group ofRead MoreAutism Spectrum Disorder ( Autism )900 Words   |  4 Pages Autism Disorder Mohamed Ayoub Community College of Aurora Autism Spectrum Disorder We are living in a time where a remarkable and advanced medical treatments exist. However, scientists and medical professionals are constantly faced with diseases and disorders that contemporary humanity needs a cure and treatment. Amongst the disorders that affecting our young people today is the autism spectrum disorder. It is a â€Å"complex and life long behavioral disorder marked by impairment in socialRead MoreAutism And The Autism Spectrum Essay984 Words   |  4 PagesAutism is a developmental disorder, which is characterized by a dyad of difficulties in a) communication and social interaction and b) restricted interests and imagination (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might find it challenging to understand what other people think or what the reasons for their behaviours are, as their ‘theory of mind’ may not be well developed (Schuwerk, Vuori Sodian, 2015). It is possible that this is why they might behave in soci allyRead MoreAutism : What Causes Autism? Essay1112 Words   |  5 Pages What is Autism? How is Autism classified? What causes Autism? Why do Autism happen? There are some many questions about Autism, and what it is. Many of those questions are still unknown. Everyday researchers are exploring reasons for these questions. However, Autism was introduced in the 1940s autism was first described in the 1940s. Leo Kanner in the United States and Hans Asperger in Austria independently published papers describing children with severe social and communicative impairments. Both