Psychology Autism

By Author: Sherry Roberts
Total Articles: 81
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Introduction
Autism is not a single disorder, but a variety of disorders that are closely related to a shared core of signs and symptoms. Every person with autism disorder has to some extent problems with communication, empathy, social skills, and flexible behavior. The extent of disability and the combination of signs and symptoms vary greatly from one individual to another. Two kids who have the same diagnosis may not the same behaviors and disabilities (Handleman et al. 2000)
A diagnosis of autism disorder presently includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed independently: Asperger syndrome, autistic disorder and pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified. These three conditions are the current autism spectrum disorder (DiGuiseppi et al. 2010)
Signs and symptoms
A person with autism disorder usually has communication, emotional and social skills problems. These people may repeat particular behaviors and may not want changes in their daily activities. People with autism spectrum disorder have different ways of concentrating, learning, or reacting to matters. The signs of autism ...
... usually start in childhood and will last all through a person’s lifetime (DiGuiseppi et al. 2010)
Causes and risk factors
There are factors that make a child more likely to have an autism disorder, including biologic, environmental, and genetic factors. Many scientists agree that genes are one of the factors that can make a child more likely to develop the disorder. Kids who have siblings with autism disorder are at a great risk of also having the disorder. There is scientific proof that autism disorder can also occur before or immediately after birth. There are drugs that are linked to higher risk of causing autism spectrum disorder. These prescription drugs are given when a woman is pregnant, they include thalidomide and valproic acid (Strömland et al. 1994). Lastly, kids who are born to old parents are at a higher risk of having autism disorder (Durkin et al. 2008)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of autism of autism spectrum disorder can usually be difficult since there are no medical examinations to diagnose the disease, such as blood test. Autism disorder can be detected in a child when he or she is one and a half years of below that. When a child is two years, a diagnosis by an expert doctor can be very reliable. Although most kids do not receive a final diagnosis until they are much older. This delay means that kids with autism spectrum disorder may not get the early assistance they require (DiGuiseppi et al. 2010)
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for autism disorder. Although studies show that early intervention of treatment services can enhance child’s growth. These children who are three years and below can be assisted to learn important skills. Treatment services comprise therapy to assist the child walk, talk, and socialize with others.
Epidemiology of autism
Autism spectrum disorder occurs in all ethnic, racial and socio- economic groups. Autism is commonly known to occur five times more in boys than girls. CDC states that about 1 out of 68 children have been identified with the autism disorder. Currently, more people are being diagnosed with the disorder than before. It is not clear exactly how much of this increase is due to a broader definition of autism disorder and much better efforts in diagnosis. It is believed that the increase in autism disorder is due to the combination of these factors. It has been discovered that United States has the greatest number of children with autism disorder (Sumi et al. 2006)
It is advisable that if you feel your kid might have autism spectrum disorder or you think there is an issue with the way your child learns, plays, acts or talk. As a parent, you should contact your medical doctor and share your concerns. There are specialists who can diagnose autism in a child and they include child neurologists, child psychologists, and developmental pediatricians.
The purpose of me carrying out this project is because I would like to know why children at first seem very restless and unsettled. Why children lack recognition of eyesight? Why do they not eat? Why do they not sleep and presence of repetitive behaviors such as speech or sound?
Personal experience
My personal journey into this world of autism spectrum disorder started seven years ago with the birth of my nephew, Perry. Since the onset, he struggled vastly. The first thing we recognized was that he appeared very restless. Also, he had the lack of recognition in his eyes. He did not have an appetite for food. As days passed, we noticed more characteristics of autism disorder with repetitive characters.

Sherry Roberts is the author of this paper. A senior editor at Melda Research in 24 hour college papers. If you need a similar paper you can place your order for a custom research paper from medicine essay writing services.