A Study of the Increase and Growth of Autistic Children in America

Introduction

Background of the Study

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder. Those diagnosed with autism have marked impairments in reciprocal social interaction and communication, as well as restrictive and repetitive interests or behaviors. The manifestations of autism vary depending on the age and level of development of the individual. In the past 20 years, the incidence of autism has increased dramatically. In the 1980s, there were approximately 1 in 2,500 people diagnosed with autism. In 2007, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2007) found that 1 in 150 children, in the United States, are diagnosed with autism. According to the Autism Society of America (2009), there are about 1.5 million Americans who have some form of autism. The Autism Society of America also predicts that this number could increase to 4 million over the next 10 years. The exact cause of autism is unknown, and there is no known cure. The stress placed on families when a child is diagnosed with autism can be devastating. With the number of children diagnosed with autism increasing each year, it is imperative for social workers to have the knowledge, understanding, and ability to support these families (Sandra, p. 131).

The exact cause of autism is not known. It is accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in the structure and function of the brain. There are a number of theories on the cause of these abnormalities currently being researched. Elisabeth and Frith (2003) explained that while many parents still contend that their child's autism was caused by the measles mumps rubella vaccine or the Thimerosal preservative used in many vaccines, there is no scientific evidence to support either of these theories (p. 287). According to Elisabeth and Frith (2003) the research shows that one reason for the increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism is that there is better recognition of the symptoms of the disorder and that the diagnostic criteria for autism has been broadened. In addition, Elisabeth and Frith (2003) explained that while the idea that the measles mumps rubella vaccine or Thimerosal have caused autism has not been proven, the research has not ruled out the possibility that either of these might be a trigger in children already susceptible to autism.

Thesis Statement

Autism was once considered a rare disease not so long ago, today the number of autistic children being ...