Autism

Autism

Introduction

Autism in children is described as “A pervasive developmental disorder defined by the presence of abnormal and/or impaired development that is manifest before the age of 3 years, and by the characteristic type of abnormal functioning in all three areas of social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive behavior.” (Richdale, 1995, 175-186) The disorder occurs in boys three to four times more often than in girls. “Autism is generally believed to be a behavioral syndrome that includes abnormalities of language and thinking skills; repetitive behavior such as rocking; abnormal responses to sensations, people, events and objects; and self- injurious behavior”. (Prizant, 1999, 199-208) Autism is an intricate developmental disability that characteristically appears during the first three years of life. The consequence of a neurological disorder that involves the functioning of the brain, autism affects the normal growth of the brain in the region of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism normally have problems in verbal and non-verbal contact, social communications, and leisure or play activities. Autism is one of five disorders coming under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development," including social interaction and communications skills (DMS-IV-TR). The five disorders under PDD are Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett's Disorder, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). (Brunell, 2009)

Autism is a spectrum disorder. The indications and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide selection of blend, from mild to severe. While autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills. (Hering, 1999)

This disease affects each person in a different way and in varying degrees of severity. People with autism have been known to grow up to lead fully normal lives and to have pursued exceptional careers. (Whelan, 2009)

Discussion

Causes

Identified causes

The causes for autism which are identified are:

Fragile-x syndrome involve the x chromosome,

Angelman's syndrome involves chromosome 15, and many other chromosomal abnormalities may present with autism.

Touberouse sclerosis that causes skin and brain abnormalities and frequent severe epileptic seizures that may present with autism.

Metabolic disorders, like phenylketonuria where a substance called phenylalanine build up in the brain, and other disorders of metabolism may present with autism.

Another condition that may cause autism is seizure disorder or Laundau Kleffner syndrome, also called epileptiform

Autism Cure and Issues

Autism is generally believed to be a behavioral syndrome that includes abnormalities of language and thinking skills; repetitive behavior such as rocking; abnormal responses to sensations, people, events and objects; and self- injurious behavior what causes the syndrome is not known. Autism is a behaviorally defined, life-long static developmental disorder of the brain that is floating for neurobiological investigation. It affects only 1 or 2 in 1000 persons and has a very broad range of sternness. It has multiple causes and genes play ...