AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

In this study, we try to explore the concept of Autism spectrum Disorders. The autistic spectrum (also autistic spectrum) is a set of syndromes of development and behavior that result from certain combinations of traits with autism. Although these features can be distributed normally in the population, some individuals inherit or manifest more autistic traits. At the lowest and worst of the spectrum is the autistic low-functioning autism or Kanner, characterized by profound disabilities in several areas. At the highest (and therefore less severe) of the spectrum we find the high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Introduction

Autism is a neurological disorder that impairs a person ability to communicate with and relate to others, is characterized by rigid routines or repetitive behaviors that negatively impact the person's daily life, and occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. Although the exact origin of autism is not yet known, current research suggests the disorder is biological in nature, and several possible causes have been determined. Evidence points to underlying brain dysfunction, given that individuals with autism display a range of cognitive functioning with 25% to 50% of people having mental retardation and 50% of individuals with autism having abnormal EEGs. Autism Spectrum Disorders

Currently, most autism researchers use the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to describe the pattern of behaviors among children who experience difficulty in multiple domains of development including social, communication, behavior, and cognition (Ozonoff et al., 2002). Individuals with ASD can be diagnosed with one of five disorders:

Autistic Disorder,

Aspersers syndrome,

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS),

Rhett's Disorder, or

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

The significant increase in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders in the last 20 years has sparked interest in intervention strategies for children with ASD and their families. Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (HFASD) experience difficulties in social skills and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, but have normal intellectual functioning and language skills that distinguish them from other children with ASD. Because children with HFASD have relative strengths that often disguise their significant social deficits, parents may in turn experience elevated stress levels associated with finding and qualifying for services. Extensive research has shown that compared to parents of children with and without disabilities, parents of children with ASD experience far more negative outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, increased somatic complaints, and parenting stress.

Parents of children with HFASD also experience higher levels of anxiety, poorer physical health, and more psychiatric symptoms. Several studies suggest psychological distress among parents of children with ASD varies by the characteristics associated with the child's condition and the severity of those characteristics. The struggle to find and maintain support services for their child, in addition to the effects of, the child's HFASD symptomatology may increase parents' stress levels (National Research Council, 2001).

Early signs of autism spectrum disorders

Parents are usually the first to notice that something is happening with their child. Although, they may not know the nature or the degree of the problem, ...