AUTISM M Edwards W Jeudy J Helgeson J Leary J Vasquez

What is the disorder? Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts

What population does it affect? “Children of foreign born mothers who are black, Central or South American, Vietnamese, or Filipino are more likely to be diagnosed with autism disorder than children of white U.S.-born mothers. “ 76% higher in children of black foreign born mothers(compared to white, u.s. born) 43% higher Vietnam 26% higher Central/South America 25% higher Phillipines. 30% lower among children born in china or japan(compared to white)

What are the symptoms? there are various ways that autisms symptoms can manifest. Some of these symptoms include: –The ability to maintain eye contact –The ability to interact with others –The ability to associate with the surroundings

What are the symptoms? (cont.) Autism, is considered a spectrum disorder, which simply means, the symptoms can greatly vary from patient to patient. However, some common symptoms include –Issues communicating with others –Delayed ability to understand or speak a language –Not very interested in what’s going on around them –Repetitive mannerisms – clapping, rocking, swaying, ect –By 12 months no coos, babbles, gestures, grasps, wave or point –Does not say a word by 16 months, or two word phrases by 24 months –Looses language and social skill at any age

Statistics ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) 1/88 child show symptoms of autism 1/54 show the symptoms boys After 18 month of age, the symptoms are more easily spotted Doctors recommend testing between the ages of months ( a long questionnaire) “There are early signs of autism with delay or lack of joint attention. Joint attention is looking back and forth between an object and another person and engaging in back- and-forth interaction.”

How is it diagnosed? Autism affects about 1 million teens and children in the U.S. In earlier days, autism was only diagnosed for children with severe language and social impairments combined with repetitious behaviors. Now, the definition and diagnosis of autism has expanded greatly. Very difficult to diagnose: 5 times more common in boys. “Autism is diagnosed by making judgments about a child’s behavior; there are no blood or biologic tests.”

How is it diagnosed? (cont.) 1. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example, from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interactions. 2. Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication. 3. Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, ranging, for example, from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts; to difficulties in sharing imaginative play or in making friends; to absence of interest in peers.

What are the treatment options? Autism cannot be “cured”, but its symptoms are treatable. For example, medication might help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, depression, or seizures. Some autistic individuals will need to undergo physical therapy in order to practice basic motor function, depending on the severity of their autism. Behavior and communication therapies may also be implemented during social development. There are many popular dietary treatments, but they do not have scientific support. Dietary treatments are based on the idea that food allergies or lack of vitamins and minerals cause symptoms of ASD. Some parents feel that dietary changes make a difference in how their child acts or feels. Autistics adults will often undergo some form of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy teaches skills that help the person live as independently as possible. Skills can include dressing, eating, bathing, and relating to people. The earlier that autism is diagnosed, the easier it is to start treatment. Early intervention allows doctors to chart growth and social development and provide more specialized therapy plans sooner.

Video – AutismSpeaks.org

Sources Belluck, P. (2013). Baby's Gaze may signal Autism, a Study Finds: [National Desk]. New York Times, Late Edition(East Coast), A.1-A.1. Retrieved September 30, 2015, from ProQuest. Beck, M. (2014). U.S. News: Birth Nation Seen as Autism Risk. Wall Street Journal, Eastern Edition, A.3-A.3. Retrieved September 30, 2015, from ProQuest. Stobbe, M. (2012). Screening, better diagnosis cited for autism rise. Spartanburg Herald. Retrieved September 30, 2015, from ProQuest. Corsello, C. (2005). Early Intervention in Autism. Infants & Young Children, 18(2), Retrieved October 05, 2015, from ProQuest. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Retrieved September 30, 2015 Facts About ASD. (2015, February 24). Retrieved October 18, 2015, from