Autism Lamont Douglas Per

What is autism?  Autism is developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills.

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Associated Features  Most parents of autistic children suspect that something is wrong by the time child is 18 months old.  Children with autism typically have difficulties in Pretend play, social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication.  People with autism may also be overly sensitive in sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste, have unusual distress when routines are changed, perform repeated body movements, and show unusual attachments to objects.

Associated Features Continued…  The symptoms may vary from moderate to severe.  Communication problems include, cannot start or maintain a social conversation, communicates with gestures instead of words, develops language slowly or not at all.  Does not adjust gaze to look at objects others are looking at.  Does not refer to self correctly, i.e. they would say you want water, instead of saying I want water.  Many other symptoms.

Interview  When I interviewed Mirzha about her little nephew who’s autistic. He has similar symptoms as were described earlier.  He’s 7 and his writing and communication skills aren’t at the level as a non autistic 7 year old child should be.  He has some trouble differentiating which way the letters go. This might be related to some dyslexia.

Interview Continued…

Etiology  Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain.  The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but its still being researched.  Genetic factors play a role is obtaining the disorder, i.e. identical twins are much more likely then fraternal twins or siblings to both have autism.  Chromosomal abnormalities and other neurological problems are also common in families with autism.

Prevalence  There is not an exact number who have is autism is unknown.  Autism affects boys 3-4 times more often then girls.  Doctors believe the increased incidence in autism is due to newer definitions of autism. The term “autism” now includes a wider spectrum of children, i.e. a child who is diagnosed with high-functioning autism today may have been thought to be simply odd or strange 30 years ago.

Treatment  An early, intensive, appropriate treatment program will greatly improve the outlook for most young children with autism. Most programs will build on the interests of the child in a highly structured schedule of constructive activities. Visual aids are often helpful.

Treatment Methods  Applied behavior analysis (ABA): programs are usually done in a child’s home under the supervision of a behavioral psychologist.  Medications: risperidone is used to treat children ages 5-16 for the irritability and aggression.  Occupational therapy  Physical therapy  Speech-language therapy

Treatment Continued…  Diet: some children with autism appear to respond to a gluten-free or casein-free diet.  Support Groups: some support groups can provide additional information and help when dealing with autism.

Prognosis  If the child doesn’t receive treatment complications could include, possible personality disorders, learning disabilities, epilepsy, depression, and behavioral problems.  If the child does receive some type of treatment then it may improve social development and reduce undesirable behaviors.

References  Steen, R. Grant, (2001). Chapter 9: Mental Disorders.  Halgin, R.P., & whithourne, S.K. (2005). Abnormal Psychology: clinical perspectives on psychological disorders. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.  Brewer, C.L., & David, M.G., (2011). Meyers Psychology for AP. New York,NY: worth publishers.

Discussion Question  How might physical therapy help an autistic child?