1. Psychology

2.  Definition: A disorder that appears in childhood and is marked by deficient communication, social interaction, and understanding of others’ states of mind.  Own Words: Someone who, at an early age, has trouble talking, creating feelings for others, thinking, and commonly known for being unable to live on their own.

3.  Their abilities to communicate, infer and emotions (pity for others) are greatly impaired.  By this it is also meant that they have difficulty in thinking of what someone else is thinking (empathy). What kind of challenges might this lead to?

4. Autistic Disorder (DSM-IV-TR, 2000, p. 70) Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: A. marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures and gestures to regulate social interaction B. failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level C. a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests or achievements with other people (e.g. by a lack of showing, bringing or pointing out objects of interest) D. lack of social or emotional reciprocity.

5. 2. Qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following: A. delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime) B. in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others

6.  GENETIC  Evidence suggests that it can be passed down through families  This also includes irregularities in the brain such as the development (of the brain) that will greatly influence on not being able to learn well and maturing  ENVIRONMENTAL  Researchers are currently exploring whether other factors play a role in triggering autism.  viral infections  complications during pregnancy  air pollutants

7.  Reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, yet are on average 4 to 5 times more likely to occur in boys than girls (studies continue in many regions around the world).  Data showed that as many as 1 in 166 children have an ASD (Autistic/related disorder).  If a parent has a child with autism (ASD), there is a 5% chance that a second child will also be born with the disorder.

8.  THERAPY  Behavioral  Educational  Family  MEDICATION  Antidepressants for anxiety  Antipsychotics for severe behavioral problems  SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES – in some cases

9.  Outcomes may vary in many ways such as epilepsy, being intellectually disabled, becoming depressed, or experience behavioral problems.

10. Symptoms: Challenges: Success: Similarities & Differences:

11.  How would your daily life be affected if you had to live with a family member with this disorder and how would you in any possible way help him/her in which they can’t infer in a context or speak properly?

12. 1. Which of the following is not a common symptoms of AUTISM: a. challenges reading emotions b. discomfort with change c. Love of being in groups d. Special abilities in math or music

13. “ Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Queensland Government DET Education. Retrieved May 4, 2011, from http://education.qld.gov.au/students/disabilities/adjustment/verification/asd.ht ml http://education.qld.gov.au/students/disabilities/adjustment/verification/asd.ht ml “ Autism Fact Sheet.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, Retrieved May 4, 2011, from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm Halgin, R.P., & Whitbourne S.K. (2005) Abnormal Psychology: Clinical Perspectives on Psychological Disorders, New York, NY: McGrawHill Myers D.G. (2011) Myers’ Psychology for AP, New York, NY: Worth Publishers “NINDS Autism Information Page.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, Retrieved May 4, 2011, from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/autism.htm http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/autism.htm “Autistic Spectrum Disorders.” National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, Retrieved May 5, 2011, from http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asd.cfm http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asd.cfm