Autism

March 23, 2010 12:31

Autism

            Autism or autistic disorder is a “pervasive developmental disorder in which the individual appears to have little interest in the external world or capacity to relate effectively to people or objects and is presumed to be devoting full attention to inner wishes and sensations.  Other symptoms may include deficient communication and social skills, abnormal interpersonal skills, and unusual responses to stimuli.  This condition is most commonly seen in young children and infants” (Barker, 33).

            The characteristics of autism vary within the spectrum depending on the individual.  Autism can be classified as Asperger’s syndrome, high functioning or low functioning.  The general characteristics for Autistic Disorder classified as 299.00 in the Diagnostic Criteria DSM-IV-TR from the American Psychiatric Association are as follow:

Pervasive lack of interest in or responsiveness to other people. Chronic failure to develop social relationships appropriate to the developmental level. Lack of spontaneity and emotional or social reciprocity. Significant delays in or total lack of spoken language or development. Impairment in sustaining or initiating conversation. Oddities in speech and language as manifested by echolalia, pronominal reversal, or metaphorical language. Inflexible adherence to repetition of nonfunctional rituals or stereotyped motor mannerisms. Persistent preoccupation with objects, parts of objects, or restricted areas of interest. Marked impairment or extreme variability in intellectual and cognitive functioning. Extreme resistance or overreaction to minor changes in routines or environment. Emotional constriction or blunted affect. Recurrent pattern of self-abusive behaviors (e.g., head banging, biting or burning self) (Jongsma, Jr., 55)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is happening earlier in the child’s life with the advancement of information and awareness.  A child is usually diagnosed during the first three years of life.  There is no single cause of autism which makes the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.  One in every 150 American children is diagnosed with autism, autism is often found in one of every 94 boys.  There are currently 1.5 million Americans are living with the affects of autism (ASA). 

There are no medical tests available to diagnose autism; however, a test can be given to determine if the autism is of organic causes.  The only way to accurately diagnose autism is by observation of the individual and interviewing the parents, caregivers and teachers.  Observation is focused on communication skills, behaviors, and developmental delays. 

Diagnosis is difficult as it is the same characteristics are shared with mental retardation, behavior disorder, hearing loss, odd or eccentric behavior and can co-occur with autism (ASA).

Prognosis

Autism is treatable, but a child will not outgrow autism.  The treatments include speech, physical and occupational therapy, develop an Individual Educational Plan (IEP), therapy, medication as prescribed by physician, behavior management, social interactions, inclusion classes if deemed appropriate for individual,  or placement in classes focused on developing skills for children with autism.    

Educational Treatments

Inclusion into a traditional classroom setting is preferred for high functioning and children with an Asperger’s syndrome, another form of high functioning autism.  A child in a traditional class may need assistance with executive function tasks, reminders for changing of tasks, reassurance when accomplishing tasks on time, reminders of what is expected of him, and working on social interaction skills. 

School for a child with moderate and low functioning autism focuses on more of the life skills and basic educational skills.  Often the student will not receive a diploma, but a certificate indicating they completed the curriculum set forth for their skills and abilities.  Students may spend time learning vocational skills such as janitorial skills, working as a bagger in a grocery store or other tasks that would fit their skills and abilities.  Simple reading, writing and communication skills may have been mastered, but is not required if their abilities are not at that particular level.  Classes are smaller for these individuals and focus on their individual needs. 

A child with a diagnosis of autism may have a disorder that alters their perception of life, however, that does not limit their contributions to the world.  Many Americans with autism have made large impacts on the world around us and as Hans Asperger who first diagnosed Asperger’s syndrome states, “Not everything that steps out of line, and thus ‘abnormal’, must necessarily be ‘inferior’”.

 

Resources

Atwood, Tony, The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome, Jessica Kingley Publishers,  London, UK and Philadelphia, PA, 2007

Barker, Robert, The Social Work Dictionary, Port City Press, Bristow, VA, 2003

Jongsma, Arthur, E, Jr., The Adolescent Psychotherapy Treatment Planner, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2006

American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-IV-TR, Arlington, VA, 2000 www.psych.org

Autism Society of America, About Autism, How to Diagnose Autism, January 2008, http://www.autism-society.org

 

 

 

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