Autism Spectrum DisorderDavid Hoehne

PSY-1100-400-F14

What is Autism?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), reclassified Autism in 2012 to a new name that reflects four previously separate disorders to a single condition.

WebMD defines Autism as a brain disorder that affects communication and socializationwith others, which is attributed to areas of the brain failing to work together.

DiagnosisPersistent deficits in social communication and social Interaction across multiple contexts.

• Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity: back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect; failure to initiate or respond to social interactions.

• Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction ranging 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.

• Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships ranging 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.

SymptomsSymptoms of ASD start with how a child perceives and socializes with others.This perception causes problems with areas of development including social,Communication, and behavior.

Social Development:• Fails to respond to their name• Poor eye contact, minimal facial expression• Appears to be playing alone• Doesn’t express emotions or feelings

Patterns of behavior: • Receptive movements, such as rocking, or may perform harmful activities• Constant movement• Sensitivity to light, sound and touch• Lack of imitative or make-believe play

Other symptoms include signs of lower intelligence, slow to gain knowledge or skills.

Possible CausesOf Autism

Experts are uncertain as to the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Common factors are thought to be contributors of the disorder and still require further studies:

• Genetics• Environmental Stressors• Abnormal levels of serotonin or Neurotransmitters

TreatmentThe American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) recommends the following strategies:

• Behavioral training and management: positive reinforcement, self-help, and social skills training.• Specialized therapies: speech, occupational, and physical therapy.• Medication • Community based advocacy groups

Always Remember“An autism instruction manual will never be a recipe, and a treatment plan From a clinical trial will never be comprehensive or permaent”

• Need a new approach to autism• Autism is complex and in need of everyone’s help• Parents need to take a more active role and observe their child• Parents and medical professionals need to be a team• Always consult with your medical team• Enjoy and love your child, create a safe and stress free environment• More treatment isn’t always better• Less treatment but more specific treatment

References1. Autism-Topic Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-topic-overview

2. American Psychiatric Association. (2012, December 31). American Psychiatric Association DSM-5 Development. Retrieved from http://www.dsm5.org/Pages/Default.aspx

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, March 24). Diagnostic Criteria. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-dsm.html

5. What is autism spectrum disorder? - definition, symptoms & cures. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2015, from http://vkool.com/autism-spectrum-disorder/

4. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Autism spectrum disorder. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20021148

Cont’d

References

7. Introduction. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/PH/Autism/Autism_print.html

8. WebMD. (n.d.). Autism-Treatment Overview. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-treatment-overview

9. Herbert, M. R., & Weintraub, K. (2012). Chapter 9 Lead the Revolution. In The autism revolution: Whole-body strategies for making life all it can be (pp. 221-222). New York: Ballantine Books.

6. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (n.d.). Autism Fact Sheet. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm#259233082