Autism as a Neurodevelopmental Disorder - Essay Example

? Research Proposal Children with Autism: A Home-based Interventional Program to Support Parents Dealing with Autistic Behavioral Issues in Children Purpose and Aims Parents of autistic children are always involved in some level of home-based intervention to manage their children under the guidance of trained therapists [Eldevik, 2009 #16]. These parents can experience increased or decreased levels of stress depending on their overall situation [Hastings, 2001 #10]. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the levels of parenting stress in parents who have children with autism, can be reduced by adding the support of regular interaction between these parents of similar situation. It is hypothesized that this support strategy will reduce the levels of parents’ stress, compared to parents who do not receive the support program. The results of this research would help in formulating a strategy to help parents cope with the stress of raising their children with autism, which in my opinion is a worthy goal of psychology, and forms my motivation for doing this interventional study. The specific research question is: Do parents experience reduced levels of stress if they participate in a support group with other parents of autistic children, with whom they can discuss the problems and apparent solutions? Literature Review Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by limited ability to interact and communicate with others. It is more common in males than females, and affects all race groups and socioeconomic classes. It is now labelled as ‘autism spectrum disorder’ (ASD), as afflicted individuals manifest varied signs and symptoms and with differing severity. Some people with milder forms of autism are able to function, while others with severe forms of the disorder are completely disabled. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ conclusion, ‘ASDs, similar to other neurodevelopmental disabilities, are generally not ‘curable’ and chronic management is required.’ (Genuis, 2009) Autism is a syndromic diagnosis entirely based on a constellation of common manifestations. Indicators of ASD, such as developmental delay, communicative dysfunction or behavioural problems are manifestations of brain dysfunction resulting from disordered neurobiology. Children with autism show severe impairment in reciprocal social interaction and communication along with high rates of ritualistic and stereotyped behavior (Eikeseth et al., 2007). Some underlying genetic factors predisposing to autism have been identified. (Genuis, 2009) Investigators have defined the severity of autism by a number of different child characteristics such as hyperirritability, self-injurious behaviours, cognitive level, or the presence of seizures or dysmorphic features (Lecavalier et al., 2006). The incidence of autism has climbed by over 1500% in Read More