Myths and Facts about Autism and Treatments - Essay Example

Myths and Facts about Autism and Treatment Autism is a dreadfully complex disorder, with many different variations from Asperger's on, with many different presentations. Friends of mine are autistic and yet highly functional: Very active and social, fun, and artistic, but with their own strange quirks and relationships to the world and to their values. Others can barely talk to others or function. Because of this complexity, miscommunication, mythology and inaccuracy unfortunately fill discussions about both autism and its treatment.

This handout attempts to correct some of these erroneous assumptions and myths. First: Some people believe autism is a purely mental illness or an emotional problem. It's true that autism has many behavioral symptoms, but the research indicates that autism is actually caused by brain development problems (Salahi and Chitale, 2008). It appears to have a biological root and, while debate currently goes on as to how much genetic, environmental and other factors there are at play, certainly it is based on a lack of development in parts of the brain responsible for social relations and behavior, communication, and managing order and chaos.

The confusion is understandable, because the symptoms of autism are mostly psychological: Alienation from others, a baffling array of sensory attacks, a lack of ability to empathize with others, excessive rationality, a compulsive demand for certain rituals, etc. Further, many of the treatments are psychological, but they are attempting to treat symptoms, not causes. Autism also needs to be distinguished from sociopathy. It's true that, when autism patients are put through game theory experiments, they tend to behave as a purely rational person: For example, in a dictator game, they tend to give themselves 100% of the resources, which most people don't do because they feel bad if they do (Zimbardo, 2006).

But autistics are not antisocial, or lacking impulse control: They find it hard to relate to others, but they don't enjoy the pain of others either. There's also questions as to the so-called “autism epidemic” (Salahi and Chitale, 2008). Just like with ADHD, there's always a question as to whether or not autism has actually increased, and if so why; how much; and if the apparent increase might be a result of increased or over-diagnosis. Most people are aware that autism can't be cured, but unfortunately, some snake oil salesmen seem determined to indicate “cures” for autism (Salahi and Chitale, 2008).

Autism is a lifelong behavioral and developmental disorder, something like Down's or inherited bipolar disorders or schizophrenia. The question is not a comprehensive cure that solves all the symptoms, but treatment (Salahi and Chitale, 2008). Autism and savantism are also not universally correlated (Salahi and Chitale, 2008). It's true that many autistics see the world in a different way or have savant skills, Ironically, the opposite myth is also held: The idea that autistics can't improve and will always struggle.

This is not true. High-functioning autistics do exist, and with early detection and appropriate treatment, there can be seemingly miraculous improvements in functioning. Autistics will always be different from their peers. For example: Trying to stop ritualistic behaviors is not always the right approach; many of them are harmless, just like nervous tics and behavioral quirks that anyone has, and can improve functioning (Salahi and Chitale, 2008). Similarly, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, speech therapy and behavioral therapy can truly ease the condition.

Over time, it is likely that drugs and other options will also help the condition. Autistics are not doomed: With proper treatment, the vat majority can become relatively high functioning.ReferencesHayhurst, C. (2011). Treating Kids with Autism. American Physical Therapy Association. Health Communities. Treatment for Autism. Retrieved 1/15/2011. from: http://www.neurologychannel.com/autism/treatment.shtml Rudy, L.J. (2009, June 10). “Speech Therapy for Autism: The Basics”. About.com. Retrieved 1/15/2011 from: http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/a/SLP.htm.Salahi, L.

and Chitale, R. (2008, October 23). 10 Myths about Autism. ABC News. Retrieved 1/22/2011 from: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ColdandFluNews/story?id=6089162&page=1WebMD. (2011). Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Autism. Retrieved 1/15/2011from: http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/benefits-of-occupational-therapy-for-autism Zimbardo, P. (2006). The Lucifer Effect.