Autism Spectrum Disorders - Essay Example

Autism Faisal Janahi time: T/TH 11:00-12:20 Whether contracted in the early fetal development stage or inherited, autism is a disorder that affects cognitive brain functions thus impeding a person’s ability to communicate effectively. Symptoms of autism are generally noticeable to the trained eye before a child’s third birthday but the disorder usually remains undiagnosed until or after that age. Though autism is incurable and usually results in social isolation to varying degrees, various forms of treatment have proven to make a decidedly positive impact in the way autistics interacts with others.

The severity of autism varies widely among individuals as does its related symptoms but there are certain aspects relating to social interaction shared by all with the disorder. Avoiding direct eye contact, distinctive body posturing and facial expressions, as well as other nonverbal communication deficiencies, are a common trait. Autistic children seldom associate with those of their own age-group as well as showing a general disinterest in interacting with any other people. They also do not demonstrate empathy because they lack the understanding of another person’s sorrow or pain.

Deficiencies in communication skills can include symptoms such as a delay in speaking development or not being able to speak at all. About half of those with autism never learn to talk. Well-designed and personalized programs targeted to manage an autistic person’s biological disorder have proven to take full advantage of their learning potential thus lessening the effects of autism. The objective of treatment is to enhance the child’s language and social development and to curb behaviors that impede the child’s learning capabilities.

A cure is not possible because autism is a chronic cognitive disorder, its disabling effects last for a lifetime. Learning programs adapted to the autistic child’s specific needs and abilities if applied early on in their life greatly increases their ability to learn language skills and helps to increase their ability to learn other aspects of communication as well. Well-structured education curriculums assist autistic children to attain social skills in addition to learning to attend to their own needs.

(Lovaas, 1987). The principal objective in the treatment of autism is to enhance the overall capacity of a child to function in society at the highest level possible given the unique circumstances for each individual. The most important factor in the treatment of autistic children and ensuring they reach their optimum potential in identifying developmental disorders as early as possible. The behaviors and symptoms of autism are many, varied and are capable of intertwining in a countless number of ways including different levels of severity.

Additionally, an individual’s behaviors and symptoms frequently change with time. Autistic children are most responsive to treatment that is specialized, amply structured and custom-tailored to suit the individual’s needs. Treatment programs that focus on assisting parents in improving behavioral, social, adaptive and communicative skills collectively in a positive, customized learning environment will ensure that the autistic child will be able to make the most out of their life.