Definition of Autism - Literature review Example

Autism The scientific definition of autism is developmental or growth disorder that occurs in a person’s brain in the early stages of life i.e. between one to three years. It affects a person’s ability to relate to, communicate with, and view to his environment (Volkmar 3). Scientific research reveals that autism is a spectrum condition. In this regard, it means that people who suffer autism share certain disabilities and it affects individuals in different ways. Observable effects show that some people are able to lead unaided life while others require assistance during learning sessions. Research on causes of autism has revealed that environment and genetics play a vital role on its causes (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). Studies have identified some genes associated with the autism. Close study conducted on people experiencing this condition reveals some irregularities in some parts of the human brain. The research suggests that people who suffer autism have above or below normal level of neurotransmitters or serotonin (Volkmar 14). Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are responsible for message relay in the human brain from one neuron to the next through synapses. Neurotransmitters are situated at motor neurons axon endings. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which are responsible psychological effects of the human beings. Scientists believe that serotonin influence the functions of approximately 40 million brain cells (Frith 56). Serotonin influence directly or indirectly brain cells, which influence mood, appetite and sleep, learning, and memory, social behavior among others conditions (Frith 56). Abnormal level of serotonin may affect brain development at early stages of leading to complexity in learning, social relation among others. Scientists allude that the abnormalities observed on people suffering from autism suggest a disruption on genes responsible for fetal brain development (Frith 56). Further, the environment influences the brain development in early stages of human life. Inheritance of genes from parents has led to research on the role it plays in causes of autism. Studies suggest that parents who suffered from autism may bear children who bear children who suffer from the same disorder. Autism has numerous effects of social interaction or behavior of a person. Studies reveal that at early infancy, children who suffer from this disorder may focus on one item for along period or may show lack of response to people. Disengagement to the social environment is a common effect of autism. A child that suffers from the disorder may show withdrawal from the social aspects of her or his environment. A child that suffers from autism has difficulty in responding to his name or may avoid eye contact. Interpretation of social conditions is a difficulty that children who suffer from autism face. Understanding social clues such as tonal variation or facial expression is usually a problem. Lack of empathy and failure to embrace appropriate behavior is another observable effect of autism. Children who experience autism face difficulties in learning. They show repetitive moments for example, twirling and rocking, self-abusive behavior for example banging the head or biting. Language ability of the child may be poor or the child may begin speaking after his age mates. Researchers have observed that children with autism not how to interactively play together (Frith 46). In the playground, these children would play in seclusion or prefer a single game contrary to the wish of fellow playmates. Vocal ability of some children with this disability is often poor without consideration of fellow playmates. In some cases, some children often narrow their favorite topics and would sing or repeat them. Another profound effect of autism is the co-occurring conditions such as fragile X, (Fragile X is responsible for mental retardation), epileptic seizures, tuberous sclerosis, learning disabilities, Tourette syndrome, and lack of attention. Notably, 20to 30 percent of children who suffer autism may develop epilepsy. People suffering from autism fail to understanding the feeling of others. A person who suffers this condition may fail to acknowledge the feelings of other people. It is observable that conversation with people who suffer from this condition is a one-way trip. Sometimes they may prefer to communicate using sign language. The characteristics of the conversation with a person who suffers autism include short attention time, act of aggression, overactive or passive, intense tantrums or may show repetitive body movement (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). The above characteristics show that an individual who suffers from autism require special attention especially in school. Scientists have conducted research on treatment of autism. Researchers indicate that autism has no cure (Fuentes 14). Instead, behavioral interventions and therapies offer a modality for intervention in cases of autism. Healthcare professionals believe that early attention to cases of autism provide better results than late intervention. Health professionals and other parties intervene in cases of autism in three categories i.e. medication, educational or behavioral intervention, and other therapies. In behavioral intervention, therapists use intensive skill oriented system to train different sessions during child development. The structuring of the skill program provides a means of addressing language skills and social development. Counseling sessions to parents who have children with this disorder often provides an opportunity for addressing the special needs of these children. Medication prescription for children who suffer from autism lies on individual symptoms. Some observable symptoms that doctors use to address special cases are depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Doctors usually provide medication in accordance with the symptoms observed. For instance, doctors prescribe antipsychotic medication for cases of behavioral problems (Fuentes 86). Antipsychotic medications would influence behavior of the children who show peculiar behaviors. Doctors also provide similar medication for cases of attention deficit, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. In many cases, doctors would prescribe medications, which give or boost serotonin level especially for cases associated with obsession, anxiety, panic or phobias, pessimism of chronic pain. Usually, serotonin deficiency in the brain influences the mood as describe above. Medications such as antidepressants contain chemicals, which boost serotonin level (Brill 36). A boost in serotonin level stops the production of brain cells, which are responsible for behavioral change. In the case of other therapies, scientists allude that parents and caregivers should exercise a lot of care when administering other therapies that are not tested. Researchers believe that specialized therapies such as physical, occupational and speech therapy help in managing autism (Brill 21). The studies indicate that the therapies should accompany medications at various levels of child development. For instance, speech therapy provides an opportunity for the child to learn and improve language skills. On the other hand, physical and occupational therapy improve coordination deficiency. Cure treatment research on autism reveals that scientists have not identified preventable mechanism to the disorder. Scientists have been able to categorize their treatment autism in two categories biomedical treatment and non-medical intervention (Brill 42). In medical intervention, researchers address issues of modification of the chemical components such minerals, immune system, gut treatment, and diet among others, which the infected uses. Taking on dietary approach requires prescription from qualified professionals. Some experts do not believe that diet change would influence autism. Further research on medicinal cure for autism is important. In conclusion, autism is a disorder that influences the developmental stages of a child between ages one to three. Autism affects the normal development of a child such as social interaction, learning and mental ability. People who suffer from the disorder face different changes, which require special attention on individual basis. Scientists have not come up with cure for the disorder. Individual medical prescription for medication or therapy is the approach taken to handle autism. Work cited Brill, T. Marlene. Autism. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish. 2007. Print. Frith, Uta. Autism: explaining the enigma. Boston: Wiley-Blackwell. 2003. Print. Fuentes, Carolyn. Autism. Sharjah: Lulu.com. 2007. Print. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Autism Fact Sheet. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm Web 14 Feb 2012 Volkmar, R. Fred. Autism and pervasive developmental disorders. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2007. Print. Read More