Impact of Autism on a Human Life - Research Paper Example

Autism Case study Introduction Autism is an illness which affects the neural development of an individual and has considerable effect in impairing the interactive skill of a person on social and communicative level. Autism is a brain malfunctioning, where the chemical deficiency and biological defect leads to irregularities in normal neurological functioning of the body. The real reason behind this illness is vague and is still a motivation among researchers to unravel its cause or outbreak. Autism can be due to various factors and from among them genetic or hereditary reason seems to be of most important one. Autism is generally seen more among boys than girls. In U.S.A, the statistics of Autism is rising and this can be due to the negligence parent’s show in not diagnosing this brain disorder. Here, the case of a women called Tracey is studied who is of 21 years of age and different aspects related to her illness is analyzed and deeply looked in to. Autism being a socially disadvantageous disease, the impact it can have on the personal life of a patient, family and community is large. As per (Medical News Today) “The way in which a person with an ASD interacts with another individual is quite different compared to how the rest of the population behaves”.Here, we can understand the areas in which Tracey will encounter problems and the goals she will nurture as a mentally disabled person for her future. Also the living circumstances suitable for her can be identified and problem behaviors will be pointed out. The problem behavior along with medical intervention suited is highlighted also with intended replacement behavior. Community Members Concern As autism is an illness which affects the physical and social wellbeing of a person, community can develop many concerns about this illnesses’ after effect on the future of the patient. There are few areas which need to be concentrated, while considering the life of Tracey as a 21 year old lady who has confronted Autism in early stage of her life. A) Education: Education is a matter of grave concern, when it comes to people suffering from autism as it mainly effects the psychological functioning of a person. Tracey having educational capacity of a second grade child might face crucial problem in attaining proper education in absence of special attention. According to(Winerman,2004,pg46)“Many people with autism also have associated language delays and mental retardation, while others have average or above-average intelligence but the same communication problems”. The community concern could be that, whether she could prosper and develop with an uncertain physical condition. Educators need to train her intensively to be a routine following person,so that her motor skill gets molded to make her an individual with consistency in studying. B) Employment: Tracey wants to attend college and this is to guarantee her employment future. Her concern is that, if her educational capacity and cognitive ability do not improve she will be a failure in employment field. An individualized approach should be practiced towards Tracey with the aid of a vocational rehabilitation provider so that she can get placement in job in an appropriate manner considering her physical disabilities. Tracey needs a sheltered employment as her psychological impairment is delicate and she is not in a position to compete with normal people. C) Independent living: Tracey has dreams and desires like a normal girl and wants to share accommodation with a friend while studying or working. It is better for her to live in an apartment as she wishes, since giving her personal space is important and also one should consider her emotional desires and dreams. This can boost her confidence and mental strength Problem Behavior in the patient Tracey being an autism spectrum disorder patient depicts certain problem behavior which can be controlled by medication and assistance from medical intervention. Some her displayed problem behaviors are deficiency in cognitive ability, impulsiveness and unpredictability in performing routine tasks. Here inability in performing routine task is the area need effective medical intervention. As per (Graham,2005) “In addition to biological factors that increase the risk of problem behavior, environmental factors can lead to the emergence and maintenance of problem behavior”. Medical Intervention For Tracey, medical intervention is required in stabilizing her routine life and this is possible by enhancing the motor skill functioning of the patient. This need to be done with consistent assistance from therapist who is specialized in this field .Also she should be medically observed as to the improvement made in daily activities of her life like ; bodily movements, reading capacity, writing skills , intelligence quotient . Replacement behavior – Regularity in daily activities The replacement behavior which could be suggested to for this problem behavior is to establish a continuity and consistency in the daily physical and mental activity of Tracey. This would enable her body and mind to follow a biological pattern which would enrich and enhance her neurological and physical functioning. Behavioral data and effectiveness of treatment Recording the behavioral data of Tracey can give many clues as to the drawbacks of the patient and the difficulties she is encountering. Her problem in transition and trouble in grabbing things is a serious issue in leading a normal life for Tracey. Her behavioral data can be collected mainly with the help of her family who is with her most of the times. They notice and observe her most of the time at home and when she is outside home as they accompany her. Even her educator can analyze her behavior and bodily and mental reaction .Her behavior can also be noted down from peers of hers and from other close family members who interact wither. This data of Tracey’s behavior can be used efficiently to make the medical intervention effective .The recording of the behavior of Tracey deeply and consistently is very important as it gives information regarding the improvement and effectiveness of the treatment on her. If the bodily movements and neurological development of Tracey is recorded well, then appropriate treatment can be offered to her in order correct her behavior. As per (Ichim,2007,pg1-9))“Current treatments for autism can divide into behavioral, nutritional and medical approaches, although no clear golden standard approach exists”. Conclusion Autism is not a normal illness; it impairs the mental and physical functioning of an individual. The life of a patient is not easy since early days of their childhood is impacted by autism. As this disorder defects the social life and communicating ability of a patient, right diagnosis and medical intervention throughout the life is of utmost importance. The child who suffers from Autism has a difficult life and their future is of great concern to the immediate family members and community members. Nowadays, it has been recognized that autism is detected less in U.S .A due to the fact that the disease is less diagnosed. This is a saddening fact as it could hamper the future of the patient. Tracey being a 21 year old woman has the full right to study and work as a normal individual. But there are concerns about her future as it largely depends upon the understanding and support of family and medical experts. It is utmost necessary for the people close to her to observe and analyses her behavior and attitude towards life. A proper observation gives way to efficient treatment and right approach to her condition. Also a proper support from government can allow a good future for Tracey, if right action is taken by family at right time. Work Cited Graham, C. (2009, June 11). Problem Behavior in Autism . In www.iancommunity.org. Retrieved February 23, 2013, from http://www.iancommunity.org/cs/articles/prob_behav Ichim, T. E. (2007, June 7). Stem Cell Therapy for Autism. Journal of Translational Medicine, 1-9. Medical News Today, . (2012). What is Autism? What Causes Autism?. Inwww.medicalnew stoday.com. Retrieved February 22, 2013, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/ autism/ Winerman, L. (2004). Effective education for autism. Monitor Staff, 35(11), 46. Read More