Definition and Cause: Autism - Coursework Example

Exploring Autism Here s Here Exploring Autism Definition and Cause Autism is the given to a neurodevelopmental disorder that is observable within the first three years of a child’s life and usually progresses steadily without diminution. This affliction is apparently linked with abnormal biological and chemical processes within the brain, but the nature of this relationship as well as the actual causal basis of autism remains unsubstantiated (Levy, Mandell, & Schultz, 2009). There is a high possibility that multiple factors contribute to the development of this disorder. Genetics, diet, and environment are all possible contributors to the expression of autism, with heredity having the strongest observed link with the affliction. Several external sources of influence have been proposed to be causes of autism with the most recent example being the unsubstantiated claims of vaccine overload that were a hot news topic in recent years. It would be most appropriate to acknowledge autism as a complex disorder with several potential aggravating factors. Prevalence Autism is defined as one of several pervasive developmental disorders that also include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and a not-otherwise-specified category. These disorders are closely related in many aspects including symptomology, and are sometimes represented as contributing to a spectrum of autism disorders. A 2007 study by Myers and Johnson reported a prevalence of 1 to 2 in 1,000 children for autism, and almost 6 per 1,000 children for autism spectrum disorders. A lack of adequate data may mean that these numbers underestimate the true prevalence of autism. Other significant statistics related to autism show that boys are at a higher risk than girls, and older fathers are more likely to have a child with autism. Some conditions that are comorbid with autism include genetic abnormalities, mental retardation, epilepsy, metabolic deficits, and anxiety disorders. Additionally, a variety of minor physical abnormalities are associated with the development of autism. Symptoms The observable symptoms of autism begin gradually in second half of the first year of life and become solidified by the second or third year. Subsequent development of the disorder may continue into adulthood, though in a much less prominent way. There are three broad categories of symptoms related to autism including social impairment, communication problems, and repetitive behavior/restricted interests (Filipek et al., 1999). Social Impairment Problems with social interactions are a hallmark feature of autism (along with the other two categories) that often distinguishes it from other developmental disorders. The social deficits associated with this disorder are often interpreted as being representative of a lack of intuition (or empathy) when interacting with another person. In childhood, autistics tend to behave in a manner that is not accustomed by social norms. For example, they may employ less eye contact, be uninterested in interaction, and appear withdrawn. Communication Impairment In infancy, autistic children typically display less babbling, gesturing, responsiveness, and may appear to lack a general interest in communication. Diminished consonant and word use become noticeable in the toddler years and gesturing may become more common. Also, a persona with autism may be prone to repeat sounds, words, and/or entire passages. A significant number of people with autism never develop speech skills that are sufficient for communicating one’s daily needs. Repetitive Behavior/Restrictive Interest There are a variety of behavioral abnormalities that are often observed in individuals with autism. Repetitive behaviors known as stereotypy can occur as movements or sounds, compulsion to perform activities or follow personal rules may be installed to the point of distress should the action be interrupted, rituals can also arise in the form of unchanging habits, and restrictiveness in behaviors, activities, and interests can manifest as preoccupation. Additionally, behaviors that cause self-injury (head banging, eye poking, etc.) may become an issue for people with autism. Other Symptoms A person with autism typically experiences and displays some sort of sensory abnormality, and they may also develop motor dysfunction. It has also been observed that some autistic people have some form of advanced skill (commonly related to perception and/or attention), sometimes reaching the level of savant. Diagnosis As the cause of autism has yet to be uncovered, screening for the condition and subsequent diagnoses are performed based on behavioral observations rather than a biological or chemical marker. Children should have regular developmental examinations throughout their lives, and a pediatrician may recommend further testing if a child fails to achieve any of several typical milestones in development. Some examples of these indicators include not babbling and/or gesturing by one year and speaking in two-word phrases by 24 months. The loss of language skills at any age is also a sign of developmental conditions. Children who are suspected for any of these deficits may be screened for autism using any of a number of available screening materials. According to the DSM-IV-TR (the standard diagnostic handbook for psychological and related disorders), a child must exhibit six total symptoms in order to meet a diagnosis of autism. Two symptoms must be related to a qualitative evaluation of social interactions, one of communication, and one of restrictive/repetitive behavior. The condition must not be better defined by one of the other autism spectrum disorders (or pervasive developmental disorders), and onset must be prior to three years of age. Genetic tests may also be performed to rule out other possible afflictions and to evaluate potential genetic causes. Treatment A large number of therapies exist that attempt to lessen the negative effects and potentially damaging behaviors that are associated with autism. These treatments may be divided into two major categories including educational strategies and medical interventions. Although many preexisting therapies are available, each must usually be specially applied to the individual case under consideration. Treatments are also available for the families of a person with autism. The most potentially effective therapies (research methodology issues prevent conclusive findings at this time) are enacted early in the development of the disorder, and tend to be very intensive. Most treatment programs will be structured around the interests of the child, and will focus on their particular needs. These strategies may be put in place by a specialist, or by an entire team. Some of the available educational treatments include applied behavioral analysis, structured teaching programs, speech therapies, social skill programs, and occupational therapy. These approaches are typically started early, even before the diagnosis is official, and involve intense involvement plus interactions with peers who do not have the disorder. Educational therapies may also include communication interventions such as speech therapy. Medical approaches to the treatment of autism typically involve the use of drugs, diet changes, and/or supplements. The most commonly used classes of drugs used include antidepressants, antipsychotics/mood stabilizers, and stimulants. These pharmaceuticals are employed to treat a variety of symptoms including aggression, anxiety, hyperactivity, compulsion, and sleep difficulties. Also, irritability that can be associated with autism may be treatable using atypical antipsychotics. Diet changes and the addition of supplements are used to counteract the abnormal eating behaviors that are common with autism. Prognosis Autism has no known cure and typically remains throughout life, although children have occasionally lost their diagnosis due to the disappearance of indications, and symptoms have been shown to decrease with age in other cases (Rogers & Vismara, 2008). Communication skills can be achieved by school age in most children with autism, and it is unlikely that communication skills will weaken further following childhood. The condition can result in a lack of social support, weak personal relationships, and may ultimately lead to less opportunity in life through employment and other advances that involve social interaction. People with severe autism are unlikely to live an unassisted life, though treatment is also a factor in long-term outcomes. Conclusion Autism is a serious condition that is complex and controversial. The media circus that resulted from the movement against over-vaccination should serve as a salient reminder of the potential damage that can result from the overemphasis on cause in the development of autism. Research has shown that vaccines are unlikely to be related to the formation of autistic symptoms (although sensitivity to certain vaccinations is still suspect), which means that the boycott that resulted from public outcry was likely quite damaging to those who neglected to have their children treated with necessary vaccinations. The search for a single cause is the bane of science in today’s society. As we continue to discover further information about the world around us, we have come to realize that direct causal relationships are more of a form of wishful thinking rather than an actual scientific reality. This blind crusade has further complicated the investigation of disorders such as autism, as people demand a cause that is unlikely to exist as a single entity. Education of the public on the complications associated with uncovering causes (mostly the innumerable amount of potentially contributing factors) may lead to an increased focus on treatment of the symptoms. An alternative view of autism may be considered as extreme as the mob-like mentality that was seen with the anti-vaccination movement. Anti-cause activists suggest that autism should be considered as a way of life, rather than as some abnormality. While this approach is certainly liberating in its intentions, it is hard to argue that the often-severe social and behavioral outcomes associated with autism are symbolic of a desired “way of life”. The young age in which the onset of autism takes place along with communication problems makes the evaluation of this claim virtually impossible. The impact of having an autistic child can be devastating depending upon the severity of the affliction. Family members should also receive regular treatment, and would benefit from many forms of social support. Autism is a disorder that is very mysterious, but there is nothing puzzling about the need to assist those who are afflicted. References Filipek, P. A., Pasquale, J. A., Baranek, G. T., Cook, E. H., Dawson, G., Gordon, B., … Volkmar, F. R. (1999). The screening and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 29(6), 439-484. Levy, S. E., Mandell, D. S., & Schultz, R. T. (2009). Autism. Lancet, 374(9701), 1627-1638. Myers, S. M., & Johnson, C. P. (2007). Management of children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics, 120(5), 1162-1182. Rogers, S. J., & Vismara, L. A. (2008). Evidence-based comprehensive treatments for early autism. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 37(1), 8-38. Read More