Autism: A Case Study

To understand the etiology of Autism one must understand that Autism belongs to a group of developmental disabilities that have been identified as Autism Spectrum Disorders. The name "spectrum” indicates that the disorder is broad and it affects each individual differently. Autism Spectrum Disorder commonly referred to as (ASD) encompass delays in the development of many basic skills. These delays in development include but are not limited to: limited or inability to properly socialize or establish relationships with others, effective communication skills, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Individuals with Autism may also have (ID) intellectual disabilities,

Learning disabilities occur in more than 2.9 million children across the United States. Out of students

Approximately 5% of all public school students are identified as having a learning disability this is not a single disorder, but includes disabilities in any of seven areas, these relate to reading, language, and mathematics. These separate types of learning

Disabilities; these may include a physical or learning disability. Children with a learning disability may not be capable of holding their attention for an extended period or pay close attention in class. A learning disability is not a problem with intelligence, disorders are caused by a difference in how information is received, processed and communicated in the brain.

By the end of the 2008 school year, the number of Latinos will increase to nine million (Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, 2003). Consequently, the rate of Latino students in special education has also increased. For example, the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs reported that 14.6% of Latino students aged 6 to 21 years of age received services under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (U.S. Department of Education, 2005). Furthermore, 6% of the Latino students in special education with ages ranging between 6 to 21 have a learning disability (NCES, 2007).

Kirit is a 6 years old boy who was diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder. He is raised in a bilingual environment by his mother and grandmother and communicates both in English and Telugu. His grandmother lives with Kirit and takes care of him when a mother is at work. With the beginning of a new school year, his family moved and he began attending a new school. Kirit was placed in a general education class and is transported to school in a special education bus.

A review of the records reveals the member to be a young male with a birth date of 12/25/2004. The member has diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). His provider, Charles Kennedy, Ph.D. has requested MT at the continued rate of 4 hours per week for 120 days.

The LDA organization offers specific information on a number of disabilities that children are afflicted with, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, central auditory processing disorder, non-verbal learning disorders, language disorders and writing disorders (dysgraphia). The LDA site notes that "learning disabilities" is actually an "umbrella" term alluding to a number of disabilities.

SLD- Specific Learning disability usually affecting language both spoken or written, affecting the way a student can read, think, speak, listen, write, and can be caused by a multitude of issues ranging from biological deficiencies or accidents.

Based on the case study, Sara has many elements and character traits that can identify with her diagnosis of autism. I do strongly believe Sara diagnosis is appropriate and in line with IDEA definition and the revised criteria for ASD in the DSM-5.

A learning disability is caused by the way the brain develops. There are many different types and most develop before a baby is born, during birth or because of a serious illness in early childhood. A learning disability is life long and usually has a significant impact on a person's life.

Autism has become an increasingly important public health concern as the number of yearly diagnoses of the disorder has increased since the late 20th century. The National Institute of Health estimates that 1 in 88 children in the United States are classified as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (NINDS, 2009), a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs children 's ability to learn and causes issues with social interaction and communication. Symptoms of ASD include delays in speech and language, issues with social interaction, and unusual behaviors/routines.

“Specific learning disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. Specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of mental retardation, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage” (Special Education Guide, 2017).

One the biggest psychological disorders in our society is childhood autism. Childhood autism is defined as “A pervasive developmental disorder defined by the presence of abnormal and/or impaired development that is manifest before the age of 3 years, and by the characteristic type of abnormal functioning in all three areas of social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviour.” (MHresource.org). Furthermore, boys are three to four more times likely to develop childhood autism than girls (MHresources.org). Statistics also show that the prevalence of childhood autism in births is one in fifty-nine and has grown 119.4 percent from 2000 to 2010 (CDC). Now, researchers are looking into what causes childhood autism. They are

Many causes can be attributed to speech and language delay, and it is important to understand the characteristics of the causes in order to help a child effectively. Although speech delay can be just that, it may indicate other issues or disorders and may be the first indicator of such (American Family Physician, 2011, pg.1183). Some causes of speech delay are mental retardation, hearing loss, developmental language delay, expressive language disorder, bilingualism, psychosocial development, elective mutism, and receptive aphasia (American Family Physician, 1999).