What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Essay

Autism is a developmental disorder, which is characterized by a dyad of difficulties in a) communication and social interaction and b) restricted interests and imagination (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might find it challenging to understand what other people think or what the reasons for their behaviours are, as their ‘theory of mind’ may not be well developed (Schuwerk, Vuori & Sodian, 2015). It is possible that this is why they might behave in socially inappropriate ways, being unable to differentiate between different contexts, while they might also find it difficult to make friends. Moreover, it is likely that they are fond of routines, repetition and structure (Carnahan, Musti-Rao, & Bailey, 2009), as they might be nervous with unknown, new situations. In addition, some of them might not do eye contact with other people, whereas some others might not endure to be touched and might have a difficulty developing speech (Jordan, 2005). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might sometimes be prohibited to initiate conversations and might struggle with finding different ways to play and behave, due to the possible deficit of imagination, which in some cases might result in them having a narrow sphere of interests. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this group of people is rather heterogeneous, as characteristics of autism may differ from one individual to another (Gwynette, 2013). Another point is that people with Autism

Autism is a form of neurodevelopment disorder in the autism spectrum disorders. It is characterized by impaired development in social interactions and communication, both verbal and non-verbal. There is an observed lack of spontaneous acts of communication; both receptive and expressed, as well as speech impairments. A person diagnosed with Autism will also show a limited range of activities and interests, as well as forming and maintain peer relationships. The individuals will display limited interests, which are often very focused and repetitive. He or she is likely to be very routine oriented and may show behavioral symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggressiveness, and self-injurious behaviors.

Autism is the main form of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism is a developmental disorder that is manifested in problems with communication, impairment of social functioning, and repetitive behaviours. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), ASD diagnoses must meet four different areas of criteria. There are three symptoms of "deficits in social communication and interaction across contexts," four symptoms of "restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities," "symptoms must be present in early childhood," and the symptoms must "together limit and impair everyday functioning" (Carpenter, 2013). There are many theoretical positions on the causes of autism spectrum disorders. Some of which have been discounted by empirical studies that have been researched and performed.

Johnson, Linda A. "Study: Rare Gene Change Linked to Autism." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. 9 Jan. 2008. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20080109/autism-gene/>.

Neurological disorders are complex in nature and often the least understood. Given the recent boom in imaging technology and other diagnostic methods, it is now possible to see more clearly into the scope of neurological development and accurately determine the etiology of these diseases. One of such disorders is Autism; a multifactorial condition impairing normal brain development. It affects many aspects of development, including social behavior, cognitive ability and communication skills1 and is commonly diagnosed in children before the age of three1. The symptoms of this condition can vary greatly between individuals; hence its classification as a spectrum disorder. Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome and pervasive

There is little research to examine experiences and needs of individuals with ASD, or proper and effective support systems such as educational and family support needed for young adults making this transition. Most information that is provided on this topic is based on professional’s experience and knowledge. It is essential more research is provided to develop programs to help individuals transition from secondary education to higher education, this could decrease stress, anxiety as

Autism has many faces and facets involved in a complex disorder. Autism is a distinct group of complex disorders that involve issues with communicative disorders, social impairment as well as other complexities such as restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior. Autism Spectrum Disorders include disorders such as Asperger’s, Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Development Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Asperger’s Syndrome is considered by many to be the least debilitative of the Autism Spectrum Disorders. It is considered that with treatment the individuals with Asperger’s will function in daily life with little

Before the publication of the DSM-5, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was diagnosed as four separate disorders: autistic disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PPD-NOS) (Kress & Paylo, 2015). This was changed because it was discovered by researchers that the separate diagnoses were not consistently being diagnosed or applied with all treatment facilities, mental health providers, doctors or clinics (Kress & Paylo, 2015).

The disorders listed under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder, were once listed as autism and subtypes of autism. This was changed in 2013 when The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) was published, and they were listed under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder. There are five disorders listed under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified. Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined by two categories, impaired social communication and/or interaction, and restricted and/or repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities (Allen & Cowdery, 2015, p. 191). Autism Spectrum Disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest statistics stated that about one in eighty-eight children have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Allen & Cowdery, 2015, p. 192).

When people hear the diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they think of an individual that has a hard time integrating into to today’s society. A lot of people don’t know that Autism is actually classified as a group of complex disorders associated with brain development. Each of these specific disorders is characterized into different degrees. The first is the one that most people associate with autism, which is trouble with social integration. The other classifications are verbal and non-verbal communication, also repetitive behaviors. With all of these subtypes, in 2013 a manual was published connecting these sub groups into one diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also referred to as autism, is defined as “a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child 's ability to communicate and interact with others. It also includes restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. These issues cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is now defined by the American Psychiatric Association 's Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a single disorder that includes disorders that were previously considered separate — autism, Asperger 's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.” (DSM-5) Autism is

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not one specific disorder, but a group of disorders that have similar behavioral characteristic, such as difficulty with communication and socialization. The cause of ASD is still unknown but there are studies that indicate there may a genetic or environmental component. More specifically, ASD can cause limitations in intellectual abilities as well as difficulties with attention and motor coordination. ASD is usually identified during the first three years of life and affects boys at a higher rate than girls (Autism Society). ASD actually occurs at five times a higher rate in boys than in girls, affecting as many as 1 in 54 boys as compared to 1 in 252 girls (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).

Autism is a developmental disorder in which an individual has problems with communication and interaction. Autism Spectrum Disorder was adopted as a categorization in 2013 and begins in childhood and follows throughout the course of a child’s life and is actually a collection of developmental brain disorders. There is a copious difference between autism and Asperger syndrome, the main difference appearing to be language development. “The first documented case of autism was published in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner” (Introduction to Autism). This disorder is extremely difficult to diagnose because of the copious different presentations of the symptoms, which leads to misdiagnoses such as ADHD and Rett syndrome.

ASD and Autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development (What Is Autism, n.d.). Prior to 2013, patients could be diagnosed under Autistic Disorder (AD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD). In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) merged all Autism Disorders under one umbrella termed ASD so that it will improve the diagnosis of ASD without limiting the sensitivity of the criteria or substantially changing the number of children being diagnosed. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Scientifically, autism and autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD, are commonly used names for difficult disorders that have to do with brain development. Disorders like these are grouped by someone’s difficulty in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and nonverbal communication. To the people who are diagnosed with this disorder and the families it affects; it is so much more than just science.