Developmental Psychology Autism

Description

• Autism is a term for a group of complex disorders of brain development, and falls under the umbrella of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD).

• It is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors, intellectual disabilities, and difficulties with motor coordination and attention.

Pervasive developmental disorders

A group of disorders that are characterized by : impairments in social interaction, impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication, and a restrictive, stereotypic pattern of behavior

Definition of Autism

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the

brain.

• Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions,

and leisure or play activities.

Asperger’s Disorder

• Impairments in social interactions, and presence of restricted interests and activities

• No clinically significant general delay in language

• Average to above average intelligence

Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified

(PDD-NOS)

• Often referred to as atypical autism

• Used when a child does not meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis, but there is

severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors

Rett’s Disorder

• Progressive disorder which, to date, has only occurred in girls.

• Period of normal development and then the loss of previously acquired skills

• Also loss of purposeful use of hands, which is replaced by repetitive hand

movements

• Beginning at age of 1-4 years

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

• Normal development for at least the first 2 years

• Then significant loss of previously acquired skills

Autism

• Autism is a spectrum disorder• This means that symptoms and characteristics

can present themselves in wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe

• Autistic individuals can be very different from each other

• “Autism” is still commonly used to refer to any of the 5 PDDs

Characteristics of autism

Most signs or characteristics of Autism are evident in the areas of speech or communication (verbal and non-verbal).

Many of the signs or symptoms of Autism begin presenting themselves between 2 and 6 years of age.

The research indicates the following symptoms are the most commonly found characteristics of

Autism:

• The child is unable to coo by 12 months.

• The child also does not point or gesture by 12 months.

• The child does not say single words by 16 months.

• The child does not say 2 or more words by 24 months.

• Has lost some of social skills or language abilities.

Other Characteristics include:

No fear of danger.

Over or under sensitivity to pain.

May avoid eye contact with you.

May prefer to be by him/herself.

Has difficulty expressing what they want or need

May echo words or phrases.

May have inappropriate attachments to objects.

May spin his/herself or objects. Prolonged repetitive play.

May insist on things/routines always being the same.

May exhibit inappropriate laughing (laughing when not appropriate

to the situation).

May display tantrums for no apparent reason.

May avoid cuddling.

May exhibit self injurious behavior when upset i.e. biting selves or

banging heads.

An overall difficulty interacting with others.

Causes of autism

Research indicates that the cause of Autism is likely biological, but this may not be the only cause.

Evidence has shown that 1 in 3 people diagnosed with Autism have had around 1-2 epileptic seizures by the

time they reach adulthood.

Causes of autism

Also, Autism tends to run in families, pointing to a possible genetic cause. And autopsies of the brain have

shown deficits in various parts of the brain (i.e. cerebellum, frontal lobes, brain stem).

Scientists have also found abnormal levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as Serotonin.

Diagnosis

• No specific test• Usually, parents are concerned with child’s

development and physicians perform a psychiatric exam to rule out schizophrenia,

mutism, hearing impairment, or mental retardation

• DSM-IV criteria

Autism treatments

Currently there is no known cure for Autism. The disorder is treated by working to change the

symptoms of Autism ie. helping to improve the person's ability to communicate and cope with the symptoms and deal with the repetitive behaviors.

Types of Treatments• There are many different types of treatments available.

For example, auditory training, discrete trial training, vitamin therapy, anti-yeast therapy, facilitated

communication, music therapy,etc.

The different types of treatments can generally be broken down into the following categories:

• Behavior and Communication Approaches• Dietary Approaches

• Medication• Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The End