Autism is a developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact with other people (“Autism,” 2016). The DSM-5 defines autism as a heterogeneous condition with a person who experiences persistent difficulties with social interaction, in a range of contexts, and shows restricted, repetitive behaviors (Hall, Wright, & Mills, 2016). Autism can be associated with a variety of issues such as intellectual disabilities, difficulties in motor coordination, and sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. However, some people with autism may excel in visual skills, music, math and art (Age, n.d.) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that about 1 in 68 children in the United States have autism (known as autism
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The symptoms of autism have a wide range and severity. Still, common symptoms include difficulty with communication and social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors “Autism,” 2016). In the TED Talk with Susan Cain, she explains that people who are introverts feel alive when they are quieter. Some people may believe that a child may be introverts, but they may be showing signs of autism because the child has a hard time communicating with other people (Cain, 2012). Behaviorally, someone with autism may have inappropriate social interaction, poor eye contact, compulsive behavior, repetitive movements, or persistent repetition of words or actions. Developmental they may have a learning disability or speech delay as a child. Cognitively, they may have an intense interest in a limited number of things or have problems paying attention. Psychologically, a person with autism is unaware of others’ emotions and may also have depression (“Autism,” 2016). There are several early indicators of autism such as no babbling or pointing by the age of one, the child does not speak a single word by the age of sixteen months or two phrases by age two. The child may also not respond to his/her name “Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet,” n.d.). As discussed in the TED Talk by Laura Schulz, a “normal” child will develop casual relationships and even learn new words at a young age (Schulz, 2015). Many of the …show more content…
Some there are many therapies that may help with autism. Family therapy is very important because it teaches the family how to resolve conflicts and communicate with the autistic child effectively. Behavior therapy focuses on changing the “bad” behavior of the autistic child and teaches him/her positive ways to behave. Animal-Assisted therapy is often used for children who are autistic. With the use of animals that are properly trained, the animals help the child physically, emotionally, and socially. Speech therapy is very important, because children with autism may have issues with their speech. Speech therapy will help the child with voice rehabilitation. Anger management is another option for someone with autism. Anger management will teach the autistic person coping mechanisms and trigger avoidance to minimize destructive emotional outbursts. Applied behavior analysis teaches autistic children social skills by encouraging positive behavior. Antipsychotic medications such as Risperidone and Quetiapine can reduce or improve certain psychiatric conditions. Occupational therapists are well needed for someone who is autistic because they improve the daily living and work skills of autistic patients. The clinical psychologist can treat a mental illness with talk therapy. The neurologist will treat nervous system disorders. The therapies and occupational therapists can work together to improve the lives of
The symptoms of autism have a wide range and severity. Still, common symptoms include difficulty with communication and social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors “Autism,” 2016). In the TED Talk with Susan Cain, she explains that people who are introverts feel alive when they are quieter. Some people may believe that a child may be introverts, but they may be showing signs of autism because the child has a hard time communicating with other people (Cain, 2012). Behaviorally, someone with autism may have inappropriate social interaction, poor eye contact, compulsive behavior, repetitive movements, or persistent repetition of words or actions. Developmental they may have a learning disability or speech delay as a child. Cognitively, they may have an intense interest in a limited number of things or have problems paying attention. Psychologically, a person with autism is unaware of others’ emotions and may also have depression (“Autism,” 2016). There are several early indicators of autism such as no babbling or pointing by the age of one, the child does not speak a single word by the age of sixteen months or two phrases by age two. The child may also not respond to his/her name “Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet,” n.d.). As discussed in the TED Talk by Laura Schulz, a “normal” child will develop casual relationships and even learn new words at a young age (Schulz, 2015). Many of the …show more content…
Some there are many therapies that may help with autism. Family therapy is very important because it teaches the family how to resolve conflicts and communicate with the autistic child effectively. Behavior therapy focuses on changing the “bad” behavior of the autistic child and teaches him/her positive ways to behave. Animal-Assisted therapy is often used for children who are autistic. With the use of animals that are properly trained, the animals help the child physically, emotionally, and socially. Speech therapy is very important, because children with autism may have issues with their speech. Speech therapy will help the child with voice rehabilitation. Anger management is another option for someone with autism. Anger management will teach the autistic person coping mechanisms and trigger avoidance to minimize destructive emotional outbursts. Applied behavior analysis teaches autistic children social skills by encouraging positive behavior. Antipsychotic medications such as Risperidone and Quetiapine can reduce or improve certain psychiatric conditions. Occupational therapists are well needed for someone who is autistic because they improve the daily living and work skills of autistic patients. The clinical psychologist can treat a mental illness with talk therapy. The neurologist will treat nervous system disorders. The therapies and occupational therapists can work together to improve the lives of