Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Autism or, as it is currently called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disorder that has long been stereotyped by extremely repetitive, unusual behavior such as characterized by Dustin Hoffman in the film Rain Man. From this point on pop culture continued to portray autistic characters in a harsh light. It is sort of like defining a modern religion based off historical documentation from the 16th century. It is very rare to find someone with autism spectrum disorder displaying the extreme behaviors mentioned above. Symptoms are usually subtle and vary greatly from person to person. For example Hoffman 's character loudly repeats the words 'Uh-Oh ' anytime something is wrong and becomes very upset if toothpicks …show more content…
These mainly include social communicative problems and specific and or repetitive behavior ("Autism Fact Sheet: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)," n.d.). Repetitive patterns in daily life, echolalia, and abnormal use of the senses are also common, though the intensity varies greatly. Symptoms of autistic spectrum disorder are usually first observed in childhood. Some of the first things parents may notice from a child with ASD are problems focusing and maintaining eye contact, their tendency to play alone, tantrums when unable to express something, an aversion to affection (particularly hugging and cuddling), making up their own vocabulary, trouble adapting to new routines, and sensitivity to sounds and scents ("CDC | Facts | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | NCBDDD," n.d.). Difficulty breaking routine, a preference to specific foods, speaking in a sing song voice, and hyperlexia (when someone is able to read at an early age without understanding its meaning) are also relatively common symptoms of children with ASD ("Autism - Autism Spectrum Disorders," n.d.). A major problem when trying to determine whether or not someone has ASD is trying to detect which behaviors are normal experiences in childhood development, and which are not, since many of the above symptoms are hallmarks of simple …show more content…
But it is also time sensitive since this treatment is most effective in childhood. Occupational Therapy concerns refining motor skills such as getting dressed, stacking papers, and using everyday utensils. Speech therapy helps an individual better express their needs and wants through improvement of speech, gesture, writing, and in some cases sign language. Physical therapy improves gross motor skills such as walking, sitting, running, jumping as well as more subtle, everyday movements. Pharmacological therapy is typically used when primary symptoms include tantrums and aggressive behavior which can lead to physical injury of oneself or to another. A couple of medications that have proven somewhat effective in reducing aggression are risperidone, which is the first approved by the FDA, as well as arpriprazole. Stimulants, such as Ritalin, are sometimes used in patient displaying lethargy or lack of focus. Antidepressants are sometimes used to help with OCD and
Autism or, as it is currently called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disorder that has long been stereotyped by extremely repetitive, unusual behavior such as characterized by Dustin Hoffman in the film Rain Man. From this point on pop culture continued to portray autistic characters in a harsh light. It is sort of like defining a modern religion based off historical documentation from the 16th century. It is very rare to find someone with autism spectrum disorder displaying the extreme behaviors mentioned above. Symptoms are usually subtle and vary greatly from person to person. For example Hoffman 's character loudly repeats the words 'Uh-Oh ' anytime something is wrong and becomes very upset if toothpicks …show more content…
These mainly include social communicative problems and specific and or repetitive behavior ("Autism Fact Sheet: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)," n.d.). Repetitive patterns in daily life, echolalia, and abnormal use of the senses are also common, though the intensity varies greatly. Symptoms of autistic spectrum disorder are usually first observed in childhood. Some of the first things parents may notice from a child with ASD are problems focusing and maintaining eye contact, their tendency to play alone, tantrums when unable to express something, an aversion to affection (particularly hugging and cuddling), making up their own vocabulary, trouble adapting to new routines, and sensitivity to sounds and scents ("CDC | Facts | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | NCBDDD," n.d.). Difficulty breaking routine, a preference to specific foods, speaking in a sing song voice, and hyperlexia (when someone is able to read at an early age without understanding its meaning) are also relatively common symptoms of children with ASD ("Autism - Autism Spectrum Disorders," n.d.). A major problem when trying to determine whether or not someone has ASD is trying to detect which behaviors are normal experiences in childhood development, and which are not, since many of the above symptoms are hallmarks of simple …show more content…
But it is also time sensitive since this treatment is most effective in childhood. Occupational Therapy concerns refining motor skills such as getting dressed, stacking papers, and using everyday utensils. Speech therapy helps an individual better express their needs and wants through improvement of speech, gesture, writing, and in some cases sign language. Physical therapy improves gross motor skills such as walking, sitting, running, jumping as well as more subtle, everyday movements. Pharmacological therapy is typically used when primary symptoms include tantrums and aggressive behavior which can lead to physical injury of oneself or to another. A couple of medications that have proven somewhat effective in reducing aggression are risperidone, which is the first approved by the FDA, as well as arpriprazole. Stimulants, such as Ritalin, are sometimes used in patient displaying lethargy or lack of focus. Antidepressants are sometimes used to help with OCD and