Leo Kanner's Theory Of Autism Research Paper

In the world today, we fight many things throughout life. Disease and disabilities are at the forefront of the fight taking place. Of all of the different types of diseases and disabilities one of the most common types we see many children being born with is autism or autism spectrum disorder. It affects the lives of not only those who have it, but the people who care about them and are responsible for them as well. Since autism in children and adults leads to family problems, the treatment that people with autism are receiving should focus on the whole family of the person affected with the disorder. The leading causes are a combination of genetic and environmental factors and the number of children being affected increase each day. Autism …show more content…
However, the whole terminology of autism wasn’t around until 1910, and even then it was used to describe people who were suffering from schizophrenia. In 1938 Dr. Asperger used the term autism it to describe a much more specific disorder, the one we know today. Following Dr. Asperger’s description of the disorder, Leo Kanner published his first paper identifying autistic children in 1943. If anyone were to ask what the causes of autism were back then, the answer to the question would have been “we have no idea.” Over the years, since technology and research facilities have improved, the mysteries of autism are being solved. First, researchers have discovered that there is no one cause of autism, just as there is no one type of autism. Over the past few years of research, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes or mutations associated with autism. Research has identified more than one-hundred autism risk genes. In around fifteen percent of cases, a specific genetic cause of a person’s autism can be identified. Autism or a similar spectrum disorder tends to occur more often in people who have these genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis. However, most cases involve a complex and variable combination of genetic risk and environmental factors that influence early brain development which is what causes them to function lower than other people in …show more content…
Many symptoms are linked with physical deficits which can be spotted easily. Others reside in an individual’s mind and personality, these symptoms are the supporting factors behind diagnosing an individual with whichever disorder they have because they are linked to their genetic makeup. The symptoms affect three different areas of a child’s life, social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and behaviors and interests. Different social interaction symptoms include, having trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all, they usually avoid eye contact and want to be alone. They also have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings which is a big reason why they will get upset and have outbursts when someone isn’t doing what they want; they usually have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions in the first place. They appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds. They are also very interested in other people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them. Individuals with the disorder also tend to repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language; also repeating actions over and over again quite frequently. One of the key issues individuals with autism have is the trouble to adapt to a routine