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What Is Autism?

• Autism is a developmental disability usually brought on as a result of a neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to function normally. These disabilities are usually evidenced in the areas of communication and social skills.

   

What Are The Causes of Autism?

• There is no known cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. But researchers believe that Autism may be caused by some type of functional or structural abnormality in the brain. Heredity, genes and medical problems are also being considered as possible problems.

   

What Are the Signs of Autism?

• Resistance to change
• May repeat words instead of using receptive language
• Aloofness
• Resist to cuddling
• Little or no eye contact
• Odd play patterns
• Obsessively attached to objects
• No fear of danger
• Laughing for no reason
• Trouble mixing with other people
• Appearing over sensitive
• Uneven motor skills
• Unresponsive to verbal cues
• Unresponsive to normal teaching

How is Autism Diagnosed?

• Autism is diagnosed by observing an individual's behavior, developmental and communication skills. These individuals may have to undergo several medical tests to rule out different developmental disorder due to the fact that the symptoms associated with Autism closely resemble those of other disorders. A physician may use diagnostic tools such as a developmental screening to help diagnosis a patient with Autism.

How is Autism Treated?

• The treatment of Autism is very specific and especially tailored for the individual. There are many treatment options available. Some of the available options are: early intervention, speech therapy, specialized education, and dietary intervention. (NIMH 2005)

More Information:

• National Institute of Mental Health – http://www.nimh.nih./nimhhome/index.cfm
• Autism Society of America – http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer

Anticipated Intregration of Genres:

I plan to create a client with high functioning autism. The powerpoint presentation, and pamphlet will be a starting point for informing the general public about autism spectrum disorder. The poem, journal entries and email exchange will get the client's family  and teacher involved. Lastly,the prayer will unify all the genres.

Arndt, Tara L., Rodier, Patricia M., & Stodgell, Christopher,   J. (2005). The teratology of autism. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, 23, 189-199.  Retrieved October 7, 2005, from PsycINFO database.

Honey, Emma, Le Couteur, Ann & McConachie, Helen. (2005). Can a diagnosis of asperger syndrome be made in very young children with suspected autism spectrum disorder? Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 35, 167-176. Retrieved October 7, 2005,  from PsycINFO database.

Kabot, Susan, Masi, Wendy, & Segal, Marilyn. (2003). Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 34, 26-33. Retrieved October 2005, from PsycARTICLES database.

Lauritsen, M. B., Pedersen, C. B., & Mortensen, P. B. (2005). Effects of familial risk factors and place of birth on the risk of autism: A national register-based study [Electronic version]. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines, 46, 963-971. Retrieved September 29, 2005, from MEDLINE database.

77, 377-388. Retrieved September 29, 2005, from MEDLINE database.

Nayate, A., Bradshaw, J. L., & Rineheart, N. J. (2005). Autism and asperger's disorder. Are they movement disorders involving the cerebellum and/or basa ganglia?. Brain Research Bulletin 4, 327-334. Retrieved September 29, 2005, from Academic Search Premier database.

Autism and Genes. (2005). Retrieved September 29, 2005, from ERIC database.

Autism overview: what we know. (2005). Retrieved September 29, 2005, from ERIC database.

Waltz, Mitzi. (2005). Reading case studies of people with autistic spectrum disorders: A cultural studies approach to issues of disability  representation. Disability & Society, 20, 421-435. Retrieved October 7, 2005, from PsycINFO database.