Autism is a disorder that impairs a person’s capacity to interact with and communicate with the outside world, as well as maintain regular bonds. It was first described in 1943 by Leo Kanner, an American psychologist. Autism is one of the more common developmental disabilities and typically appears before the age of three.
It is known to be four or five times more common in males than in females. The most cited statistic is that autism occurs in 4.5 out of 10,000 live births. The estimate of children having autistic qualities is reported to be 15 to 20 out of 10,000. The gender statement noted before is not uncommon, since many developmental disabilities have a greater male to female ratio. Autistic characteristics are present from birth.
Two more common characteristics that may be exhibited are the arching of the back while being held to avoid contact and failing to anticipate being picked up, resulting in limpness in the body. Infants with autism are described as being either very passive or very agitated. Sometimes during infancy, there will be cases of head rocking or banging against the crib, but this is not always the case. Approximately one-third of children develop normally until the ages of 1 1/2 to 3, and then the symptoms emerge, referred to as regressive autism. During childhood, there is a commonality of the affected child insisting on routine.
The reasoning is that the child is not able to cope with novel situations. Wearing the same clothes or eating the same foods during meals are examples. Tantrums can occur when these perseverative behaviors occur. Twenty years ago, most autistic individuals were institutionalized. Now, only the most severe cases live in institutions.
During adulthood, autistic individuals are known to live with their parents, in residential institutions, and some do live independently. Because there are so many forms of this disorder, it has been said that there is no true adjective to describe every type of person with autistic symptoms or autism. My research shows that there are no physiological tests that can be performed to determine whether a person has autism. The diagnosis is given when a person exhibits the characteristics of the disorder.
Physiological researchers have discovered abnormalities within the brain, but the reason for the abnormalities is not known, and it is not known where the relation to autism lies. These abnormalities range from underdeveloped areas in the limbic system to smaller than average Vernal lobules VI and VII. Biochemical research has found elevated beta-endorphins relating to pain tolerance in autistic action. In the cognitive realm, there is much talk of the theory of mind or the inability to realize that other people have their own unique view of the world. Some cognitive theorists think that the autistic person isn’t able to understand that other people have different thoughts, plans, and perspectives than their own.
Cognitive theorists examine the 10% statistic of savant skills, which are considered remarkable by most standards. These skills are usually spatial in nature. Interventions and therapies can be difficult. Family theorists work with the patient’s family to develop appropriate behaviors. There is no reported drug that is considered primary for the patient, although Ritalin is dispensed in many cases. Behaviorists look at changing behavior through positive reinforcement, behavior recess, and examine self-stimulatory and self-injurious behaviors.
Physiological work, such as visual training and auditory integration training, is used to reduce sensitivities to sounds above the normal range or to sounds that the patient may consider painful. When it comes to autism, it is important to remember that parents and doctors in the medical field now realize that there are treatments and interventions that can be effective. Additionally, Federal Law now requires states to provide early intervention services for autistic children between the ages of one and three. These services exist to provide tools to develop the children academically and socially.
