Autism (at times called autism spectrum disorder) is a developmental disorder most commonly expressible in children below the age of three (Bertoglio & Hendren, 2009). One of the major characteristics of the disorder is impairment of one’s social interaction, communication as well as the exhibition of repetitive behaviors (Bertoglio & Hendren, 2009). Ideally the name of this disorder was educed form the Greek words aut which means self and ism which means state. Just like the term Autism implies (living by self), autistic children always like doing playing on their own while exhibiting the characteristics highlighted above. It is commonly hypothesized that the disease interferes with certain nerves in the brain in a manner that is yet to be understood.
The center for disease Control and Prevention (2012) reports that the prevalence of Autism has been gradually increasing. In the year 2000, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders was about 1 in 150 (implying that about 7 out of every 1000 children was suffering was autism) which increased to about 1 in 125 by the year 2004 (implying that about 8 in every 1000 children was suffering from Autism) (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). In the year 2006, the prevalence had increased to 1 in 110 (9 children in every 1000 children) with the prevalence hitting a high if 1 in 88 by the year 2008 (11 children in every 1000 children) (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). The reason for this seemingly alarming increase in the prevalence of autism is yet to be given.
Until now, scientists have not been able to clearly state the causation of autism even though several studies give insight to a possible interaction of biological and environmental factors in the causation of the disorder (Dodd, 2004). Apparently, most researchers and psychiatrists agree that there is no one single cause of autism (Dodd, 2004). However, several risk factors have been pointed out. For instance, there are high chances for an identical twin to develop autism if the other twin is autistic (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). The disorder, in a similar manner, is overly common in people with particular genetic or chromosomal conditions. Again, for parents who have already given birth to a child with autism, there is a significant chance of bearing another child with autism as the trait seems to run in families (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012; Dodd, 2004).
Symptomatically, reciprocal, social interaction is perhaps the most common presentation of autism. Children with autism are not able to understand various non-verbal communications cues such as gestures and facial expressions. The children do not show social or emotional reciprocity and do not always share in other people’s joy or sorrows. Further, language development in autistic children is normally slowed with the children exhibiting a restricted and repetitive behavior. It saddens to note that the disorder is life-long even though the degree of the above mentioned symptoms always seem to reduce as one grows up. There is no clinical test that can be used to diagnose autism. The diagnosis of autism is based on the specific behavioral evaluations such as Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) as stipulated in the Diagnosis Statistical Manual –IV (DSM-IV) (Bertoglio & Hendren, 2009). For toddlers, M-CHAT (Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers) is commonly used; the checklist contains a set of questions about the child that the parent is supposed to answer. It is worth noting that diagnosis of autism is normally carried out by a team of specialist comprising of pathologists, psychologists and pediatricians.
The cure for autism is yet to be found. However, there are various strategies majorly concerned with improving the symptoms of the disorder strategies that can be employed to ameliorate autistic conditions (Mash & Wolfe, 2010). For instance, as part of the treatment program, an autistic people might be taken though sessions aimed at reducing disruptive behavior, teaching appropriate social behavior as well as communication skills (Mash & Wolfe, 2010). Currently scientists are exploring the possibility of using biomedical treatment strategies for treatment purposes even though much of the findings have not yet been proven (Bertoglio & Hendren, 2009).
References
Bertoglio, K., & Hendren, R. L. (2009). New Developments in Autism. Psychiatr Clin N Am, 32, 1-14. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2008.10.004
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012, March 29). CDC - Data and Statistics, Autism Spectrum Disorders - NCBDDD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 13, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
Dodd, S. (2004). Understanding Autism. Marrickville, N.S.W: Elsevier Australia.
Mash, E. J., & Wolfe, D. A. (2010). Abnormal child psychology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth CENGAGE Learning.
