AUTISM SPECTRUM

DISORDERS

Erlanda Romilus

AUTISM/ AUTISTIC
DISORDER
Autism is a development disorder that appears the first 3 years of
life, and affects the brains normal development of social and
communication skills.

PROBLEMS THAT MAY

ACCOMPANY ASD
There are several problems and
syndrome that may accompany
ASD. They include sensory
problems, mental retardation,
seizures, Fragile X syndrome,
and sclerosis sensory problem.

FORMS OF AUTISM
SPECTRUM DISORDER
Retts Disorder- This relatively rare disorder is also known as Rett
syndrome, is diagnosed primarily in females. Incidence is 1 in 1015,000 children in the United States approximately 30,000 children
and women are affected(Rett syndrome research Trust,2009,Morris
1993) Parents report normal development over the first 18 months,
following by a loss of abilities especially in the area of gross motor
skills.
Asperger's syndrome- This is a development disorder on the
autism spectrum characterized by a lack of social skills, difficult in
social relationship, poor concentration, and restricted interest, but
with normal intelligence and language skills. This disorder is often
diagnosed later than forms of ASD. This may be because the child
does not have a significant language delay.

INTERVENTION
Many methods of treatment and
education are available for children
with autism.
The approach that works best for a
child with ASD is one that is
individualized to meet the specific
needs of the child and family.
The best successful programs build
on the childs interest, teach task
as a series of simple steps,
actively engage the childs
attention in highly structures
activities.

Keep messages simple and direct

Use objects and actions along with words
Emphasize spoken language by having the child ask for something by
name whenever possible
Give child opportunities to interact with children who are at a normal
level in term of language
For behavior management programs use tangible reinforcement

OTHER INTERVENTION
In an effort to do everything possible to help their children, many
parents of child with ASD continually seek new treatments.
Although an unproven treatment may work one child, it may not
prove beneficial to another.
For treatment options, one may have to search the internet to see
the confusing array of treatment options and hear conflicting
reports of what is effective and what is not.

MEDICATIONS
Medications are sometimes used to treat behaviors associated with
autism such as aggression, self-injury, and tantrums. In 2006, the
U.S Food and Drug Administration(FDA) approved the use of
risperidone for the treatments of behaviors ad irritability children
and adolescents ages five to sixteen. This is the first approval for
drug use to treat behavior association with autism in children.

WORK CITED
Allen, E.,Cowdery G, The Exception Child.(7th ed)