Autism
Detected in approximately four to five of every ten thousand births (Powers 10), autism is a widely misunderstood disease. General knowledge of autism, often mistaken, is derived from films such as Rainman. These unrealistic films feature autistic characters who are portrayed as being excessively intelligent. In reality, however, only twenty percent of people diagnosed with autism have average or above-average intelligence ("Autism Primer" 2). Actually, the majority of autistic people suffer varying degrees of mental retardation. A lifelong developmental disability, autism is a disease which affects the way people see, hear, relate, and communicate to others around them. Although the disease is incurable, progressive steps can be taken to help an autistic person function more independently in society. Autism is categorized as part of a larger group of disabilities called Pervasive Developmental Disorders, or PDD's. Among other PDD's, such as Down syndrome and schizophrenia, autism rates as the fourth most common (Powers 10). General symptoms of PDD's include impaired social interaction and communication skills. Symptoms, however, range on a continuum from mild to severe. While mild behavior is in no way danger
Another unusual characteristic of an autistic person is in speech development. In fact, forty percent of people diagnosed with the disease, don't speak at all (Powers 4). The remaining sixty percent have echolalia, which is described as a "parrot like repeating of what has been said to them" (Powers 4). Sometimes they will use words in incorrect context, not making sense. When speaking, they have little control over the pitch and volume of their voice and have a tendency to speak in a flat, monotonous voice. Powers, Michael D. Children with Autism. New Jersey: Woodbine House, Inc. 1989. Autism is categorized as part of a larger group of disabilities called Pervasive Developmental Disorders, or PDD's. Among other PDD's, such as Down syndrome and schizophrenia, autism rates as the fourth most common (Powers 10). General symptoms of PDD's include impaired social interaction and communication skills. Symptoms, however, range on a continuum from mild to severe. While mild behavior is in no way dangerous, severe behavior can be very aggressive and can even result in self-injury. The symptoms of autism can be described as a "triad of impairments" ("What" 2). The three areas of development that are affected are social interaction, social communication, and imagination. Autistic children have difficulty developing relationships with people. During the toddler years, children tend to struggle learning to use both verbal, and non-verbal communication. Also, their "play" tactics are abnormal, and they lack in the development of imagination. "What is Autism." The National Autistic Society. 2000. The National Autistic Society. November 23, 2000 .Neurolyptics, on the other hand, have been proven to decrease problem behaviors, but they also have side effects. Neurolyptics are major tranquilizers, which lessen the activity of dopamine, a chemical that sends messages between nerve cells. These tranquilizers help to control stereotypical and self-injurious behavior, which can increase attention span, allowing children to be able to learn. On the other hand, tranquilizers can cause sedation and sleepiness, which are counterproductive to the goal of the drug. If a child is unable to stay awake, there is no reason to take a drug which would enable him to better pay attention. Movement problems are another side effect of neurolyptics. They can cause spasms of the head and neck. The decision of whether or not to treat a child using drug therapies should be based on the individuality of the child's symptoms and reaction to the medication. "Autism, however, is not an impenetrable wall; there are things you can do to reach your child and try to help her" (Powers 1), says Dr. Powers in his book, Children with Autism. It is possible that the severity of symptoms may decline with the maturity of the child. Then again, two-thirds to three-fourths of autistic children develop mental retardation ("Autism" 8). The best proposal, though, is to get help early. Doctors are currently working on drug therapies to reduce harmful and stereotypical behavior. There are few other options, but through teaching and helpful parenting, the symptoms of autism can be reduced. Neurolyptics, on the other hand, have been proven to decrease problem behaviors, but they also have side effects. Neurolyptics are major tranquilizers, which lessen the activity of dopamine, a chemical that sends messages between nerve cells. These tranquilizers help to control stereotypical and self-injurious behavior, which can increase attention span, allowing children to be able to learn. On the other hand, tranquilizers can cause sedation and sleepiness, which are counterproductive to the goal of the drug. If a child is unable to stay awake, there is no reason to take a drug which would enable him to better pay attention. Movement problems are another side effect of neurolyptics. They can cau
Some common words found in the essay are:
PDD's PDD's, Research Institute, Children Autism, Autism Primer, Autism Detected, autistic children, autistic people, drug therapies, Society November, Research November, Edition November, Inc November, Inc December, living skills, vocational skills, symptoms autism, daily living, autistic person, daily living skills, national autistic society, november 23, 23 2000, kirkman laboratories inc, leisure vocational skills, november 13 2000,
Approximate Word count = 3452
Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page double spaced)
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