Autism

Autism has become one of the top disabilities in California’s developmental system. Today, the rise of autism is increasing by 10 - 17 percent each year. (Madeleine 3) “The disease was first identified by child psychologist Leo Kanner in 1943 at Johns Hopkins University” (Little 2). Autism is a disorder that is usually detected within the first three years. According to the Autism Society of America, 1 in 166 individuals are diagnosed with autism, making it more common than the pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. Boys are four times more likely to have it than girls. People with autism have a hard time communicating verbally and physically. They have special ways of gathering and reacting to information presented to them. Sometimes people with autism can show violent behaviors. Traits of autism include: avoiding eye contact, preference in being alone, rejecting change, obsessive attachment to objects, and not wanting any physical contact. The main question asked and that can’t be answered is, what causes autism? “There is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function” (Berry 1). Studies have shown that there are differences in the shape and structure of the brain compared to non-autistic individuals. Parents have blamed vaccines, however this theory has not been proven. Other theories researchers are looking into include a connection with heredity, genetics and medical problems. Although there is no cure for autism, there are plenty of treatments and educational approaches that reduce and improve the behaviors associated with this disability.

Starting treatment at an early age gives the child a better chance of reaching normal behaviors. Children under 3 are eligible to receive “early intervention” assistance. (Pericak 4) It is a federally-funded program offered in every state. This program is available in two forms: home-based and school-based. Both of these programs offer help with speech, physical or occupational therapy. Autistic people from the age of 3 through the age of 21 can receive a free educational program. This program addresses a wide range of skill development, such as: language, behavioral issues, academics, self-help skills, social skills, and leisure skills. (Pericak 5)

Many treatment approaches have developed different ways of dealing with the challenges of autism. First, there is the theory of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which consists of giving a child a specific task, which teaches skills from basic ones to more complex ones, such as social interaction. Children taking this approach, work 30-40 hours a week with a trained professional. (West 66) It may be emotionally difficult for the child, and his/her parents to dedicate so much time, yet it is worth it. However, it has been proven that ABA methods have shown consistent results in teaching new skills and behaviors to children with autism. (West 68)

Second, there is a program called, Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) that uses a teaching approach to instill the idea that the environment should be adapted to the child; not the other way around. “The child’s learning abilities are assessed through the Psycho Educational Profile (PEP), and teaching strategies are designed to improve communication, social and coping skills” (Cohen 23). Instead of teaching a child specific skills or behavior, the TEACCH approach concentrates more on teaching the child to understand his/her surroundings. For example, some children with autism tend to scream when they are in pain. The TEACCH approach would try to find a reason behind the screaming and teach the child how to indicate his/her pain through communications skills. (Cohen 39) This approach is very useful, because it helps children with autism to understand what is expected and how to respond.

Third, there is Sensory Integration, which is designed to help children with autism improve their sensory difficulties. They may be hypo- or hyper-reactive or lack the ability to combine the senses. This therapy assists a child reorganize sensory information. For example, if the child has a hard time with the sense of touch, the therapist might provide different types of materials with different textures. (Baldwin 34)

Fourth, there is a complementary approach, which includes music, art, or animal therapy. This therapy helps increase communication skills and develops social interaction. In correlation to sensory integration, music is used to help develop speech and comprehend language. (Baldwin 28) Art, on the other hand, gives an opportunity to the child to express him or herself in a non-verbal way. Animal therapy involves going horseback riding or swimming with dolphins, which offer both physical and emotional assistance by improving coordination and motor development. It also helps increase self-confidence for children with autism. Interacting with dolphins raises a child’s attention, increasing his/her cognitive process. Studies have shown that children learn faster and keep information longer while they are with dolphins, instead of being in a classroom setting. (Baldwin 38)

Fifth, Occupational Therapy assist a person with autism to live independently by proving certain skills, such as: coping skills, play skills, motor skills, and self help skills. This therapy teaches dressing, feeding, toilet training, grooming, as well as reading and writing. (Baldwin 49) It is essential for autistic people to undergo Occupational Therapy, because it enhances them to live comfortably in social settings, while becoming successful in life.

Lastly, Relationship Development intervention (RDI) is a program, which focuses on problems people with autism experience, for example: making friends, feeling empathy for others, expressing their love, and being able to share their personal experiences with others. (Ritvo 42) According to Dr. Gutstein, there are six elements a person with autism lacks. Autistic people have difficulties displaying an emotional response to other people’s experiences. They also lack the ability to observe and regulate someone’s behavior to participate in new relationships. (Ritvo 32) People with autism hardly use language and non-verbal communication to express themselves, not allowing others to communicate back properly. (Ritvo 32) They can’t adapt to changes in plans when certain circumstances occur. They find themselves trapped when it comes to solving problems that don’t have a right or wrong answer. Lastly, autistic people don’t reflect on past experiences to guide them into future scenarios. (Ritvo 33) This program offers workshops for both