What do you think about what they said?
PSY 314 Week 7 DISCUSSIONS TO RESPOND TO
By Erin Fitzgerald
How was autism diagnosed and treated previously?
Historically, autism has been misunderstood and individuals that were thought to have it were often discriminated against and at times even feared by others. For example, the case of Victor of Aveyron and the
elfin children. Unfortunately, early treatments for autism were limited and damaging. For instance, many individuals who were thought to have autism were institutionalized for the course of their lives and/or isolated from loved ones, education, opportunities, and society (National Autism Center at May Institute, 2024). Additionally, parents and/or caregivers of individuals who have autism are often blamed for their child’s behavior. Autism began to be seriously and significantly researched during the 1940s. Specifically, Dr. Leo Kanner established the symptoms of autism. Including, decreased social awareness, language delays or deficits, preservation of sameness behaviors, and poor interpersonal skills. Finally, early research considered autism and childhood onset schizophrenia (COS) as a single disorder. However, contemporary research disproved this. (Mash, 2018).
How will it be diagnosed and treated now?
ASD is now diagnosed and treated differently. For example, the criteria for an ASD diagnosis have expanded. For example, there are now two symptoms’ domains associated with ASD. Specifically, a social communication and interaction domain and a restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities domain. These domains and the behaviors described in them must be present in an individual for a significant period in multiple environments early in an individual’s development. ASD can now be treated using a variety of interventions. For example, teaching readiness skills using discrete and/or incidental training. Additionally, individuals diagnosed with ASD can be taught how to show and reciprocate physical affection. Lastly, individuals diagnosed with ASD can be taught strategies to increase their social skills and social competence. For example, learning how to share toys. Clearly, ASD is now diagnosed and treated differently. (Mash, 2018; SNHU A11y Remediated Videos, 2017).
What factors influence ASD? Explain.
A variety of factors influence ASD. First, genetic factors influence the development of ASD in an individual. For example, hereditary influences. Additionally, environmental factors influence the development of ASD in an individual. For example, an individual’s socio-economic status. Finally, cultural factors influence the development of ASD in an individual. For example, cultures that do not accept biological and neurological diversities. Overall, a variety of factors influence ASD. (Mash, 2018).
References:
Mash, E. (2018). Abnormal Child Psychology (7th ed.). Cengage
National Autism Center at May Institute. (2024). Historical Perspective.
National Autism Center at May
Institute.
Historical Perspective – National Autism Center at May Institute
SNHU A11y Remediated Videos. (2017 March 29).
PSY 314 ABA Autism Training Chapter 1 The
Discrete Trial [Video]. YouTube.
PSY 314 ABA Autism Training Chapter 1 The Discrete Trial CC (youtube.com)
BY TRICHELLE LOEWEN
Hello everyone! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We’re almost to the finish line!
In 1943, the American psychiatrist Leo Kanner described a group of children who displayed a distinct set of symptoms, including a lack of interest in social interaction, avoided eye contact, had limited to no language, and a preoccupation with objects, which was considered to be the foundation of autism research (Mash, 2018). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was previously misunderstood and misdiagnosed, and treatments were often harsh and ineffective. Historically, autism and childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) were grouped together and considered a single disorder. Treatment methods involved institutionalization, refrigerator parent theory, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Today, autism is more widely recognized and understood than ever before. The current criteria, as outlined in the DSM-5, have consolidated the previous categories (Autism & COS) into a single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This change reflects the understanding that autism is a spectrum disorder with symptoms that vary widely in type and severity. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with core features that are represented by two symptom domains: social communication and interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (Mash, 2018). While there is no known cure for ASD, there are treatments to minimize the core problems of ASD, maximize the child’s independence and quality of life, and help the child and family cope more effectively with the disorder. Treatment today often involves interventions personalized to the individual’s specific needs, which can include behavioral interventions, speech and occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, social skills training, and medication for associated conditions with early intervention resulting in better outcomes (Mash, 2018).
The factors that influence the development of ASD are complex and multifaceted. The precise cause is still unknown, but the understanding of possible mechanisms has increased dramatically. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors include genetic disorders such as Fragile X syndrome and Rett syndrome, as well as gene mutations. Environmental factors such as parental age at the time of conception, premature birth, and certain prenatal exposures may also contribute to ASD (2024). With promising new programs on the horizon for early intervention and community-based education, it shows that whenever there is help, there is hope for future generations with ASD.
References:
Mash, E. (2018).
Abnormal Child Psychology (7th ed.). Cengage Learning US.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, May 3).
Autism. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
