The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders is on the rise. Scientists believe th
ID: 176365 • Letter: T
Question
The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders is on the rise. Scientists believe that there are both genetic and environmental factors associated with the development of autism.
Use the links below and explain the following:
The prevalence of autistic disorders
The screening and diagnosis of autistic disorders
The possible genetic associations with the occurrence of autism
The possible environmental associations with the occurrence of autism
Treatment of autism
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5810a1.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/resources/diseases/autism.htm
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=autism-rise-driven-by-environment
Explanation / Answer
Autism:
1. The prevalence of autistic disorders:
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a brain based or neurological disorder of developmental condition.
ASD affects the understanding and use of languages to interact and communicate with the people.
ASD affects in 3 main areas….
A. Social skills
1. Poor eye contact.
2. Fail to respond to his/her name.
3. Resists curdling and holding.
4. Appears unaware of people feeling.
5. Prefer to play alone.
B. Language
C. Behavior
2. The screening and diagnosis of autistic disorders:
Early diagnosis is highly correlated with dramatically better out comes.
Autism can be reliably diagnosed at 18 months of age.
Positive screening:
A. Refers for a comprehensive diagnosis evaluation.
1. Developmental pediatrician.
2. Pediatric neurologist.
3. Pediatric psychologist.
B. Provide parental education:
1. Reading materials on ASD.
C. Refer to a audiologic evolution.
3. Genetic factors associated with Autism:
ASD is caused by 12 or more genes on different chromosomes.
Some gene may cause greater risk and susceptibility, while some genes may cause specific symptoms.
The genes with mutations might add symptoms of ASD.
If the disorder is complex, then autism probably results with many causes.
4. Environmental associations with the occurrence of autism:
A. Environmental toxins.
B. Pharmaceutical use.
C. Excessive/Improper vaccination.
D. Diet/Nutrition.
E. Culture and life style factors.
5. Treatment of autism:
There is no cure for autism, people in this immensely helped by therapy.
A. Bio- medical therapy: Special diets and supplements are used.
B. Speech therapy: Helps people with the autism with their speeches.
C. Applied behavior analysis: It teaches particular skills to the patients and this method is widely using for autism patients.