Pamphlet
~This is a fictitious pamphlet written by a speech-language pathologist for a family with an autistic child~

Autism

Some Basic Information

Definition

Autism is a developmental disability that has many different traits and effects on an individual.  It usually shows up in the first three years of life.  The cause of autism is unknown, but most believe it is caused by abnormalities in the brain.  Since it is the result of a neurological disorder, autism affects how the brain functions.  Both children and adults can suffer from this disorder and no two individuals are the same.  Those who are diagnosed with autism can have difficulties in any, or all, of the following areas:
* Social interaction
* Verbal and non-verbal communication skills
* Play/leisure activities
( http://www.autism-society.org ).
Characteristics

Some specific qualities that an individual with autism may exhibit are:

* Difficulty expressing wants and needs
* May laugh for no apparent reason
* Difficulty interacting with others
* May have little or no eye contact
* Prefers to be alone
* Oversensitivity or undersensitivity to pain
( http://www.autism-society.org ).

Looking at Autism on the Spectrum

Autism is one of the five categories that fall under the title of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).  Autism is the most common of PDD and it is said that 1.5 million Americans are affected, today.  Those who are diagnosed with autism are put on a spectrum.  The spectrum ranges from low-functioning to high-functioning.  Where an individual is placed on the spectrum depends on his/her severity and behaviors (http://www.autism-society.org).

Treatment

Deciding on the proper treatment techniques for autism is one of the most controversial issues in child development practice, today (Levy & Hyman, 2005).  It is difficult to choose just one treatment option because the characteristics of each autistic individual varies greatly.  It is up to you, the parent, to decide which treatment method best suites your child's needs (Kabot, Masi, & Segal, 2003).  You may decide that a combination of treatment options is what will benefit your child the most.  When deciding which treatment methods are best for your child, ask yourself the following questions:
* Will this treatment harm my child?
*  Is this treatment going to be developmentally appropriate for my child?
* Will this treatment help my child to reach desired goals?
* Do I know enough information about this treatment option (Kabot, Masi, & Segal, 2003)?

Additional Information

For more information on autism contact a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in your area.  SLPs are educated on the disorder of autism.  They work with autistic individuals and can help these individuals better adapt to the world around them.  You may also find more information by visiting the following websites:
* Autism Society of America - http://www.autism-society.org
* Center for the Study of Autism - http://www.autism.org
* American Speech-Language-Hearing Association - http://www.asha.org

References
Autism Society of America:  The Voice of Autism.  Retrieved October 22, 2005, from http://www.autism-society.org.

Kabot, S., Masi, W., & Segal, M. (2003).  Advances in the diagnoses and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.  Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 34, 26-33.  Retrieved November 15, 2005, from the Academic Search Premier database.

Levy, S. E., & Hyman, S. L. (2005).  Novel treatments for autistic spectrum disorders.  Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 11, 131-142.  Retrieved November 15, 2005, from the Academic Search Premier database.




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This page was created by Shari Beth Nutter,
a student at Marshall University, in order to fulfill requirements for my CD 315 course.

If you have any questions or comments please contact the author via e-mail
nutter22@marshall.edu

Page last updated: December 6, 2005

Copyright © 2005 Shari Beth Nutter


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