The etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders is a biological impairment formed during prenatal development. A child can be diagnosed with Autism between eighteen and thirty-six months. Autism is three to four times more common in males. According to Autism Speaks Inc. ("What Is Autism", 2012), “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in 68 children in the United States. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls.” About 70% of Autistic children will have a co-occurring intellectual impairment. There are three factors that contribute to the spectrum nature of Autism. Children with Autism differ in their level of intellectual ability, severity of language problems and also their behavioral progression.
DSM-5 describes impairments in social interaction as a defining feature of Autism. People with autism have difficulty displaying empathy. Impairments in communication are also defining features of Autism. Echolalia is commonly displayed by those diagnosed with Autism. Echolalia is the repetition of words. Some children may repeat lines to movies, lyrics of songs and even parts of conversations. For example, when greeted the child may say their name in response instead of saying the greeters name. Pronoun reversal is also a characteristic of the difficulties with communication those with Autism face. The last defining feature of Autism in the DSM-5 is restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Interests, hyper-focus on a single stimulus and self-injurious behaviors are examples of this.
There are many different treatment options for a child with Autism. One treatment is ABA therapy. ABA therapy or “Applied Behavioral Analysis” is categorized as cognitive-behavioral therapy. According to Autism Speaks Inc. (2018), “Behavior analysis is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment.” Behaviors can be affected by influences that are physical or social. ABA therapy uses reinforcements to encourage positive behaviors. When a behavior is reinforced it is more likely to be repeated by the individual. For instance, if a child is directed to put on their shoes, once they do so they are given a reinforcer such as candy or even electronics such as an Ipad. The reinforcement may vary depending on the child and the task they performed.
Another form of treatment for Autism is medication. Medications fall under the psychiatric category of treatment. There are many different reasons a child with Autism may be medicated. The child may become a danger to themselves and others. While medication can be beneficial for some children it is widely thought children with Autism are being overmedicated and medicated for the wrong reasons. Medication will not fix symptoms of Autism such as difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. However, medication will help with anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity all of which can be conditions associated with Autism. Abilify and Risperdal are the two main medications prescribed to children with Autism. In fact, The Child Mind Institute states that “Abilify and Risperdal, both antipsychotics, are the only medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of ASD children.” (Arky, B. n.d.)
An alternative form of treatment for children with Autism if the GFCF diet. This form of treatment would fall under the medical category. GFCF is gluten-free, Casein free. Many parents are implementing changes in their children diets in an effort to improve behavior and communication. Grains such as wheat, rye and barley contain gluten. Foods such as: yogurt, ice cream and cheese contain casein. A theory suggests that there in a protein in gluten and casein that children with Autism process differently than those without Autism. Synapse (2008) explains that “It is thought that such peptides have an effect much like opiates (ie. morphine, heroin) in the brain and nervous system.” (“Gluten and casein-free diet for autism”, n.d.). This protein is thought to worsen symptoms of Autism. There are not many studies to validate the effectiveness of this diet.
Another form of treatment is Sensory Integration therapy. This therapy is usually provided by Occupational or Physical therapists. The Monarch Center for Autism explains “Autistic children often exhibit symptoms of Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID) making it difficult for them to process information brought in through the senses.” (“Sensory Integration Therapy (SI),” n.d.). By utilizing this therapy, Autistic children are taught how to process sensory information in a more effective way. This therapy includes equipment such as: trampolines, ball pits, scooter boards, swings and weighted materials like vests or belts. Some Autistic children are overstimulated while others are under-stimulated. A child who is hyper-stimulated does not like to be touched. These children would benefit from a swing or trampoline. Children who are under stimulated like to be squeezed. These children benefit from weighted blanket or vests.
Being a parent is challenge on its own however, being a parent to a child with a clinical disorder adds a whole new level of difficulty. There are many different options available for children with Autism. If I was a parent of a child with Autism, I would enroll them in Applied Behavioral Analysis treatment. My reasoning for doing so is ABA therapy helps children develop basic skills. Imitating, looking and listening are examples of basic life skills that can be developed. Complex life skills such as communication, reading and self-regulation can even be developed. There have been and continue to be numerous studies examining the effectiveness of Applied Behavioral Analysis. According to Autism Speaks Inc. ("Applied Behavior Analysis", 2012), “A number of completed studies have demonstrated that ABA techniques can produce improvements in communication, social relationships, play, self-care, school and employment.” I believe this is the best treatment option for children with Autism because, the techniques have proven to change children’s behaviors for the better. Also, as a parent one could fairly easily implement this treatment in their own household. Therefore, this treatment would be very effective because it would almost be continuous.
Autism has changed significantly over the years. It was initially used to describe a symptom of schizophrenia. It was once believed to be a result of parenting styles. The refrigerator mother as we knew her. Our knowledge of Autism has grown tremendously over the years however, there is still much room for education. People today still believe Autism is caused by children’s vaccinations, that is why some parents choose not to vaccinate. Regardless of what was once believed and what is believed today we can all agree Autistic children are just like the rest of us. Autistic children deserve the same opportunities as the other children. These children can reach their full potential just like the other students, they just need a little more support. With the right treatment and support from family, friends, and the community Autistic children can live a full happy life.