StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

The Diagnosis of Autism - Research Paper Example

Cite this document
Summary
The paper "The Diagnosis of Autism" focuses on the fact that autism is regarded as a complex of various developmental disabilities that have an effect on a person’s communication and social skills. Over the years, autism has been a major subject of study…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER98.5% of users find it useful
The Diagnosis of Autism
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The Diagnosis of Autism"

? Reviewing the Evaluation of Autism Reviewing the Evaluation of Autism The diagnosis of autism has over the years proven to be a challenge to many health workers. To understand this, one must have an overview of autism as a disease. Autism is regarded as a complex of various developmental disabilities that have an effect on a person’s communication and social skills. Over the years, autism has been a major subject of study. These studies have suggested that autism is a wide spectrum disorder and it is not common to find two people with similar symptoms. Early detection of these symptoms is regarded to be very important in the management of autism. Some of the symptoms include irritation by loud noises. Avoiding eye contact and not wanting to associate and play with age mates. Various researchers and medical practitioners have come up with criteria to detect the disease during childhood. Some of these ways are regarded as contentious while others have received approval by various medical institutions. Of importance is to develop a tool that is easy to use and can be taught to parents and guardians of all children. This is a sure way of detecting autism at a very early age. This paper will explore various issues relating to autism. The main focus will be on various methods of diagnosis and treatment and the pros and cons of each. It will also purpose to act as a guide for pediatricians when informing parents on the available screeners and diagnostic assessment methods for autism (Berkel, 2005). The first part of this paper will assess the different management modalities available for this disease. It is important to note that autism like many other neurodevelopment disorders is an ailment that is not curable. It requires chronic management. The primary aim of the treatment is to ensure that the patient leads as normal a life as possible. Being multi factorial disease autism requires the same type of approach. Education is one of the main modalities of management of this disease. Education assists the child to acquire skill and knowledge for self reliance. The methods applied are different but are all based on a common goal of self reliance of the child. Speech therapy and social skill instruction enable the children to interact in a more objective manner with their peers. For the children with physical handicaps as a result of the ailment, occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy are a major requirement for them. The medical management is also important with regards to these patients. Follow ups to reduce morbidity is essential. They are classified under patients with special needs and for this reason comprehensive record keeping with regards to the medical interventions done are crucial. Seizures and sleep disturbances are a common occurrence and should be managed appropriately. They need professional care to reduce the chances of worsening the condition. Family and community support is one of the pillars of management. Creating an enabling environment for the patient to live in is important in the management of the child. Professional medicine uses these guidelines in the management of autism. The outcomes are encouraging. Over the years they have improved the general living condition of patients with autism (Berkel, 2005). Complementary n alternative medicine has gained popularity in the management of autism. Most patients use this therapy due to desperation. They have unfounded hopes for the treatment of this disease and complete cure in these alternative sources. Levy etal reported the use of complementary medicine in more than a third of those seeking formal diagnostic advice. There has been poor research on this issue but the number of people seeking formal diagnostic advice suggests that the failure rate in this method is very high. The impact on the lives of children with autism cannot be overlooked. The time taken before a diagnosis is established has detrimental effect on the continued well being of the child (Brucey, 2004). The diagnosis and assessment of children with autism is a major concern to most parents. The following are some of the ways that a pediatrician can use to help parents assess this disorder. One of the most popular tools for diagnosis of autism is the International classification of disease and related health problems (ICD) 10 criteria (Brucey, 2004). The assessment assists in the early diagnosis of the disorder so that management can start at an early age ensuring that the child is able to take up normal roles as early as possible (National Institue for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2011). The diagnosis and assessment of children with autism is a major concern to most parents. The following are some of the ways that a pediatrician can use to help parents assess this disorder. One of the most popular tools for diagnosis of autism is the International classification of disease and related health problems (ICD) 10 criteria (Brucey, 2004). The assessment assists in the early diagnosis of the disorder so that management can start at an early age ensuring that the child is able to take up normal roles as early as possible (National Institue for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2011). The first criteria for diagnosis are the lack of qualitative progress in three out of the five areas that are outlined. The inability to use facial expression, body language and eye contact in order to regulate interactions in a proper manner. The lack of interaction with peers and engaging in the activities of interest at each age bracket as appropriate. Lack of concern when other people are in emotional distress or disinterest in seeking comfort when facing emotional turmoil. Lack of shared joy in other peoples happiness Poor communication behaviors and inappropriate responses The second criteria are with regards to the quality of communication by the child. Two of the following criteria Delayed speaking or a complete lack of speech. The child in this case is does not show any progress and does not try to communicate through gestures. The child does not initiate a conversation and does not respond appropriately to a conversation either. The child uses the same words repetitively and inappropriately The speech rhythm, intonations and speed pose a challenge to the child The child at an early age does not imitate any plays watched or make plays from their own imagination\ The third criteria are based on the behavior portrayed by the child and their interests. Two of the following six criteria The Childs interests are confined to a single area There is attachment to objects that are regarded to be unusual Adherence to certain ways of conducting oneself during the day including routines \weird body movements involving either the hand or the body The child is occupied with the element of the play object that is not intended such as the texture or smell of the toy rather than what the toy does, The child is in distress when small aspects of the environment of residence changes The forth criteria is the presence of developmental abnormalities within the first three years of birth. The four aspects are easy to assess. This criterion is for any person involved in the early life of the child. It is suitable for a guardian, parent, teacher or even the family doctor. This is a progressive assessment, it takes time to score it and ensure that all the factors are in place for a complete diagnosis or lack of it. A period of not more than three years of closer assessments is necessary. This is not always the case, at first contact with a child and from proper history and physical by a qualified medical personnel this features are easy to establish. The design of this criterion is mainly targeted for young children below the age of three. Some of the aspects of this criterion can be used for the assessment of adults and adolescents. This is based on the first three criterions (National Institue for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2011). modified checklist for autism in toddlers It was created in 1999 by Robbins D Fein as the lead with help from many more professionals. Its most current publication is in 2010.It is a diagnostic tool for children from the age of 16 to 30 months. It’s a short test that takes only about ten minutes for assessment. The purpose of the test is to ease the assessment of autism. It also assists in the early diagnosis of autism. This test is easy to administer and is purposed for the parent. brief infant toddler social emotional assessment. Its sole purpose is to assess the development and social emotional growth of children. It takes about seven minutes to complete and is purposed for the children from birth to the age of six years. This tool was published in the year 2000 and was done by the Minnesota department of health as well as the Minnesota department of education. The autism screening spectrum questionnaire it assesses the extent and the specific type of autism that is in question published in 1999 this is a rather complex and requires a pediatrician to administer. Its author is Stephen Ehler. It takes about fifteen minutes to complete. It is for children between 7 and 16. Autism is one of the most challenging neurodevelopment diseases. The challenge posed is both on diagnosis and treatment. Both conventional and alternative treatments have been sought in a bid to cure the ailment. They both have failed in offering complete cure. Various diagnostic tools are in use. This paper just highlighted a few that are most commonly used. Bibliography Berkel, Z. (2005). Autism Spectrum Disorders: Identification, Education and Treatment. Mahwala: Laurence Elbraum Associates. Brucey, C. T. (2004). Demistyfying Autism Disorders: A guide for Diagnosis for Parents and Prifessionals. Bethesda: Woodpine House. National Institue for Health and Clinical Excellence. (2011, September 5). Diagnostic criteria for autism and Asperger syndrome. Retrieved from niccy.org: http://www.niccy.org/uploaded_docs/Aspergers%20Report/Appendix_1.pdf Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Review of evaluation of screeners and diagnostic tools for autism Research Paper”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/health-sciences-medicine/1496040-review-of-evaluation-of-screeners-and-diagnostic
(Review of Evaluation of Screeners and Diagnostic Tools for Autism Research Paper)
https://studentshare.org/health-sciences-medicine/1496040-review-of-evaluation-of-screeners-and-diagnostic.
“Review of Evaluation of Screeners and Diagnostic Tools for Autism Research Paper”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/health-sciences-medicine/1496040-review-of-evaluation-of-screeners-and-diagnostic.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Diagnosis of Autism

Impact on the Individuals Development

According to London, “diagnosis of autism Spectrum Disorders is based on behaviors not cause or mechanism” (408–11).... Happe proposed many causes of autism that included; Genetics causes, Prenatal causes such as diabetes, bleeding, and use of psychiatric drugs, Infections which include cytomegalovirus, and environmental agents like valproic acid (287–304).... [The [The [The autism Spectrum Disorder: Etiology, Impact on the individual's development and Intervention strategies Caronna et al....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Why is the Number of Autistic Children Steadily Rising

The Diagnosis of Autism among children, or more accurately Autism Spectrum Disorder, is on the rise in children throughout the world.... The Diagnosis of Autism among children, or more accurately Autism Spectrum Disorder, is on the rise in children throughout the world.... Other studies have undertaken the responsibility of finding out what part genetics plays in the current rising trend of autism.... Introduction The medical condition of autism, more commonly known today as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), actually comprises three or four specific medical disorders, each of which is unique and yet characterized by a common set of criteria....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

Specifics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

In this case, in the main section, the author reveals his thoughts and feelings about The Diagnosis of Autism is by providing the different characteristics of children living with Autism.... The paper "Specifics of autism Spectrum Disorder" highlights that assembly required gives an overview of how the people around the author did not understand the changes that he was undergoing.... ovement difference is the first outcome diagnosis of an individual likely to have Autism....
8 Pages (2000 words) Assignment

Critical Analysis of studies regarding Austim and whether vaccinations are the cause

autism, according to autism Society of America (29004), is defined as “a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life.... It is hypothesized that since 1980, when the vaccinations was made available to people from all the classes in the society, the development in autism has increased substantially (KNOW.... There are numerous studies conducted by scientists and researchers to find if MMR vaccine causes development of autism and most of the studies have found no evidence of relationship between MMR vaccine and increase in risk of developing autism....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Childhood Autism: Unique Findings

These observations reveal child's level of interaction with family members, which prove to be very helpful in The Diagnosis of Autism.... diagnosis of autism includes various methods such as observations and interviews to determine whether the signs of autism exist in a child or not.... For example, if a family finds a child unable to react to sounds, the child may be the victim of autism.... This statement shows that autism is a genetic problem and its ratio is high in such homes where parents are also experiencing some minor or major form of autism....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

DSM-5 Criteria for Defining Autism

In addition to this, it is no longer necessary to have language development delay in The Diagnosis of Autism (Mattila et al.... he new changes made in The Diagnosis of Autism in DSM-v are fully based on research, analysis and the opinion of the experts.... The main reasons for changing the term and using the umbrella in diagnosing autism in children is because it has been observed that different clinicians can diagnose same individual with different disorder and some may even change the diagnosis of the same symptom differently from one year to the other....
2 Pages (500 words) Assignment

Autism on the Rise: Many Speculation with No Definitive Answers

The author of this paper "Autism on the Rise: Many Speculations with No Definitive Answers" discusses the medical condition of autism, why this issue is urgent, analyzing the major causes of this disease, analyzing, and determining the exact causal factors.... The exact cause of autism, or if one even exists, is unknown at this time.... Other studies have undertaken the responsibility of finding out what part genetics plays in the current rising trend of autism....
11 Pages (2750 words) Coursework

Causes of Autism

The paper "Causes of autism" emerges kids may experience autism because of the unhealthy environment and autistic children lacking mental capabilities that a non-autistic child may develop during the early ages of life.... Researchers have failed to agree on one single cause of autism but they have identified several causes of autism including hereditary, environmental, and cognitive causes.... odyGenetic factors have been recognized to be one of the main causes of autism amongst young children....
5 Pages (1250 words) Case Study
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us