Part two will discuss the benefits of including parent and family in ASDs intervention studies to fully understand the effectiveness of treatment.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders .
Autism is a mental disorder which usually occurs during childhood by the age of three, and causes complication with social interaction. The many different symptoms of autism can occur by themselves or in combination with other conditions such as: mental retardation, blindness, deafness, and epilepsy. Children with autism vary widely in their abilities and behavior. Each symptom may appear differently in each child. Although children with autism often show some forms of bizarre, repetitive behavior called stereotyped behavior, the actual impact of the disability however depends on several variables. Individuals may also vary in their reaction to autism and the initial symptoms. Although medical information and diagnosis are important in understanding autism and its effects, it is critical to look beyond medical diagnosis, and consider the impact on every aspect of the individual's life. Research has shown that caregivers of children with disabilities experience greater stress than caregivers of children without disabilities (Hassall, Rose, & McDonald, 2005). Understanding the characteristics of the disorders, the medical, psychosocial, vocational aspects, as well as the impacts on individuals, family members and care givers, provides a better view of ASDs. .
What is Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)? .
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is a group of developmental disorders that compromise the five specific, but related, conditions within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. These five groups of disorders fall under the formal diagnostic umbrella known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) or generally referred to as Autism.