Autism Spectrum Disorder

Today I just would like to talk about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You might have found many of children who are discounted as a child or man in the society. I, personally come across many of them being treated in different ways; some are in good care but some do not, and it is depending on the knowledge of parents and the society. People usually keep them (Autistic Children) away from other normal children in any activities; learning, playing, eating and so on. 

In 2006, I was in India, there was a girl with autistic illness. She was very nice to everyone who around her and laughing all times. She was such beautiful and she likes flowers very much. I was thinking that she must have something problem within her age but her father told me that happened since birth. And her parents did not want her to go with any other people.

In 20012, the same thing happened. I was working on my community works, developing curriculum for KG teaching and learning and was testing 200 hours curriculum with local children. That time an autistic child got involve in my class. He was extremely believing himself that he could draw pictures and writing but unfortunately his parent never let him go school. Even his mom stop him involving my class. She thought that her child will make us trouble but actually not. 

The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name for a group of developmental disorders. ASD includes a wide range, “a spectrum,” of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability.

People with ASD often have these characteristics:

1. Ongoing social problems that include difficulty communicating and interacting with others

2. Repetitive behaviors as well as limited interests or activities

3. Symptoms that typically are recognized in the first two years of life

4. Symptoms that hurt the individual's ability to function socially, at school or work, or areas of life.

Some people are mildly impaired by their symptoms, while others are severely disabled. Treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function. Families with concerns should talk to their pediatrician about what they’ve observed and the possibility of ASD screening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  around 1 in 68 children has been identified with some form of ASD.

What is the difference between Asperger’s syndrome and ASD?

In the past, Asperger’s syndrome and Autistic Disorder were separate disorders. They were listed as subcategories within the diagnosis of “Pervasive Developmental Disorders.” However, this separation has changed. The latest edition of the manual from the American Psychiatric Association, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), does not highlight subcategories of a larger disorder. The manual includes the range of characteristics and severity within one category. People whose symptoms were previously diagnosed as Asperger’s syndrome or Autistic Disorder are now included as part of the category called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Parents or doctors may first identify ASD behaviors in infants and toddlers. School staff may recognize these behaviors in older children. Not all people with ASD will show all of these behaviors, but most will show several. There are two main types of behaviors: “restricted / repetitive behaviors” and “social communication / interaction behaviors.”

Nevertheless, the autistic children have their own style in learning. The skills that they have should be trusted by people and believe it and encourage them. People should care about their education and life long survive. anuivi@facebook.com