Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorders Essay -- Diseases, Disorders

Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorders Autism has been on the rise in the past 20 years, and is getting dangerously close to reaching epidemic proportions (Zelan, 1). Statistically, Autism rates have been rising in the United States with Autism now effecting 1 in every 150 children ages 10 and younger (Zelan, 1). Autism can occur in any race and does not gender discriminate, though boys are four times more likely to have Autism than girls (Castrogiovanni). The causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism are the main aspects that most interest researchers today. If studies continue to have good results, the quality of life for Autistics could improve exponentially. Autism is a developmental disorder that has baffled researchers for years, but research breakthroughs in the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism allow for a better understanding of the condition. There are many theories regarding Autism, however, the actual cause(s) remain unknown. Autism could have several possible triggers, but any information is still in the earliest stages of research. Genetics, familial connections, having an excess of testosterone, and vaccines have all been speculated as potential causes. Genetic testing has revealed interesting information, but no gene or genes have been linked to Autism directly. One researcher states, â€Å"Autism probably results from abnormalities in at least three to twenty genes and very likely has no single causal gene.† (Fredericks, 35) Researchers have also found that Autistics under 12 have an overall larger brain size in comparison to normal children. (Fredericks, 35) This information really expresses the need for more in-depth research regarding genetic links (Fredericks, 15). The idea that Auti... ...oadedFiles/public/TESAutisticSpectrum.pdf>. "Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders across the life span." . N.p., 2006. Web. 6 Mar 2012. . Schopler, Eric, Robert Reichler, and Barbara Rochen Renner. Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Western Psychological Services, 1986. Print. Self, Trisha L. and LaDonna S. Hale and Daiquire Crumrine. â€Å"Pharmacotherapy and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Tutorial for Speech Language Pathologists.† Language, Speech and Hearing Services in School. Vol. 41. July 2010: 367-375. Text. â€Å"Types of Autism.† Autism-diagnosis.com. Autism Diagnosis. N.d. Web. Zelan, Karen, Between Their World and Ours: Breakthtoughs with Autistic Children. New York: St. Martis Press, Print. May 2003.