Autism

             Autism can occur in as many as 22 of every 10,000 births (COSAC 3). It knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. The causes of the disorder are unknown; therefore no cure can be determined. It is a subject of debate and controversy among establish pediatrans. Autism is poorly understood and extremely misrepresented.
             Autism is a behavior disease that controls the mind; it manifests itself at an early age. It impairs communication and social skills. "It encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders that range from mild to severe," (AUTISMINFO.com). To quote Dr. Temple Grandin, "Autistics live in their `own world.' Highly functioning autistics live in two worlds; `their world' and the `outside world'." Many autistics describe their world as thinking in pictures.
             Autism is not a progressive disorder. Although it manifests itself at an early age, it doesn't worsen as a child ages (WebofCare.com). However, autism isn't a condition a child will grow out of. "Autism doesn't occur because of inadequate parenting. The causes of autism are unknown, therefore prevention isn't possible" (Autism: Basic Information 9).
             Dr. Leo Kanzer, a child psychologist at John Hopkins Medical School, first diagnosed autism in 1943. Dr. Kanner noted the behavior of 11 children between 1938 and 1944. He observed characteristics of isolation, withdrawal from human contact, and social and communication abilities.
             Most early theories of the causes of autism focused on the family environment. However, through studies of emotional tension within the family indicated extreme stress of caring for children with autism was likely what brought on the emotional difficulties. These difficulties are not the source but a result of the disorder.
             In the 1960s there were great leaps in the understanding of the causes of autism. Research demonstrated that the condition is the result ...

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Autism. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 03:05, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/45251.html