Autism spectrum disorder
definition
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Play for a child with autism.
Autism spectrum disorder is typically manifested before 36 months of age. A child who first manifests the characteristics after age 3 may also meet criteria. Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by qualitative impairments in reciprocal social interactions, qualitative impairments in communication, and restricted range of interests/repetitive behavior.
Autism impairs a child's communication, play, social interaction and senses. Language develops slowly, if at all, through childhood. Children with autism often play alone and have no interest in social situations. Lack of eye contact also permits limits for social interactions with adults and peers. Often children with autism have sensory impairments which heightens the senses of hearing, touch, smell, taste and sight.
Autism impairs a child's communication, play, social interaction and senses. Language develops slowly, if at all, through childhood. Children with autism often play alone and have no interest in social situations. Lack of eye contact also permits limits for social interactions with adults and peers. Often children with autism have sensory impairments which heightens the senses of hearing, touch, smell, taste and sight.
History of Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Dr. Leo Kanner
Autism has been around for many many years but it went misdiagnosed. For the longest time those with autism were thought to be schizophrenic based on their behaviors. These people were put into asylums with other people who were "different" in any way. The conditions in these asylums were far from pleasant and many of those put into these asylums were abandoned by their parents.
Doctor Leo Kanner worked as a psychologist in the United States and was very frustrated with the labeling process and the inability to treat the patients. He studied a small group of individuals and noticed that they all meticulously put objects in order, loved repetition and lacked language skills, which are the very similar to the defining characteristics of autism today.
Kanner started his research in the late 1930's. Specific research on autism began in the 1960's. In 1976, children with autism began to be educated in the public schools with support services. Today we have many intervention strategies for those students with autism to support them academically.
Doctor Leo Kanner worked as a psychologist in the United States and was very frustrated with the labeling process and the inability to treat the patients. He studied a small group of individuals and noticed that they all meticulously put objects in order, loved repetition and lacked language skills, which are the very similar to the defining characteristics of autism today.
Kanner started his research in the late 1930's. Specific research on autism began in the 1960's. In 1976, children with autism began to be educated in the public schools with support services. Today we have many intervention strategies for those students with autism to support them academically.