Life with Autism

By: Psychology Master

**DISCLAIMER**

This is a project for an AP Psychology course. This is a fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For questions about this blog project or its content please email the teacher, Laura Astorian: laura.astorian@cobbk12.org.

What is Autism?

• Autism is a collection of complex disorders of development

• Characterized by difficulties in social communication, verbal and nonverbal interaction, and repetitive actions

• Most obvious signs of autism tend to become apparent at 2-3 years of age

How Common is Autism?

• Approximately 1 in 88 children are identified as having Autism

• Appears to be increasing recently• 4-5 times as prevalent among boys as among

girls• 2 million in the US are

affected by this disorder

Causes

• No known single cause for Autism, but generally believed to be caused by abnormalities in brain structure

• In families there appears to be a pattern of Autism or related disorders, supporting the idea that genetics may play a role in the disorder

• Research also shows that environmental toxins (ex: mercury) may cause Autism

Diagnosis

• No medical test currently• Parents are often first to notice unusual

behaviors (ex: failure to make eye contact, not responding to name, etc.)

• DSM V has criteria for a child to be labeled as autistic

Symptoms

• Varying severity• Usually infants social by nature, however

children with autism have difficulty with social interaction

• Children with autism tend to have delayed babbling

• Autistic children also have unusual, repetitive behaviors

Treatment

• Each case is unique, therefore treatment must be unique

• Early intensive behavioral intervention is shown by research to improve learning and communication in Autistic children

• A small minority of children with this disorder improve to the point where they can no longer be categorized as Autistic

Quick Facts on Autism

• Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental

disability in the U.S.• Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding

of many less prevalent childhood diseases

Impacts of Autism on Family

• Every member is now impacted• Primary focus placed on child with Autism,

which may put stress on other relationships and responsibilities

• Time and resources now need to be directed towards providing treatment for the child

Myths about Autism• “Autism is a mental health disorder”- Autism is a neurological disorder that occurs from abnormalities in brain

structure and neurotransmitter levels• “Individuals with Autism are violent”- It is unusual for individuals with Autism to act violently or pose a threat to

society• “Individuals with Autism are unable or unwilling to form meaningful social

relationships”- Although many Autistic individuals have trouble with social interaction, they can form close relationships and fall in love

Myths about Autism (cont.)

• “Autism is caused by poor parenting”- There was once an assumption of this, however today it is

well known that poor parenting is not a cause for this disorder• “Autism is caused solely by environmental factors”- Parents whose first child has autism are more likely to have a

second child with autism - Identical twin studies show that if one twin has autism, the

other twin has a 90% chance of having autism also

My experience with Autism

I have been told by my parents that I am one of the lucky ones, that my IQ is high in comparison to others with Autism. I however, always have difficulty understanding other people. Sometimes, it is quite frustrating.

For the most part, I like to be left alone. However, I still love my family. Many people think that I am not capable of love, but this isn’t true. Over the years, I’ve discovered what this word means.

I am 13 years old. My favorite hobby is playing tennis. I have learned so much from my coach. However, it is sometimes hard to understand certain concepts.

When I was 2, my mom told me that she noticed I had delayed babbling and played with my toys in a repetitive manner. She took me to a doctor, who then told her I was Autistic. My mom told me she cried for a long time.

It’s easy for me to get distracted. In class, I will often just look out the window and get lost in everything going on. Also, many people ask me if I mind being touched or hugged. I prefer being hugged to being touched.

One thing I have a lot of is energy. I can get it all out by hugging, squeezing and yelling. Some people also ask me what I think about Autism. I think Autism isn’t necessarily bad, it just makes me unique.