Kanner's Theory Of Autism Essay

Sam is a 16-year-old boy who struggles with autism every day. He was born six weeks premature. Weighing two pounds ten ounces, he remained in the hospital 6 weeks on account of his low birth weight, respiratory distress, and intraventricular hemorrhage. At the age of 12 months, his mom noticed that Sam was delayed on his speech, language, and cognitive development. At that time, he was placed in basic therapy. This therapy taught him to communicate with others through pictures, and gestures. Currently Sam is 16 and has a developmental equivalent of a two years old (Emily Rubin 1). The article, “History of Autism ”, reports “In the 1940s, researchers in the United States began to use the term “autism” to describe children with emotional and social problems” (par. 4). Dr. Kanner from Johns Hopkins University would use this term on a study, which he performed on several withdrawn children. Until the 1960’s, some researchers would continue to misdiagnose between autism and schizophrenia. Soon after medical professionals began to unravel the understanding of autism (par. 4-5). Autism can be defined as, “A developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affect the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills” (Autism par.
1). This disorder has a range of closely related disorders which share a core of symptoms. To this day, the exact cause of this disorder is still unknown. Researchers continue to work to find the factors that lead to Autism (par 2). As of 2012 “the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million” (About Autism par. 3). One in every eighty-eight births and one in fifty-four boys in the United Stated are being diagnosed with this disorder. It is also unknown as to why more boys than girls are prone to this disorder (par. 2).
Medical professional have studied different cases of children with autism, and depending on the severity, there are appropriate medication and therapies in order to facilitate their everyday life
It is important to identify symptoms as quickly as possible and before the child turns 3-years old. Some signs that a child might be autistic are: has little or no eye contact, may not want to be cuddled, doesn’t interact with others. Autism is not easy to diagnose before 24 months but signs usually start to rise at 18 months, of age. The article “Autism Symptoms and Early Signs” states sometimes “doctors miss red flags or underestimate problems” (par 9). Even though some professionals misdiagnose Autism, the child’s guardian/parent usually does not. If the parent/guardian feels something is just not right with the child, a second and third opinion is needed. Screening tests for Autism in children have been developed, but children with Mild Autism may not always be identified with these tests; therefore, additional screenings are necessary. Medicines for treating autism are most effective when used in hand in hand with behavioral therapies. Medications often balance the child’s treatment strategies. Nowadays, there are only a few drugs that are available for these children, but not all medication works well for every child. Some parents seek the alternative approach. The article “Complementary & Alternative Approaches for Autism” states, “Research suggests that between 30 and 95 percent of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been provided with complementary or alternative medical treatment” (par. 7-15-19). The most common struggle that these children suffer from is sleep disorder/insomnia. More than 50% suffer from this. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the sleeplessness -wake cycle. There is also omega-3 fatty acid supplement that may reduce autism-related symptoms such as repetitive behavior and hyperactivity, as well as improving their social skills. Lastly, with gluten and casein free diets, some parents say that the child’s behavior has improved. Gluten is primarily found in wheat, barley and rye; casein, in all dairy products. Now the other treatments available are complementary treatments, such as music, art, horseback riding and even swimming with dolphins. Music helps children develop proper voice control. Repetition through music can help children with autism learn to wait for words, rhythms, and concepts. This can help them participate more easily in music-based classroom activities since they know what to expect. Horseback riding is much more than just a physical experience. While the movement of the horse is great for improving circulation, muscle control, and coordination, there is also a very strong bond that riders both healthy and disabled exchange with these horses. Horses are companion animals. They look to their riders for guidance and love. They are in tune to the smallest movement, attitude, and emotion; a rider cannot hide anything from a horse. Horses can tell if one is angry, nervous, happy, excited, tense, or relaxed and they respond accordingly. They want to understand the rider and for rider to understand them. It is still unknown whether Autism is hereditary or a genetic mutation trace. Resent studies seem to suggest genetic damage may be the cause. It has been said this disorder is a genetically complicated disorder, which involves hundreds of spontaneous changes in genes. The Article, “Autism Linked to Inherited Gene Mutations, Particularly From Dad” researched and “Agree that the growing autism numbers may in part be attributed to certain genetic mutations that are most likely inherited from the father” (Salahi, Lara 1). There has also been concern about a link of autism with vaccines, such as the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) or other mercury-containing thimerosal, a preservative in vaccines. Nowadays children’s vaccines are being manufactured without this preservative, except for the flu vaccine. The article ”Autism Symptoms and Early Signs” also states, “Five mayor epidemiologic studies conducted in the U.S., the UK, Sweden, and Denmark found that children who received vaccines did not have higher rate of Autism (par. 25).” Furthermore, studies have shown that there is no direct relationship linking the preservative or the vaccine with autism. As these children turn into adults some can and will try to enter the workforce. They struggle more than the average normal adult. As per the book “Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome” states, some “young adults with Autism feel emotionally prepared and are successful in finding employment” (Stoddart, Kevin 84). Usually individuals with autism will be working at your local library, grocery store, and bookstore. Typically these individual will function to there maximum when their work schedule is repetitive and systematized. When these adults enter the work force they have reached a goal, which will motivate them for a higher goal. Some will make it to college and even the University. They have goals just like any normal individual.
Medical studies have demonstrated that the sooner a child is diagnosed the better it will be for his/her well being. Researches have also concluded, depending on the severity of autism, medication and complimentary treatments can calm the child and direct to a happier calm lifestyle. Some of these children when in high school enter into adult hood and are place in co-op placements, which is working in the office as volunteers. This brings their self-esteem up and they feel full filled, and give them a goal in life. Even though there is no cure for autism the research to find a cure will continue. For more information and knowledge please visit www.autismspeacks.org

Works Cited
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“Complementary & Alternative Approaches for Autism.” Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks Inc. Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks. 2013. Web. 10 April. 2013.
“History of Autism.” Webmd. 2013. Webmd,LLC. Web, 6 Mar. 2013.
Jessica Kingsley. 2005. Print
Rubin, Emily. “Sam: From Gestures to Symbols.” asha. 2013. American Speech- Language-Hearing Association. Web. 15 Mar. 2013.
Stoddart, Kevin. Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome.
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