Introduction
Please start by watching this short and informative video- "What is Autism?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRmNnmM5e0M
I really enjoy the show "Criminal Minds" and my favorite character, Spencer Reid, is a young FBI profiler who has Autism, Asperger's and mild schizophrenia. His character has an IQ of 187, a photographic memory, and is able to read 20,000 words a minute. When first watching the show, I often wondered if these are even possible traits for a person to possess and the truth is, they are. Although not all people with Autism are able to properly function in society, around 40 percent have average to above average intellectual abilities. Many people on the Autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills and also, music and academic skills. Although a little under half of those diagnosed with Autism are able to function properly in society and few may even be consider “geniuses”, there are still many who are unable to live independently due to their disability. Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are said to effect 1 in 68 American children and tens of millions worldwide.
Task
Objectives:
- Understand what causes Autism
- Learn about Autism myths and misconceptions
- Understand what living with Autism is like from the perception of someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Process
What Causes Autism
These links provide information from the CDC, NIMH, and the Autism Society on what may be the potential cause(s) of Autism. Although there is no clear cut evidence stating exactly what causes Autism, many believe that it a combination of genetics and environmental factors that influence brain development and cause Autism. These could include medications taken by mother during pregnancy, genetic makeup, parental age at time of conception, and many other factors.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
http://www.autism-society.org/what-is/causes/
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/faq
Autism Myths and Misconceptions
These links show and discuss not only the misconceptions of Autism, but how these myths and misconceptions affect children and people that have been diagnosed with Autism. Some may think that those diagnosed with Autism will always have specific, exceptional talents. Others may assume that those with Autism are unable to build social relationships. While both of these myths may hold some truth, they are not true for all. Other myths include "Autism can be cured" and "Autism is caused by vaccines." Follow the links below to see more myths and learn more about the truth of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
http://www.pbs.org/pov/bestkeptsecret/autism-myths-and-misconceptions/
http://www.parents.com/health/autism/myths-about-autism/
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Autism/Pages/Autismmythsandfacts.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xImnlEmElAo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_BS_LkhRmk
What Living with Autism is Like
These links provide insights into the minds of those who live with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Two of the links are to videos showing the everyday thoughts of two individuals who have been diagnosed with Autism. The final two links lead to websites discussing what it is like to live with Autism and what those with Autism want others to know.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a32491/living-with-autism/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIr1q_t907k
Evaluation
What causes Autism?
What are some of the myths and misconceptions about Autism?
What is it like to live with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Conclusion
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is an umbrella term that includes a group of complex disorders of brain development. Autism typically begins in early brain development with symptoms and signs showing up as early as two to three years old. There is no one, or specific, cause of Autism and there is also no one type of Autism. Many people that have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder have exceptional abilities and those who are unable to communicate verbally are able to find other means of communication. Autism effects nearly 2 million people in the United States and tens of thousands of people worldwide.