Running head: THE IMPACT OF AUTISM ON THE
CHILD
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The Impact of Autism on the Child
Marisa Aberdeen
Liberty University
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The Impact of Autism on the Child
Introduction
Autism is typically defined as an all-encompassing formative disorder of children
portrayed by impeded correspondence, excessive rigidity and emotional detachment. It is now
considered one of the autism spectrum disorders. Autism spectrum disorder, alludes to an
expansive scope of conditions portrayed by difficulties with social aptitudes, redundant practices,
discourse and nonverbal correspondence, as well as exceptional strengths and differences. It is
presently realized that there isn't one autism but numerous types, brought about by a mix of
hereditary and ecological impacts (Autism Speaks, 2019).
Autism spectrum disorders are one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders
(McPartland, Reichow and Volkmar, 2012), with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 68 children in
the United States. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls (Autism Speaks, 2019). Due to
the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders it is important to the field of human development
because it is a developmental disorder. Autism spectrum disorders are an interruption in the
customary human development process. Researching and understanding autism spectrum
disorders helps in the development of intervention and treatment plans to give those affected
by these disorders a better way of handling and even combating the symptoms they are
experiencing.
Developmental Impact
Autism spectrum disorder is a problem that influences a child's sensory system, growth,
and development (Health Encyclopedia, 2019). Symptoms of autism spectrum disorders typically
begin to emerge around the age of 2 or 3. However, some developmental delays related to the
disorders can occur earlier. Autism spectrum disorders can be diagnosed as early as 18 months of
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age. A person with Autism spectrum disorder may present with a variety of symptoms that can
range from mild to severe for example; not respond to their own name, not point at objects or
things of interest, or play “pretend” games. They may avoid eye contact, resist cuddling or prefer
to be alone, have a hard time starting or maintaining conversations, may appear unaware of other
people’s feelings or non-verbal cues. Other symptoms can include limited or repetitive behavior
patterns like rocking, spinning or hand flapping.
A few children with ASD appear to live in their very own reality. They are not keen on
other children and lack social awareness. A child with ASD centers around following a routine
that may incorporate typical practices. The child may likewise have irregular connections to
objects. Be that as it may, a child with ASD may likewise do certain psychological tasks really
well. For instance, the child may be able to count or measure superior to other children. Children
with ASD may do well in craftsmanship or music or have the ability to recall certain things
considerably well.
Faith & Professional Perspectives
God has created every human being in His image and likeness. Regardless of their
emotional or psychological disabilities, they were created with a plan and a purpose. The bible
says “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for
calamity to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NASB).” When serving autistic
children it is necessary to recall that the main goal is to offer the empathy of Christ and beauty
filled instruments for change that are consistent with the Word of God in a setting that the
autistic individual can best receive and understand. The label of autism does not need to
overpower in the event that you recollect the individual you are serving has strengths and
weaknesses and, above all, was made in the image of God (Shaw, 2019).
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As a human service worker, it is important to take into consideration the needs of the
child. The worker’s main job is to come alongside the parents and help teach and develop new
ways of communication as well as helping develop and maintain a routine schedule the child can
follow. The worker should also consider the cultural and moral background of the family. What
they believe can influence greatly the way they raise their children. It is important for the worker
to know what is accepted and what is not as to not offend the family.
Resources
There is a great deal of resources available for parents, teachers, social workers etc. to use
to understand autism spectrum disorders and how to deal with children who have these disorders.
One great resource is a bestselling book called “Ten things Every Child with Autism Wishes You
Knew” by Ellen Notbohm. This book uses humor and compassion to define the top ten
characteristics that shed light on the hearts and minds of children with the disorder. A child's
voice leads into every chapter of the book, offering a stand-out investigation into how ten main
qualities of autism influence our child's point of view and responses to the encompassing
physical and social situations (Amazon.com, 2019).
Another great book is Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry
Prizant. Typically, the treatment for autism centered around freeing those affected of the related
symptoms such as troubles connecting socially, issues in communicating, sensory difficulties,
and repetitive behavior patterns. Presently Dr. Barry M. Prizant presents a new and persuasive
model: the best ways to deal with autism is not fixing an individual by disposing of side effects,
but instead trying to comprehend the person's understanding and what underlies the conduct
(Amazon.com, 2019).
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Some other sources of help in NJ include the following: Autism Family Services
www.autismfamilyservicesnj.org: AFSNJ is a statewide supplier of help and data to people on
the autism spectrum and their families. They are a member of The Family Resource Network, an
umbrella association that unites a few network based projects that serve people and families with
an assortment of incapacities. AFSNJ offers a variety of autism assets for families, incorporating
in-home respite, in-home ABA administrations and conduct investigation (Schwartz, 2016).
Also, Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) www.poac.net: POAC's central goal is to
improve the lives of kids and grown-ups with autism; truth be told, they do this by giving
logically based training to parents, educators and other direct service providers. POAC bolsters
continuous quality research on the reasons for autism, its symptoms, counteractive action and a
potential fix. The association additionally gives free training to parents and free recreational
occasions for families, including films, bowling and pizza parties (Schwartz, 2016).
I highly recommend these resources because a lot of parents may not know what is out
there and what is available to them and their autistic child. They may also get discouraged
because they don’t know how to help their child themselves. It is a good idea to become
knowledgeable on what your child is dealing with, so you know how to help. These
organizations and books can help parents gain the knowledge they need and connect them with
the proper channels that can help their child become further advanced in their development.
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References
Amazon.com. (2019). [online] Available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072L7YX5G/ref=dp-
kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 [Accessed 8 Sep. 2019].
Autism Speaks. (2019). What Is Autism? | There is no one type of autism, but many. [online]
Available at: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism [Accessed 7 Sep. 2019].
Health Encyclopedia. (2019). Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children. [online] Available at:
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?
ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P02556 [Accessed 8 Sep. 2019].
McPartland, J. C., Ph.D, Reichow, B., Ph.D, & Volkmar, F. R., M.D. (2012). Sensitivity and
specificity of proposed DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Journal
of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 51(4), 368-383.
doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2012.01.007
Schwartz, M. (2016). Autism Resources for NJ Families. [online] Best of NJ. Available at:
https://bestofnj.com/features/monthly-observances/autism-awareness-month/autism-
resources-for-nj-families/ [Accessed 8 Sep. 2019].
Shaw, M. (2019). Continuing the Conversation on a Biblical Understanding of Autism.
[online] Biblical Counseling Coalition. Available at:
https://biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2019/03/18/continuing-the-conversation-on-a-
biblical-understanding-of-autism/ [Accessed 8 Sep. 2019].
