Abstract The paper discusses how genetics and environmental factors are both thought to play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The paper also addresses the detection and treatment of autism. The paper reveals that although autism and ASD are troubling disorders that demand intensive patience and care, autism need not be a debilitating condition and many children with autism do mature into productive teens and adults with few signs of the disorder.
From the Paper "The incidence of autism in the United States has increased dramatically to a point at which a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study revealed that 1 in 150 8-year old children have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Autism Society of America classifies the problem as a "national health crisis." Autism's toll extends beyond those whose lives are directly affected by the disorder, as ASDs cost the American health care system an estimated $35 billion (Autism Society of America). Although the CDC claims that "it is unclear how much of this increase is due to changes in how we identify and classify ASDs," previous research has shown that the increase is due to more than simply robust reclassification and diagnostic procedures. A University of California study found that "The observed increase in autism cases cannot be explained by a loosening in the criteria used to make the diagnosis," (Byrd 2002)."
Abstract The paper explains that the purpose of this research is to identify the supports that can assist the family of the child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to fully participate in family activities and community involvement. The paper provides a literature review and concludes that support and assistance to parents and families of children with ASD is critical.
Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Rationale
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Methodoloy
Literature Review
Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is described as a disorder that is characterized as a "class of developmental disabilities which cause severe impairments to a child's communication, their social interactions, and in their play and behavior." (Law, ) The impact of autism on the social participation of the family is severe and critically necessary to address so as to enable the autistic child and the child's family members to pursue healthy interaction in community and society both with the family as a unit and separate and apart as individuals with diverse interests as well. Intervention that is early in nature is critically important for young children with autism spectrum disorder and the need for effective early intervention (EI) has featured in legislative priorities conveying the same."
Abstract A report on a study conducted into banking and corporate decision making as it effects the society and environment in which the company is based. The paper looks at the effects accountability has on whether companies are socially and environmentally responsible. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of integrating sustainable development generally and ASD more specifically into financial accounting analyzes used by commercial banks in the decision-making process for the extension of business loans.
Contents:
Introduction and statement of the problem
Purpose of the study
Definition of terms
Delimitations
Overview of the study
Literature Review
Valuing Environmental Damage
Corporate Social Responsibility
Activity-Based Accounting and Management
Synthesis
Methodology
Research Design
Case Study Structure
Survey Research Structure
Combined Research Design Summary
Data Analysis
Results
Summary and Conclusions
Summary of the Study
Conclusions
References
From the Paper "Each of the research questions was answered in the affirmative. The experiences of corporations, such as Fujitsu, that have implemented ASD systems have demonstrated the compatibility of ASD systems with standard financial accounting systems. The ASD system also has proved to be both effective and valuable to the companies. The experiences are strong indications that the implementation of an ASD system is not inconsistent with preserving the integrity of both the financial accounting system and the ASD system within a company."
Abstract This research paper examines the different diagnostic labels for autism that are in current use, to consider how far they are applied with any consistency, how far they overlap, and whether existing terminology is adequate to account for the range of disorders encountered. The paper explains that Professor D.V.M. Bishop's work is highlighted in the research because the author feels that to even attempt to comprehend what is the 'best practice' in the case of educating the autistic individual is to first identify, define and characterize what 'autism' is actually comprised of in terms of its needs, its abilities, and the practices that negatively impact the autistic learner as well. Bishop informs the research at hand of some key factors in considering education of the autistic child.
Table of Contents:
Background of the Study
Diagnostic Criteria in 'Autism'
Revised Definition and Diagnostic Criteria in Autism 'Spectrum' Disorder
Research Questions
Nature and Purpose of the Diagnostic Exercise
Special Education and General Education Overview
Purpose of the Study
Definitions
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Social Skills
Inclusion
Self-Contained
Special Education
General Education
Literature Review
Historical Overview of Education and Autism
Complaints of the Special Education Inclusion Program
Autism Continuum Two-Dimensional Model
Conner (1989) Guidelines for Mainstream Practice
Nine Diagnostic Points Identified (Creak 1961; as cited in Conner, 1999)
Diagnostic Criteria: Asperger Syndrome
Screening Tools Identified
Autistic Behavior 'Rating Scales'
Classroom Strategies
Behavioral and Social Management
Scholastic Management
Limitations of the Research
Summary of Literature Review
Recommendations for Future Research
Methodology
Questions of the Research
Method of Collection of Primary Studies for Review
Designation of Criteria for Inclusion
Designation of Criteria for Exclusion
Delineation of the Characteristics and Findings of the Studies
Analysis of the Data
Interpretation of the Results
From the Paper "While Christopher may well master the production of "long and complicated sentences" simultaneously Christopher's responses "are often inappropriate, and he often asks questions of others while disregarding the answers he receives." Bishop goes on and explains by asking the reader to suppose that in this fictional yet realistic situation that: "The psychiatrist suggests a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome. The speech therapist states that an analysis of Christopher's language shows that it is phonologically and grammatically normal.""
Tags: asperger, diagnostic labels, obsessive subtypes, best practice
Abstract This paper clinically presents acute stress disorder (ASD) in respect to its definition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) including the symptoms of ASD and its etiology, diagnostic criteria and possible measures of treatment and prevention. This paper emphasizes the role that ASD has on law enforcement officers.
A research proposal to validate an effective mechanism for linking accountability and corporate responsibility for the protection of the physical environment through typical business processes.
Abstract This paper investigates the feasibility of incorporating the concept of sustainable development into commercial bank business lending decisions. It discusses how this approach, if feasible, will provide a mechanism that will link effectively accountability and corporate social responsibility toward the physical environment through a relatively routine, but nevertheless crucial, business process. The mechanism proposed and investigated involves corporate managers, commercial bank lending officers and financial accountants and is based in both financial accounting and accounting for sustainable development (ASD).
It assesses the feasibility of integrating the concept of sustainable development generally and ASD more specifically into financial accounting analyzes used by commercial banks in the decision-making process for the extension of business loans.
Outline
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Definition of Terms
Delimitations
Overview of the Study
Valuing Environmental Damage
Corporate Social Responsibility
Activity-Based Accounting and Management
Synthesis
From the Paper "The most typical approach to the protection of the environment is through the application of non-market activities by government. Several economists, however, suggest that market approaches would be more effective. Within the context of this suggestion, environmental damage is viewed as an externality. The typical approach to economic externalities is based upon two assumptions. First, the assumption is that externalities are harmful, and second, it is assumed that they are unidirectional. Based upon these assumptions, solutions to the problems thus created have tended to be one of the following three types: (1) require the entity creating the externality to pay damage to those injured by its existence; (2) tax the entity creating the externality by an amount equivalent to the damage caused; or (3) prohibit those activities in areas where harmful externalities would be created."
Abstract This paper discusses autism, a spectrum disorder that is characterized by the broad array of symptoms and developmental possibilities reflected in those who suffer from it. The author defines autism and discusses diagnostic conditions for this disorder. The paper also touches on the different subcategories of autism, such as Asperger's Syndrome and Rett's Disorder and discusses the distinctions between autism and autism spectrum disorders. In addition, the author discusses theories relating to the presence of autism and neurological methods are used to locate and identify the presence of autism.
Outline:
Part 1 - Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASD and Related Conditions
ASD, AS and HFA
Part 2--Broader Phenotype in Autism
Part 3: Autism And The 2nd To 4th Digit Ratio
Part 4 - Perception Of Biological Motion Of Faces In Autism
Part 5 - Structural Brain Imaging In Autism
Works Cited
From the Paper "The characteristics which define the severely handicapping neurological condition, autism, vary from one sufferer to the next. As stated in the above examination of its condition, the diagnosis and treatment of autism will vary considerably based on the severity and permutation of the conditions present in the subjected individual. Moreover, autism itself is deeply shrouded in mystery. There are a great many competing and complimentary theories relating to the presence of autism which suggest its causes may be some combination or diversity of factors causing the deleterious genetic mutation preventing proper neurological development."
A unique perspective on how Kurt Lewin's Field Theory may be applied to modern day work in the field of autism in respect to Theory of Mind as outlined by S. Baron-Cohen.
Abstract Kurt Lewin's contributions to the current field of psychology are voluminous, however his name may be more obscure from the average student's list of greatest scientific contributors. Nonetheless this paper provides the opportunity to bring Lewin's Field Theory into relationship with the more modern contributions of S. Baron-Cohen's Theory of Mindreading to discuss its current applications with autism. The paper includes figures.
Paper Outline:
Abstract
History of Kurt Lewin
The Lasting Impact of Cassirer
Field Theory
Theory of Mind
Mindreading
Research in Autism and Theory of Mind
Behavioral Treatment for ASD Discussion
Field Theory, Theory of Mind and Autism
References
Figures
From the Paper "Relating Theory of mind back to the original equation of Field Theory, the Cognitive Attributes of Theory of Mind belong to the person. Being Mindblind or being a Mindreader is not a function of environment, rather it is an innate quality belonging to the person. Baron-Cohen (1995) believes it to be an adaptive process for survival but regardless of it origination it is within the person and is part of his/her unique lifespace. This point will play into how Theory of Mind and Field Theory may explain why ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) is the most effective treatment for ASD."
Abstract This paper focuses on children with autism who are verbal communicators, either because they always had verbal skills or because they acquired verbal abilities, as a result of early intervention, even though they were once nonverbal. The paper discusses difficulties that children with autism may encounter with regards to communication and discusses strategies that may assist them in improving their communication skills.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Overview
Findings
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is difficult to detach 'communication' from other deficits for children with autism. As a child grows older, social skills become more important than academic achievement. Not too different from those children without disabilities! And for academic growth alone, communication can tell a teacher that hand flapping represents the desire to provide answers to questions asked of the class. For a child with autism who asks the same question over and over, a potential friend might come to realize that their peer is trying to carry on a conversation in the only manner they know. For that same child, changing communication patterns may allow them to say 'appropriately' so much of what resides inside themselves."
Abstract This paper explains that, while Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is not to be confused with autism because they are distinctly different to the trained medical personal, according to scientific research AS is part of what is called "the autistic spectrum". The author describes the current use of several screening (assessment) questionnaires for the evaluation of primary-school-age children and the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS), which can be completed by anyone who knows the child well including parents, teachers, siblings, speech-language pathologists and psychologists. The paper relates that the "ideal" treatment for AS coordinates therapies, which address the three core symptoms of AS---poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines and physical clumsiness.
Table of Contents:
Generalizations: Asperger's Syndrome vs. Autism
Epidemiology of Asperger's Syndrome
Assessments of Children for Asperger's Syndrome
Treatment and Intervention available for Asperger's
From the Paper "Meanwhile, children who suffer from AS are eligible, under federal law, for special educational services appropriate to their needs, according to the "Harvard Mental Health Letter". The AS child qualified for teacher aide assistance, tutoring, "a special curriculum," and in some instances, a special school. What AS students need in terms of educational support are consistent and very clear instructions, and a "routine" they can count upon. The instruction they require includes learning to "maintain eye contact," learning to read others' facial expressions, and to grasp "what is and what is not socially acceptable.""
Abstract This paper looks at some of the challenges that are faced by families with an autistic child. It begins by presenting a case study of a family who struggled to diagnose a child with autism. It also discusses crisis issues within families who have children with autism. The paper then analyzes a study that looks at whether there is a connection between language and theory of mind between autistic children and those with moderate learning difficulties.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Families with Autistic Children and Crisis
Methods
Results
Conclusion
From the Paper "In another study titled, "The Broader Cognitive Phenotype of Autism in Parents: How Specific is the tendency for local processing and executive dysfunction?" (Bolte, 2006, p. 639) showed parents of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children performed faster in processing their children with a myriad of interactive tests (Embedded Figures Test, Block Design, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Tower of Hanoi, and Trailmaking Test) compared to parents with schizophrenia or mental retardation (640-1). It seems that autistic children need more attention from parents compared to the other children having schizophrenia and mental retardation. As the parents learn to cope with autistic disorder, their children seem to trust and cope with their parents."
Abstract This paper discusses American special education programs. It specifically focuses on programs for educating preschoolers with autism. It then looks at how these programs can be applied in Chinese learning environments and discusses the current treatment for autism spectrum disorders in the People's Republic of China. The paper presents a research proposal for the subject matter.
From the Paper "This program contains structured reinforcements and feedback including the use of 'no' at the incorrect response of a child. A study conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles states a 47% recovery rate for child below the age of four years old. This program is a 40-hour per week program of one-on-one therapy for a period of two years. This method is reliant on introducing a skill, prompting and reinforcement of the skills. (Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, nd) There are currently studies underway in order to make a determination as to the prevalence of autism in China. At the present, there are no formal programs for autistic children with only very treatments programs in the larger city private schools. Treatments in China are said to range from "herbal medicines and acupuncture to sensory integration training and, in rare instances, applied behavior analysis." (Clark and Zhou, 2005) The work of Tsang, et al (2006) reports a longitudinal study conducted on 34 autistic children in Hong Kong using the TEACCH program in a preschool. Stated is that "eighteen children received full-time center-based TEACCH program training. The control group included 16 children who received different types of individualized or group training but not TEACCH program training. Instruments validated in Hong Kong were used to assess the children's social adaptive functioning and developmental abilities before and during the training at 6-month intervals for 12 months. Children in the experimental group showed better outcomes at posttest. They also showed progress in different developmental domains over time. The study provided initial support for the effectiveness of using the TEACCH program with Chinese children." (Tsang, et al, 2000)"
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that against the broader backdrop of the ongoing debate about the integration of religion and psychology, is the debate about the integration of specific faith practices in behaviorist strategies in both professional and non-professional settings. The writer notes that integration attempts to engage individuals in a wholistic manner, considering all aspects of their personhood: behavioral, social, physical, mental and spiritual. The writer also notes that religious individuals and families benefit from behaviorist interventions that include Scripture, prayer and the foundation of a spiritual understanding of humanity. The writer then discusses whether the use of Christian practices with behaviorist intervention should be considered as control, discipline or discipleship.
Outline:
Abstract
Integrating Scripture with Behavioral Interventions
In Professional Settings (Psychotherapy, CBT and ASD)
In Non-Professional Settings (Church and Home)
From the Paper "Sunday School is once a week and many Christian parents do not find themselves in psychotherapy, CBT or ABA therapy with their children. It is within the day-to-day task of parenting children without disorders that they desire to integrate faith practices. With the relationship of Jesus and His disciples serving as a model, it is suggested that in daily life learning/behavior modification is continuous and often unscheduled. The bookshelves in church libraries and church sponsored parent education classes become a source of information on how this can be accomplished.
"A review of an assortment of books in the Willingdon Church library highlighted the various levels of education and experience of authors, as well as varying degrees of integration suggested. With millions of books sold, Dr. James Dobson is a leading psychologist that Christian parents go to for direction."
This paper discusses the role of special education in dealing with students with impairments and presents a critical insight over preparing for collaborative team teaching.
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that special education refers to the mode of education given to the students with impairments in order to meet their unique educational needs. The programs designed under the curriculum of special education are intended for capacitating the students in terms of educational, vocational and social potentials. The writer notes that there are several types of impairments that are identified as imposing interference with the conventional mode of education. The present study limits its discussion with autism spectrum disorder, physical and health disabilities, deaf culture, speech and language disorder, emotional and behavior disorder and cognitive impairment. In addition, the writer focuses on the required modifications in the teaching styles to accommodate students with these disabilities.
Outline:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Physical and Health Disabilities
Deaf Culture
Sound and Fury - Hearing World and Deaf Culture
Speech and Language Disorder
Emotional and Behavior Disorders
Mental Retardation
Significance of IQ
Preparation for a Collaborative Team Teaching
From the Paper "A great deal of attention to social and communication objectives is essential in designing an effective learning program. With the help of planned activities with naturally developing peers can help children with ASD to gain an improved social and communicative skills which is an important component of the IEP.
"Environmental support involves teaching strategies, alternations and adaptations which include understanding of observed characteristics at temporal, spatial, procedural and assertion level. Children with ASD tend to exhibit limited or idiosyncratic interactions with events, objects and people, so it is essential for both teachers and parents to adapt activities and teaching materials in order to support more appropriate engagement."
Abstract This paper conducts a literature review in order to learn about and distinguish between the different types of learning disabilities as well as learn about instructional strategies that could be used to support students with ADHD to overcome learning barriers. Additionally, the paper compares and contrasts effective strategies for supporting special needs students with autism.
Outline:
Objective
Definitions & Terms
Literature Review
From the Paper "The U.S. Department of Education report states that the work of Bos et al (1999) "reported that collaborative partnerships between home and school were especially important during the initial assessment of the child's disability and educational needs, the development of behavior modification plans, the evaluations of medication, and the coordination of assignments. Parents and teachers can share information with one another if they work together to plan behavioral and academic strategies for the student. Parents can offer information about the child--including the child's medical history, hobbies and interests, effective reinforcers, and behavior in other settings--that may inform the decisions made by the teacher and other members of the IEP team. "
