Autism Spectrum Disorder (Research Paper Sample)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Name: Institution Affiliation: Autism Spectrum Disorder Core Impairments of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is recognized as a neurodevelopment disorder. ASD is characterized by discrepancies in social interaction, repetitive behavior as well as communication challenges. The existence of repetitive and restricted behaviors also characterizes this disorder (Yapko, 2003). There are various deficits in social communication, for instance, as the impairments existent in sectors such as social reciprocity and joint attention (Volkmar and Wiesner, 2009). Another central impairment is the challenges that a patient may experience in the use and application of verbal as well as nonverbal communicative acts that define the social interaction. The presence of restricted activities or interests and repetitive behaviors are manifested in most cases by retrogressive health factors such as rigid adherence to routines, hyper or hyposensitivity to sensory inputs, and repetitive stereotyped speeches among others. The DSM-IV and DSM-V criteria specify the core impairments of behavioral and social deficits in most cases (Dewart and Summers, 1996). The abnormal reactions of ASD patients to sensory inputs validates the slow development of verbal language. The disorder is recognized at various levels of severity that determine the amount of support required due to challenges, such as repetitive or restricted behavior in the social communication field (Dewart and Summers, 1996). ASD is, however, different from social communication disorders as the latter involves difficulties in social communication skills without repetitive or restricted acts.
(As illustrated by the chart, the basic symptoms of autism are accompanied by early signs of ASD) Source: Pinterest, 2016) Impact of Core Impairments of the Autism Spectrum Disorder on Students Students that are diagnosed with ASD face various challenges as they try to fit in with their student counterparts (Volkmar and Wiesner, 2009). The cultural, socioeconomic and the linguistic aspects of the disorder affect a student’s access to selection and utility of education services. Students diagnosed with ASD may experience disintegrative moments that are associated with the loss of learning and educative skills as well as greater chances of experiencing intellectual disabilities (Frasier-Robinson, 2015). The challenges associated may be depicted in the behavioral, communication, and social aspects of a student’s life. For example, in the social dimension, students experience difficulties in understanding social cues as well as concentrating on academic orientations such as reading and writing (Frasier-Robinson, 2015). Others may lack the ability and skills to create effective study relationships with other students or maintain social relations in school settings. Students suffering from ASD are often echolalic as they repeat what others student say, which may prove offensive to some students. Furthermore, research indicates that about forty-five percent of students suffering from ASD tend to be nonverbal (Rodriguez, 2011). Students may show instances of hyperlexia in which a student may possess an above average ability to read but also possess a below-average ability to understand or apply written or spoken language.
(Pie chart illustrating the percentage of US children wit ASD) Source: Pinterest, 2016. Effects of Students' ASD on Their Learning and Participation in the Classroom The effects of ASD in student participation and learning in the classroom tend to be unique. Supports in communication, social interaction, and processing of information should be sought out (Leekam, 2016). Supporting these key areas of well-being and learning incorporates adaptations, teaching strategies, and useful technologies. Students with ASD need to harness strength that will allow them to focus on learning and communication. Research conducted by Dewart and Summers (1995) indicate that students with ASD demonstrate strengths such as spatial and visual skills that assist in literacy...