Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Introduction

The incidence of autism has risen significantly over the past 25 years. Approximately 4 out of 10,000 children were identified with autism in the 1970s. Currently, the incidence of autism can range from 6 in 10,000 to 60 in 10,000, depending on the source. The most commonly cited incidence today is approximately 20 in 10,000, or 1 in 500. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability category. Approximately 1 to 1.5 million Americans are thought to have autism today, and the Autism Society of America estimates that this number could reach 4 million over the next 10 years. The cause of this rise in autism diagnoses remains unclear and highly debated. Some believe a broadening of the definition of autistic spectrum disorders to include the new DSM-IV categories plays a significant role.

Others feel that new diagnostic tools and better trained physicians have resulted in the higher rates of identification. Increased public awareness and better services have likely also led to more children being identified. The most controversial theory to explain the rise in autism is the vaccination and mercury theory. Many parents, as well as some clinicians and researchers, point to the measlesmumps-rubella (MMR) immunization and increased exposure to vaccinations containing mercury. To date, however, there has been no empirical support for a causal association between the MMR or mercurybased vaccinations and the onset of autism.

This paper is based on 'Autism Spectrum Disorder', (ASD). I have chosen this topic because of the interest I have developed as a result of thorough research and the hardships that are being experienced by the patients suffering from ASD.

Problem Statement

Prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders has grown in the past two decades. These higher rates are mostly attributed to the changes in how professionals define and diagnose autism and to an increased ...