Autism Spectrum Disorder Case Study

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Shwanda Burton

Spring Arbor University

Abstract

Autism Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, and Asperger’s Syndrome are now classified by the DSM-5 as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals diagnosed with ASD have a broad range of disabilities, ranging from low functioning to high functioning, that are characterized by persistent deficits in social and communication interaction and restricted repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Due to what appears to be a recent epidemic of ASD, many believe that ASD in new to the mental health field; however, ASD has been identified for several

The DSM-5 revised the definition of ASD and indicated that ASD is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and restricted by repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). ASD is considered a lifelong disability that affects an estimated 1 in 68 children in the United States (Neely et al., 2015, p. 268). In 2016, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported ASD rates in all racial and socioeconomic groups are 1 in 68 children, and are 4.5 times more common among males (1 in 42) than females (1 in 189) (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). Signs of ASD commonly appear before three years of age and continue throughout life; approximately 70% of individuals diagnosed with ASD have long term disabilities that require considerable social and educational support (Wright, Wright, Brooks, D’Astous, & Grandin, 2013, p.

As more is learned about the disorder, the counselor will need to continually update and education one’s self on new techniques and treatments. The ASD individual benefits from special education, speech/language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social skills classes. There is no preferred single treatment for ASD; each therapy/treatment plan needs to be tailored to the individual’s needs. Finding the right treatment program is extremely important, as the behaviors and problems of individuals with ASD differ broadly from person to person. “For the best outcome, the family as a whole and caregivers need to be educated about ASD and involved in the treatment process…The greatest challenge facing people with AS {Asperger’s Syndrome} is not necessarily their primary symptoms related to AS, or even their comorbid symptoms, but rather finding knowledgeable supports and services in their communities,” (Wright, Wright, Brooks, D’Astous, & Grandin, 2013, p.