|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| A Look at the Evolution of Autism Research |
|
|
Pervasive developmental disorders first began to appear in the early
1980’s. Pervasive development disorders like autism are relatively new
on the diagnostic scene. Professionals use the DSM IV as the primary
diagnostic tool to classify these disorders. Autism research and other
studies dedicated to these modern disorders are still in their early
stages.
Autism research has yet to make significant progress in uncovering the causes of the condition. Numerous professionals have spent countless hours, weeks, and even years in an effort to obtain significant results to expand our understanding of the disorder. One in every 175 children are said to be diagnosed with autism or related pervasive development disorders. Last year’s statistics show that one in every 166 was diagnosed. This drop although positive, is sadly insignificant considering that only one in 10,000 was diagnosed about ten years ago. The alarming increase in the number of children who were diagnosed has increased the clamor for more autism research. Recent autism research has discovered some valuable information about the disorder and the data can be organized into three major categories: causes, treatment, and cure. The exact causes of the disorder are still unknown but some tests indicate that genetics may be responsible. However, more information are still being gathered and results so far have been inconclusive. Some experts have proposed that the cause of the disorder lies in vaccination shots, specifically MMR vaccines that were administered to infants when they were around eighteen months of age. However, no autism research has supported this claim and the debate about the disorder continue. Fortunately, research has helped determine what treatments might work best for this population. Programs like Applied Behavior Analysis have proven to be successful in treating some cases of autism. Some agencies across the country use a combination of strategies and interventions to aid children and adults to function to the best of their capacity. The efforts of experts and researchers involved in autism research have not yet found a cure. This disorder are still a mystery even to the most knowledgeable doctors in the world. It continues to frustrate numerous professionals, parents, and care givers who are eager to put autism and related pervasive developmental disorders to rest. The treatment for autistic disorders has come a long way. Our understanding of the problem has grown almost as quickly as the rate of diagnosis. Hopefully, autism research will come up with more answers to help children and adults around the world just as quickly. |
|
|