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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol.7, No.7

Publication Date: July 25, 2020

DOI:10.14738/assrj.77.8609.

Greening, N. K. (2020). Foundations in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Possible Causes,

Characteristics, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(7) 293-318.

Foundations in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Related

Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Possible Causes, Characteristics,

Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Neville K. Greening

Ph.D. / PsyD, Dept of Psychology,

Atlantic International University,

Pioneer Plaza, Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, USA.

ABSTRACT

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a long life formative dysfunction

characterized by symptomatic criteria that begins early in infants and

continues throughout life. ASD is a condition that influences a child's

sensory system that includes touch, smell, taste, hearing, and visual

abilities. Typical forms of ASD in the pre-2013 DSM-5 manual also

include Asperger's Syndrome; and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

The characteristics of these disorders are similar but may differ

significantly. Children with ASD show difficulties or delays with social

communication and necessary daily activities. Still, on the other hand,

some may present themselves with the average ability to communicate

both verbally and non-verbally. These disorders affect social

interaction, behavior, interests, and other norms in life. Understanding

the method of early intervention may include therapy and mediation

that will assist in connecting natural and pharmacological approaches

to deal with the treatment of ASD and distinguish standard or

fundamental dynamic elements for advancing positive outcomes.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Asperger's Syndrome,

Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Developmental disorders.

INTRODUCTION

According to Hazlett, children with autism usually repeat themselves and provide unrelated

answers to questions. They face difficulty in understanding non-verbal cues like gestures and body

language, along with the tone of a person’s voice (Hazlett et al., 2017). Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioural disorder in children and continues into

adulthood. ADHD is mostly hyperactive behavior that can cause significant problems such as

underachievement at schools, weak interaction with others, and emotional turmoil. The intellectual

disability shows a sub-average mental functioning that takes place before the age of 12, and it

impairs a variety of life skills such as communication and self-care. Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a disorder

that has a negative effect on cognitive skills along with body movement. It gives rise to abnormal

reflexes and rigidity of the limbs that cause a great deal of inconvenience for a person with Cerebral

Palsy.

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URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.77.8609 294

Greening, N. K. (2020). Foundations in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Possible Causes, Characteristics, Diagnosis,

and Treatment. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(7) 293-318.

Source: (Ninds.nih.gov., 2020)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behavioral and cognitive condition that begins soon after birth

and continues into adulthood. It influences the way an individual behaves, connects, communicates,

learns, and interacts with others. A growing infant with ASD might have a distinct behavior pattern

and intensity level and are characterized-low functioning to high functioning. Autism is classified

as a "spectrum" condition because the form and frequency of symptoms encountered by individuals

can vary widely. Although scientists do not know the precise mechanisms that affect and control

ASD, evidence shows that genes may work in tandem with environmental factors to impact growth

in ways that contribute to autism. This study aimed to evaluate the fundamental aspects of ASD. It

also examines diagnostic plans, practical measures, interventions, and possible strategies to

manage the condition (HelpGuide.org, 2020). ASD involves a range of disorders characterized by

impairment of social behavior, language, communication, and activities unique to an individual that

are often expressed repetitively. Children affected by autism usually begin to express symptoms

during the first five years of life, which can include the co-occurrence of multiple conditions, such

as depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Internationally, and particularly in the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 59 children have been

diagnosed with ASD (CDC, 2016). Specific prevalence figures have not been established, though,

based on epidemiological studies undertaken in the past 50 years has shown high and increasing

prevalence on a global scale. In Japan, the prevalence has been estimated to be between 0.4 and

0.05% (Carruthers et al., 2018). Scientific studies have shown that many factors may lead to the

development of ASD, including aspects such as environmental and genetic factors. Current

epidemiological suggest there is no evidence of a causal association between ASD and diseases such

as measles, mumps, rubella, and autism (McPartland & Volkmar, 2012). In this review, an

assessment of disorders related to the autism spectrum is discussed in greater detail.

DISORDERS ADHD

ADHD is among the common disorders affecting the neurodevelopmental behavior of children.

Children with this behavioral disorder usually have difficulty paying attention, exhibit frequent

impulsive behavior, and are often overly active. Symptoms include activities, such as daydreaming,

forgetfulness, constant moving, continuously talking, and having difficulty getting along with others.