Autism and Epilepsy: Description, Intervention Methods, and Success Rate

Running head: AUTISM AND EPILEPSY
Autism and Epilepsy
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AUTISM AND EPILEPSY
Description of autism and epilepsy
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a range of conditions which are
characterized by difficulties in acquiring adequate social skills, communicating effectively
through verbal non-verbal means. The one suffering from autism has been often seen to
develop low cognition and intellect and project repetitive behaviors such as repeating a
sentence or word many times (Besag 2015). The first signs may appear within 2 to 3 years of
age and affect gross motor skills such as writing and running.
Epilepsy is characterized by unpredictable seizures and can cause other health
problems. It mainly occurs due to abnormal brain cell activity. It can cause absolutely no
such symptoms within the patient to long periods of vigorous shaking.
Methods of intervention, support and education practices
For the treatment of autism and supporting the ones with autism spectrum disorder a
number of intervention, education and support programs could be developed. Some of these
are applied behavior analysis (ABA), early intensive interventions, social skills training,
cognitive behavioral training (CBT) and provision of appropriate medications.
The ABA refers to prevention and control of problem behaviors by identification of
the physical environment and additional conditions, which elicits such behavior within the
patient. The early intervention programs in combination with ABA strategies have been seen
to improve communication, socializing and behavioral aspects within the children aged 2-3
years old (Wong et al. 2015). Some of the aspects of social skills such as eye contact, paying
attention while listening and verbal greetings. Some of these could be learnt through focused
training. As mentioned by Besag (2015), the CBT helps in substitution of negative patterns of
behavior with positively structured thoughts. As mentioned by Massie (2018), a least