Essay on Autism - Definition, Types, Causes and Symptoms

Running head: ESSAY ON AUTISM
ESSAY ON AUTISM
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ESSAY ON AUTISM
Introduction
Autism, also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a condition where the
individual lacks social skills, shows repetitive behavior and struggles with verbal and non-verbal
communication. People suffering from autism also have sensory issues like aversion to sights
and sounds.
The essay aims to provide an explanation of autism by drawing on numerous sources. It
will include a thorough definition of autism followed by its types. Further, the essay will discuss
the causes and symptoms of autism.
Discussion
Autism, as already mentioned is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by troubles
with “communication and social interaction” (Who.int, 2018). During the 1940s, a German
scientist named Hans Asperger recognized a related condition, which is now known as
Asperger’s syndrome. In the later years, autism continued to be linked with schizophrenia until
the mid 1960s when researchers and medical professionals started to understand autism in
children separately. The advancement in technology and increased studies made it possible for
people to define autism clearly and provide treatment accordingly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that autism occurs
mostly in boys that in girls with the ration being four males to one female. In 2014, CDC also
found that ASD occurs in almost one 1 in 59 children (Cdc.gov, 2018). In the United States,
autism is found in one in every six children, CDC further reveals. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO) reports of 2018, 1 in 160 children throughout the world possess ASD
(Who.int, 2018). The condition although begins in childhood but continues into youth and