Psychological Perspectives on Autism: A Reflection and Interview Study

This essay explores Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through personal reflection and an interview. It highlights the challenges faced by individuals with autism, including difficulties with social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The reflection emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and the impact of ASD on families, noting increased stress, financial strain, and potential health issues. The interview provides firsthand insights into the experiences of an individual dealing with memory issues and the challenges of managing their condition. The essay concludes by stressing the need for community understanding and support for individuals with autism and their families, advocating for guidance from healthcare practitioners and social workers.

Psychology

Table of Contents
Table of Contents..................................................................................................................................1
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
Personal reflection.................................................................................................................................2
Interview...............................................................................................................................................2
Summary...............................................................................................................................................3
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................3
References.............................................................................................................................................4
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Introduction
Autism disorder is referred to a wide range of conditions which is being characterized by
challenges with repetitive behaviors, social skills, nonverbal communication, and speech. An
individual with autism has a different set of challenges and strengths because it is a spectrum
disorder (Allman, 2010).
Personal reflection
I have found that Autism Spectrum Disorder needs to be diagnosed in childhood. It consists
of a broad range of symptoms such as socialization, communication, interest, and behavioral
impairment. A child with these symptoms faces many issues relating to forming appropriate
relationships. I have seen that parents and other members of the family face huge difficulties
in managing a child suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have determined that severe
and pervasive deficits are present in the child because parents are not able to provide
adequate care. The difficulties faced by such children have reduced parenting efficacy,
increase in physical and mental health issues and increased parenting stress (Hines, Balandin
& Togher, 2011). I have also found that financial strain, lower well being and higher divorce
rates can be seen in the family having a child suffering from autism. I have seen that the
effect of the disorder increases with age. Older people suffer from the disorder which also
creates problems for the family members. I have found that people with Autism are also
likely to develop Alzheimer disease. However, I think an appropriate diagnosis should be
carried out for those people. Doctors and family members should equally contribute to help
the people suffering from the diseases.
Interview
Question 1
How do you know about the disease?
Answer
I noticed about 20 years ago that I have some memory issues. I was not able to remember
things and even recognize people. It was a huge difficult for me to face the problems but I
had no option rather than to fight with the situation (Granser & Ribat, 2009).
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Question 2
Did your treatment work?
Answer
Yes, I have to go to the doctor regularly and get medication for improving my mental health.
It was very much difficult for me to maintain this routine because I have to invest money and
also my energy. However, I have no option rather than to go to the doctor regularly.
Question 3
How old are you?
Answer
I am 65 years old.
Question 4
At what stage of the disease, you are in now?
Answer
I have found that in 30 seconds, 60% of my short term memory does not work. I have seen
hallucinations which are very scary.
Summary
Children with autism disorder face many health issues. The family members face many
difficulties but they should help their children. An appropriate diagnosis can help those
children to overcome their problem (Benaron, 2009). Apart from this, family members and
social workers should also contribute to their efforts. An older person with Alzheimer disease
also faces problems because of memory loss. Thus, the family members should provide care
to the children so that they do not affect by Alzheimer disease.
Conclusion
It has become important for the people of the community to understand the autism disorder.
The healthcare practitioners should take the responsibility of providing guidance to the family
members about how they should manage their children suffering from the disease.
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References
Allman, T. (2010). Autism (4th ed.). Detroit: Lucent Books.
Benaron, L. (2009). Autism (3rd ed.). Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press.
Granser, P., & Ribat, C. (2009). Alzheimer (3rd ed.). Heidelberg: Kehrer.
Hines, M., Balandin, S., & Togher, L. (2011). Buried by autism: older parents’ perceptions of
autism. Autism, 16(1), 15-26. doi: 10.1177/1362361311416678
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