Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are terms used to describe disorders of brain development. The dictionary definition of this disorder is “a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts” (Dictionary). The word spectrum indicates the different levels of ability and disability someone may have. An individual may have a rich vocabulary but have poor dialogue capability. This neurodevelopmental disability affects an individuals able to communicate effectively, have difficulties during social interaction, capricious behaviors and a difficult time understanding the concept of morality. The autonomy of individuals living with ASD can be constrained because they constantly need to be monitored.
What in the brain is different for those who have this disorder?
For individuals to be …show more content…
One group had eighteen individuals with ASD, and the second group consisted of eighteen average intelligence and normal developing individuals. Individuals who were diagnosed with ASD were assed by using the Autism Diagnostic Inter-view- Revised which is a “semi-structured interview used to ascertain an autism diagnosis. It consists of three major domains; language and communication; reciprocal social interaction’ and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors and interests. (study 1,2) This study also used the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule which assists the observation of someone who is diagnosed in their social and communication behaviors. (Study 1, 2) This allows observes to see how participants demonstrated communication skills and act socially. Participants who were classified as having ASD were recruited from within the school system and have had a certified psychologist diagnose them prior to this study being