How the Society Perceives Autistic Disorders, Research Paper Example

Topic definition

Autism is generally a developmental disability (Dawson, 2008) that typically exists in an individual and involves impairment and delays in social skills, behavior and language.  Autism is biologically a spectrum disorder (Phyllis, 2010), meaning that the disorder affects people relatively in different ways.  Some children develop speech difficulties, whereas others have no speech at all.  Less severe cases of autism may be diagnosed as having Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) (Jim, 2010) or with Asperger’s Syndrome (Corbett, 2006). Left untreated, autistic patients do not develop useful social skills and might not even learn to talk or even behave suitably.  Very few patients recover totally from this disorder without a substantial intervention.   The good news for patients with this disorder is that there are currently wide varieties of many treatments available that can help in treating the disorder successfully (Dawson, 2008). With this in mind, there is a need to look into the society in general and the view the society takes on autism disorder (Corbett, 2006). This paper details some of the weighty themes including controversial issues in autism development, the role that the society has in handling autistic disorders, treatment interventions available for the disorder as well as the possible factor of the surrounding environment that in either way contribute to the disorder development. It also looks into the representation of the disorder in the media including movies, and the relevance of understanding autism and its applicability in provision of services as a social service professional.

Major Themes

Controversy in development of autism within the society

Major theories have explained the development of Autism, but there is no concise theory that comes out clear on the development of this disorder (Daniels, 2007). Sociological theories come close to explaining the concept but leave it as subject to critics (Corbett, 2006). The reason why a broad explanation is never realized in understanding autism is the point of diversity of the condition in varying individuals (Jim, 2010). Autism in some circumstances develops out of genetic factors while in others; it develops following social deprivation in interactions at the age of growing children (Molloy, 2008). Some of the biological theorists explain the disorder as developing during pregnancy, and usually at the age of first three years of a child’s life (Corbett, 2006).

Some parents report from previous researches indicates that their children seemed quite different after birth (Dawson, 2008).  These children are a representation of early-onset autism.  Other parents in the same reports indicate that their children seemed to somewhat develop normally but in the later stages, they undergo substantial regression that results in autism (Phyllis, 2010). There is also a controversy as to when autism disorders develop in children. Majority of parents take the age of 12-24 months of a child as the duration that the disorder starts to feature (Harmon, 2004).  Commonly, regressive or late-onset autism is not featured in the explanation of development of the disorder.  Some researchers also argue that regression in a child is not real or that there was an assumption of autism disorder when the child was growing up (Jim, 2010).

Role of parents in autism

From the research, the role of parenting comes out clearly in interventions possible for treating autism and preventing its development to worse stages. The role of parents in handling the disorder has been a controversial issue within the society (Harmon, 2004). There is growing evidence of many autistic disorders as either developing or worsening following neglect by the parents to play their roles effectively (Jim, 2010). Cumulative exposure (Dawson, 2008) to highly responsive styles of parenting throughout the child’s early development period may at least provide valuable benefits for a child’s development in terms of social, language, cognitive, and emotional development.

Maternal responsibility is a dynamic construct (Phyllis, 2010) of central development that is necessary for children with intellectual disabilities. The same case is with a typical child who is developing during the early stages. Many studies have selectively reviewed the conceptual and theoretical evidence for the responsibility of parenting on child’s development and they detail factors known as of major influence in children with autism (Daniels, 2007). The studies rate maternal responsibility as a key feature in handling the disorder and facilitating the improvement of the children with autism (Jim, 2010).

Myths about Autism

The research also dwells in societal myths that spread to blur the autistic disorder and spoil the positive approach of handling autism in the society. There are so many myths in a society relating to autism as a disorder (Corbett, 2006). These myths contribute to misrepresentation of the disorder and challenges means of handling the disorder within the society (Harmon, 2004). These myths are apparent and passed from a generation to the other regarding autism influencing the handling of the disorder and compromising the means of improving the autistic patients in their development (Jim, 2010).

Some of the myths within the society include an allegation the individuals with autism do not make eye contact. The myths argue that these patients do not look at you directly in the eye. Another one is that the disorder rates as a mental illness (Corbett, 2006). Many people believe that psychiatrists had better handle autism rather than the members of a society. In other arguments, people have a belief that when a person claimed to have autism shows developments to normality, his conditions is not autism (Phyllis, 2010). This claim is a justification by the society that autism cannot be treated, and it is permanent in an individual. Added to this is an allegation that a person suffering autism does not have a better capacity to learn like the normal members of the society (Molloy, 2008). There is also a belief that autistic individuals cannot express affection or any positive emotions and that they never respond to physical affection (Dawson, 2008). This myth tries to justify that autistic individuals separate themselves from others and do not appreciate the company of friends or peers in a group situation (Fournier, 2010). These among many other myths are society manufactured and are a negative perception of autistic disorders (Goode, 2004). The society develops the myths to justify the abnormality in autistic individuals and separate then from the others. It treats autism as a social norm and segregates the individuals with such disorders (Jim, 2010).

Treatment interventions for autistic disorders

The research has a keen interest in treatment interventions that are of value in coming up with approaches to treat the disorder. The society ignores the point of treatment but in reality, interventions exist and are applicable to autistic patients (Molloy, 2008). The research establishes teaching speech using sign language as an effective approach in handling autistic conditions. This approach has a better applicability for a parent state that has an autistic child. It is however, not very much applicable for older people with autistic disorders (Jim, 2010). The approach makes it easy for parents because they only have to learn basic signs that are of use when communicating with their child who have the disorder (Fournier, 2010).  The terminology behind this approach is ‘signed speech’ or ‘simultaneous communication.’

The approach has excellent results in increasing the chance of autistic children to learn spoken language equally fast (Goode, 2004). Using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to teach autistic children is also a better intervention. The method involves pointing to symbols or pictures on a board to give the child a clue of what you mean (Dawson, 2008). Applied Behavior Analysis is also a better and applicable approach that many theorists have described as a solution to autism (Corbett, 2006). The method involves analyzing the behaviors in autistic children and deriving meaning to help enhance measures of improving the condition (The Jerusalem post, 2007). Vestibular stimulation in autism is also another better approach in finding a solution to develop a child with autism. The method takes the form of teaching speech with the child on a swing to stimulate his responsiveness through an action (Molloy, 2008). The research in details takes on these approaches and interventions plus more and verifies their applicability in autistic conditions. It also takes on the strengths and weakness of each approach to verify the best in treating autistic disorders or improving the condition in patients (Phyllis, 2010).

Media misrepresentation of autistic disorders

The history of autism disorders on film is somewhat sketchy. There are no film analyses explaining the presentation of autism as the main theme of the movie (Daniels, 2007). The explanations delivered in the media regarding autism are particularly relevant and weighty and delivers the people’s perceptions on autistic disorders (Corbett, 2006). The media focuses mostly on how the society treats autistic patients including the perceptions of the professionals and the common person argument of autistic disorders (Jim, 2010).

The first references to the disorder were realized in 1969, in the US Presley vehicle. The representation was about Dr. Presley ministers to an autistic child.  Mary Tyler aided him in a drama on autism character. Other outstanding films in UK including 1988 film ‘Rain man’ have set the trend for analyzing autistic related films. The films portray autistic children and have varying trends in describing the autistic disorders. The films have a lot to share regarding autism conditions but differ from one to the other in their approaches (Molloy, 2008).

The point of misrepresentation features significantly in outlining autistic disorders in the media. This is a concern because it produces controversial issues and ads to the myths on autism (Fournier, 2010). Many of the movies playing autistic characters normally start with a warning of discretion for the viewer. A prominent example is the latest edition of Monday night program on TNT at 9 pm (Harmon, 2004). The directors frame the movies and respective programs on autism as horrific without appreciable traces of moral character in the role played within the movie. There is a lot that can be framed as appropriate from autistic individuals, yet most of the media programs do not acknowledge this fact (Jim, 2010).

Of the total fifty films released so far on autism, there are only nine films dealing with adults patients with autism. The media presents autism mostly as for children, which is a true misrepresentation of the condition (Molloy, 2008). The films are also controversial in setting the adults as mentally defective, rejected by families, abnormal or freaks that are segregated by the society (Goode, 2004). This representation has set a wrong perception of how the society handles autistic patients and encourages myths related to the disorder (Corbett, 2006).

The media also phrases autistic conditions as favorable fitting in institutions rather than within the society. The misrepresentation of the institutions also features a fantastic deal portraying lack of love, care, and respect like normal human beings (Fournier, 2010). In each representation of autism, there is a negative connotation that individual with autistic disorder have to fight for their own independence and struggle to establish normal existence as well as acceptance in the society. The movies establish a case of segregation and promote the negative approach of dealing with autistic conditions within the society (Harmon, 2004).

It is clear from other movies for instance the 1988 film ‘Rain man’ where the representation indicates autism as a permanent disorder and one that cannot be cured. The film characterizes the autistic individual as an abnormal person who does not conform to the morals of the society and who later dies after committing suicide (Corbett, 2006). The media therefore, spoils the characters of autistic individuals portraying them as deviants within the society and people who need segregation from the society. They portray individuals with autism as a danger to the broad society and people who have to lived caged in separate places away from the ‘normal’ human beings (Jim, 2010).

How the research changed my perception on autism?

From the research on autism and the society perception on autistic disorders, I have come to learn a lot and changed my perception considerably. It is through the understanding of autistic individuals that I have come to realize the common symptoms of autistic disorders (The Jerusalem post, 2007). My generalization earlier was on the basis that many individuals hold up to now on autistic disorders being abnormalities in an individual. This has been a challenge in differentiating autism from other disorders and ignoring the fact that, these people need considerable support from the general society (Jim, 2010).

I used to believe that autism if a permanent disorder than one cannot even improve. The research has changed this perception, and I can no appreciate that the disorder is treatable and a patient can improve from the situation and become normal once more (Molloy, 2008). The assumptions I had earlier postulated that autistic individuals are mad and abnormal and the condition worsened with time. However, the research has helped me understand that the reason why autistic individuals worsen in their situation is lack of early interventions needed to bring down early symptoms (Corbett, 2006).

I have come to appreciate autistic individuals and from the research, I can support the autistic individuals and appreciate their innovations (Molloy, 2008). From the research, much of the findings revealed that autistic individuals are perfect and normally only with a simple challenge or a disadvantage over the other people in the society (Steve, 2010). Otherwise, these individuals are whole and can work in normal situations like other members of the society (Corbett, 2006). What I have come to learn is that these people segregate themselves from the broad society because of the meanness in the society and the awful treatments they get from the society response. It came clear to me that once these people are appreciated they could work wonders and conduct duties normally with minimal support.

Relevance of the research in serving the social service professional role

As a social service professional, I have benefited from the research on autism a terrific deal. The research detailed myths as a main theme and covered some of the myths that society holds up to now regarding autism (Harmon, 2004). This has been a formidable challenge in executing my duty in social service. Just like the general community, some of the myths have been like a reality to me and they have made it difficult for me in handling autistic cases. I can now appreciate that these are mere allegations and educate the society on the same to help appreciate autistic individuals and help fight the so-called autistic ‘menace.’

In the practice, I have also benefitted with appropriate approaches of determining autistic disorders in the early as well as late stages. It is one of the most challenging issues to handle for a social service professional (Steve, 2010). The practice has been confusing when in contact with individuals portraying conditions close to autism but not actually the symptoms of the disorder (Corbett, 2006). Handling such patients has been a challenge because the confusion leads to grouping all people in the same category and abusing rehabilitation centers by sending everyone there for rehabilitation. After the research, I have developed exceptional skills of knowing autistic disorder symptoms and handling them appropriately to improve the condition in the individual (The Jerusalem post, 2007).

Conclusion

Autism is a common disorder in every society across the globe. The disorder has had various approaches and theories developed to explain it (Steve, 2010). Even after so much research has been done on this topic, the society’s perception on autism still holds a stand and members of the society still treat it as an abnormal condition. Minimal efforts have been implemented to educate people on the condition and help them appreciate autistic individuals among them, but they have been effortless (Corbett, 2006). Myths still thrive within the society destroying people’s positive perception on autism. The role of the society to change the circumstances fails with the media playing a crucial role in negatively portraying autistic conditions. Changing the society’s perception on Autistic disorders will need many other interventions other than educative campaigns on the disorder. More research is needed on autism and a deeper detailed report on the interventions that the society needs to implement in handling autism (Steve, 2010). It will take a while before people have full-length knowledge on autism as a disorder but uncounted efforts from every member of the society counts to bring the issue back to reality and help the society realize autism as a treatable condition and one that needs support.

References

Corbett, B. et al. (2006). Rhythms and response to stress in children with autism. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 31(1): 59-68.

Daniels, J et al. (2007). The epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders. Annual Rev Public Health, 2007 (28):235–58.

Dawson, M. (2008). Learning and Memory: A Comprehensive Reference. Vol. 2. New York: Academic Press.

Fournier, K. (2010). Motor coordination in autism spectrum disorders: a synthesis and meta-analysis. Journal of Autism Development Disorder, 13(3): 33-39.

Goode, S. et al. (2004). Adult outcome for children with autism. Journal of Child Psychology, 45(2):212–29

Harmon, A. (2004, December 20). ‘How about not ‘curing’ us, some autistics are pleading’. New York Times

Jim, B. (2010, March 9). Controlled Study Finds Possible Early Warning Signs For Autism Spectrum Disorders Within Families. Retrieved From, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181678.php

Molloy, C. et al. (2008). Reduced bone cortical thickness in boys with autism or autism spectrum disorder. NIH News, 2008-01-29.

Phyllis, B. (2010). Autism’s Earliest Symptoms Not Evident In Children Under 6 Months. Retrieved 16 Feb. 2010. From, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179254.php

Steve, C. (2010). Autism and Schizophrenia: Research Builds On Genetic Link. Retrieved 24 Feb. 2010. From, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180115.php

The Jerusalem post (2007). Movie Review: Flakes out on autism. Retrieved February 01, 2007 from, http://www.jpost.com/ArtsAndCulture/Entertainment/Article.aspx?id=50099