Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:

For this discussion, choose one of the following topics:

1. Examine one recent article on a treatment for Autism (less than five years old). How is the treatment supposed to work? Does this article support treatment efficacy? Include a full APA citation of the article you choose.

OR

2. Describe a recent neuroscientific advance in ADHD. Share with the class the study that you found. What were the main findings? 

As you consider these questions, you might be interested in the following journal articles:

Cheung, C.H.M., Rijsdijk, F., McLoughlin, G., & Brandeis, D. (2016). Cognitive and neurophysiological markers of ADHD persistence and remission. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 208(6), 548-555. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.114.145185

Cortese, S., Kelly, C., Chabernaud, C., Proal, E., Martino, A.D., Milham, M.P., & Castellanos, F.X. (2012). Toward systems neuroscience of ADHD: A meta-analysis of 55 fMRI studies. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 169(10), 1038-1055. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.11101521

Muhle, R.A., Reed, H.E., Stratigos, K.A., & Veenstra-VanderWeele, J. (2018). The emerging clinical neuroscience of autism spectrum disorder: A review. JAMA Psychiatry, 75(5), 514-523. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.4685

Rolison, M.J., Naples, A.J., & McPartland, J.C. (2015). Interactive social neuroscience to study autism spectrum disorder. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 88(1), 17-24. 











Abigails post 


Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a brain development condition that impacts a person's ability to socialize and communicate with others. A person with autism spectrum disorder is often uncomfortable in social situations, is hypersensitive to loud noises, has difficulty with changes, experiences empathetic challenges, and engages in repetitive behaviors (Carlson & Birkett, 2017). This syndrome was named and characterized by Kanner in 1943 using auto meaning "self" and ism meaning "condition". This was supposed to refer to a child being self-absorbed but as time went on, research around ASD continued, researchers learned that ASD was so much more than just a child's self-absorption (Carlson & Birkett, 2017). 

Autism spectrum disorder is four times more prevalent in males than in females. At one point in time. ASD was believed to be more prevalent in families with a higher socioeconomic class. However, as time went on, scientists quickly found that all socioeconomic classes run the same risk for having kids with ASD. As ASD has become more prevalent in today's society and people are becoming more aware, the diagnostic criteria have broadened making the incidence of ASD more apparent (Carlson & Birkett, 2017).

Autism spectrum disorder has no cure and there is no medication available to treat it as a whole. However, some mediations are available to treat specific symptoms such as seizures, depression, and lack of ability to focus. As of now, applied behavior analysis and pharmacotherapy are popular treatments. The goals of these types of therapies are to maximize the patient's quality of life and assisting them to become more independent. This is done by promoting socialization, reducing maladaptive behaviors, facilitating development, and educating families (Shenoy, Inldla & Reddy, 2017). 

Since there is no treatment for ASD, the most people are able to do is manage symptoms. To give the patient their best shot at being successful, diagnosing and beginning interventions early are the best ways to give the patient a head start. Developing a team of healthcare professionals such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist, behavioral therapist, speech therapist, psychologist, specialist teacher, and social worker is very important (Shenoy, Inldla & Reddy, 2017).  These people are the support team helping parents manage their child's autism. Using Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is extremely helpful. This therapy is based on learning and operant conditioning. Positive reinforcement is key using things such as verbal praise, edible rewards, or tokens (Shenoy, Inldla & Reddy, 2017). Using ABA therapy has shown a major positive influence on these children's intellectual functioning, daily living skills, social functioning, and language development. 

References

Carlson, N. R., & Birkett, M. A. (2017). Physiology of Behavior, 12th Edition. Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson

Shenoy, M. D., Indla, V., & Reddy, H. (2017). Comprehensive Management of Autism: Current Evidence. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 39(6), 727–731. https://doi.org/10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_272_17