• California State University, Channel Islands

• PHYS 141

Introduction Autism is known as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive behaviors (American Speech Language Hearing Association). Autism is considered a spectrum disorder, meaning that people can experience a wide range of symptoms and severity. High functioning autism is at one end of the spectrum, and severe autism at the opposite end. Some individuals with autism can be highly communicative, while others will avoid communication altogether. According to WebMD, individuals considered in the high functioning range typically will have a hard time with social interaction and communication. They don’t understand social cues and can sometimes have a hard time making friends. However, some people are able to hold jobs and live a somewhat normal life. Individuals in the severe autism range face many more daily challenges. They typically have no language at all, are highly sensitive to light or noise, and may experience cognitive challenges (Lisa Jo Rudy, 2019). These developmental disorders typically begin to show in children before the age of three and will last throughout a person’s life. Early diagnosis is important to help children to get the proper help and support. Signs to look out for in children, are delayed or no speech, repetitive language and movement, avoids eye contact, prefers playing alone, and becomes upset due to change (Autism Speaks). ASHA states that there is no known cause for Autism, but it is suggested that autism can develop due to genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences. Some children are at a higher risk for autism if it runs in the family, are born to older parents, born premature, exposed to environmental toxins, and are diagnosed with certain genetic disorders. 2 Autism Research Paper The prevalence of autism has been on the rise. In 2018, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with autism. The prevalence is 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 for girls (CDC). Autism is generally four times more common in boys than it is in girls. However, it affects children of any race, ethnicity, or social background. Speech and Language Characteristics Individuals with autism have problems with some or all aspects that are involved in producing and understanding speech and language (Barry Gordon, MD, PhD, 2007). However, each person will display their own set of behaviors and abilities depending on the severity of their autism and the treatment involved. Some might not be able to communicate at all, making it hard to express daily needs and wants, while some can develop language and are able to speak and form sentences, but might speak in an unexpressive, or a monotone voice (Speech buddies). Autism also leads to difficulty in social skills. Oftentimes individuals may not understand the process of taking turns in conversations, able to focus on the topic of the conversation, as well as initiating new conversations. They also don’t understand the use of nonverbal language, make eye contact, and may be unaware of someone's personal space. Autism affects a person's ability to recognize emotions in themselves and others, and are unable to express those emotions (Autism Speaks). Those with autism may not do well with changes to their daily routine, and usually do well with visual materials laid out in their environment.