Autism Spectrum Disorder-Article connection
The article by Hye Ran Park (2015) explains the etiology, clinical features and diagnosis, the relationship between ASD and the amygdala, and the treatment of ASD. According to this article, ASD is manifested in the first three years. This is because there are environmental causative elements, including pre-natal, peri-natal, and postnatal factors. Phenotypic features also contribute to the formation and maintenance of functional synapses (Szatmari et al., 1998). The second article by So Hyun Kim (2015) examines the phenotypic heterogeneity of ASD. This is connected to Park’s article, which cites phenotypes and genes as contributing factors to ASD. The report confirms/reinstates Park’s piece. In other words, these two articles acknowledge that genetic factors play a significant role in ASD. Also, the research done by Kim is for children aged two years. This is a confirmation that ASD affects children of tender age, not exceeding three years. Park’s article clearly explains that ASD is a disorder found in children below the age of 3. The report by Giacomo Vivanti (2012) explores the clinical, research, and cultural implications of changes to current diagnostic definitions of ASD and related conditions. The report differentiates between DSM-IV and DMS-5 for the diagnosis of ASD, with the latter involving one central diagnosis that replaces the different subtypes defined by the former (Swedo, 2012). The article tries to single out and differentiate ASD with other disorders in regards to symptom severity. This article is connected to Park’s piece as both try to examine the characteristics a child should possess for it to be considered to have ASD. Park’s item is somewhat general in that a child is believed to have ASD when it has a deficit in social behaviors and non-verbal interactions such as eye contact, facial expression, and body gestures. Vivanti’s article also explains the genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity, which are also discussed in Park and Kim’s items (Fombonne, 2011).
Article 1 discussion question
How would you tell that your child has ASD?
Article 2 discussion question
To what extent do genetic factors contribute to a child being born with ASD?
Article 3 discussion question
A child aged five years has a language delay and normal in other aspects (no deficit in social behaviors, does not avoid eye contact). Should this child be considered to have ASD?