StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Developmental Disorders - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The presence of the disorder can be detected within the first 3 years of infancy. The condition is generally heterogeneous as the clinical features and behavioral…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER96% of users find it useful
Developmental Disorders
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Developmental Disorders"

Autism Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with abnormal social, cognitive, emotional and communicative behavior. The presence of the disorder can be detected within the first 3 years of infancy. The condition is generally heterogeneous as the clinical features and behavioral patterns vary from one autistic child to another and the symptoms of certain other disorders such as Rett’s and Asperger’s disorder often overlap with that of autism. Key clinical featuresThe key clinical features that are identified as the child grows include, abnormal social interaction such as impaired non verbal behavior and movements, diminished interest in playing and interaction with peers, lack of spontaneity and emotional reciprocity, delay or total lack in speech, repetitive use of language, behavior patterns or mannerisms and constant preoccupation with certain objects (Lord et al; Brereton and Tonge).

PrevalenceAccording to latest reports the prevalence of Autism is about 60 per 10,000. However it is widely believed this rate is constantly on the rise (Hughes). Cognitive abilitiesRecent research has revealed that the cognitive ability of children with autism ranges from severely disabled to normal. They have low IQ scores and have difficulty in verbal sequencing. However, they have good immediate memory and visuo-spatial skills. The language, speech tone and modulation of these children are quite unusual and they sound mechanical and devoid of any emotions.

They might use abnormal words, talk out of context or simply repeat them. They also have difficulty in understanding spoken language. Social abilitiesAutistic children also suffer from social impairments such as disinterest in interpersonal relationships, lack of non-verbal communication with people and inability to play with other children. Doctors believe that these may change as the child grows. GeneticsThe genetics of autism has revealed that susceptibility to the disorder may be due to the presence of at least 3 abnormal genes.

However, more research should be carried out to determine the genetic and environmental factors, if any, that may cause the disorder. NeurobiologyNeurobiological evidence suggests that the brains of people with autism are underdeveloped with abnormalities observed in the brain-stem structures. Current research also points to the involvement of the cerebral cortex for onset of clinical symptoms (Hughes). The heterogeneity of the disorder has made it difficult to study the neural systems involved and hence a detailed study of the neurobiology of autism would require proper categorization of the people with the disorder in order to find out the various brain regions causing the various impairments (Lord et al).

William’s syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that results in cardiovascular, connective tissue and neurodevelopmental deficits. Key clinical featuresThe key clinical features include narrowing of the aorta, increased calcium concentration in the blood, language and motor movements are delayed, sensitivity to certain types of sound and along with these abnormal facial features and low IQ are also present in people with this disorder. PrevalenceThe occurrence of William’s syndrome is estimated to be 1 in 20,000 live births.

Cognitive abilitiesThe general cognitive functioning is lower in these people who tend to be highly social and are also anxious people with an increased interest in music. Though they have a good grasp of language skills, despite the slow beginning, their knowledge and understanding of the outer world is generally very low. They are, however, very strong grammatically and have sound linguistic skills which they tend to exhibit publicly. The spatial cognition of these people have been found to be very poor as they often lack organizing ability and have difficulty in arranging things in the right order.

Visual skills like face recognition and processing are quite good. Social abilitiesPeople with William’s disorder have better social skills and have a strong urge to interact socially, which is especially evident among adolescents and adults. This increased interest in socializing helps to improve their language and expression and hence these people are highly expressive. GeneticsThe genetic cause for the occurrence of the disorder has been identified to be a micro deletion in the gene encoding the protein elastin and 20 other genes present on chromosome 7.

In addition duplication of certain genetic regions surrounding the elastin gene has also been found within which most of the deletion breakpoints are located. NeurobiologyThe neurobiological characteristics of individuals with the disorder have been established by measuring event-related potentials in the brain which has revealed that both the hemispheres of the brain are active with respect to words and faces in these individuals. Thus the neural systems that are involved in these processes are different from that of normal individuals.

In addition the brain volume is also reduced in these individuals along with reduced gray matter in the occipital lobe. More detailed research needs to be carried out to determine the neurobiology of the illness (Korenberg).ConclusionWhile both Autism and William’s syndrome is associated with neurodevelopmental defects, people with these two disorders exhibit distinct differences with respect to their language and social abilities. Autistic individuals have very poor linguistic ability and show reduced interest in social interaction at least at the initial stages.

They are also less expressive and tend to be devoid of any emotions. In contrast, people with William’s syndrome have highly developed social skills and they have a spontaneous urge to interact socially. They have good language skills and are also highly expressive during the communication. In addition autistic children do not show any interest in activities such as music and play, while those with William’s syndrome show a good interest in music. Thus, with respect to interaction and involvement in activities, those with William’s syndrome fair better compared to Autistic individuals.

Reference:1. Lord, Catherine et al. Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neuron 28 (2000): 355-363. 2. Brereton, Avril and Tonge, Bruce. Autism. 1-243. Hughes, Virginia. Mercury Rising. Nature Medicine 13(8) (2007): 896-897.4. Korenberg, Julie R et al. Williams Syndrome: A Neurogenetic Model of Human Behavior. Encyclopedia of Life Sciences (2005): 1-10

Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Developmental Disorders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1557712-developmental-disorders
(Developmental Disorders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 Words)
https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1557712-developmental-disorders.
“Developmental Disorders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1557712-developmental-disorders.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Developmental Disorders

Developmental Disorders are Artificial Products of the Society

Developmental Disorders such as Dyslexia and ADHD are artificial product of the society Introduction Development refers to advancement in a subject.... Developmental Disorders however impair the normal pace of degree of development in a person.... This paper seeks to discuss the opinion that Developmental Disorders such as Dyslexia and ADHD are artificial product of the society.... Developmental Disorders Increasing number of studies in Developmental Disorders among children has established significant awareness in the society....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Some questions about the Autism

PDD or Pervasive Developmental disorder is an umbrella-like term for a family of personality disorders which are immensely complex in nature and affect the lives of an individual in a number of ways.... According to the report published the estimation of prevalence of PDD also known as Autistic spectrum disorders “1 in 88 U.... PDD or Pervasive Developmental disorder is an umbrella-like term for a family of personality disorders which are immensely complex in nature and affect the lives of an individual in a number of ways....
6 Pages (1500 words) Assignment

Autism in African American Culture

Scholars have long debated why this might be; however, a compelling reason for the relatively high level of acceptance that exists within the African-American community with regards to Developmental Disorders is likely with regards to the overall level of religiosity and belief that exists within this group as compared to others.... Although it is not the purpose of this discussion and exploration to analyze the means by which a two-parent household is ultimately a more secure and better environment within which a child should be raised, it must be understood that the level of care and resources necessary for tending to a child/children with disabilities of a developmental nature is an order of magnitude more demanding than would be the requirements and level of attention for a child without a developmental disorder/autism....
4 Pages (1000 words) Research Paper

Cross-Cultural Issues in Autism

Cross- Cultural Issues Developmental Disabilities Name Institution Cross- Cultural Issues Developmental Disabilities Autism is one of the most common Developmental Disorders in America today.... There exists little evidence for an increase in the occurrences of autism and other Developmental Disorders but a noticeable increase in the pervasiveness of the conditions has raised awareness of the needs of these children and their guardians (Blancher & McIntyre, 2006)....
4 Pages (1000 words) Research Paper

Asperger's Syndrome: Symptoms, Tests, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Symptoms of Asperger syndrome Like many of the pervasive Developmental Disorders, Asperger syndrome does not have any clinical or medical test that confirms its presence, but the symptoms that an individual may have served as the confirmation of its existence....  This research paper delves into Asperger syndrome in terms of symptoms, facts, and treatment of this pervasive developmental disorder.... hellip;  Asperger syndrome abbreviated as AS is a condition under the Pervasive developmental disorder(PDD) umbrella that influences immense social interaction difficulties and non-verbal communication with those affected by the condition exhibiting repetitive behavioral patterns....
7 Pages (1750 words) Research Paper

Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation

People affected by learning and Developmental Disorders need to be considered distinctly through forensic and criminal investigations given their differentiated methods of coping with emotions as well as social norms and values.... Depending on the nature of the offender's or… icipant's learning or Developmental Disorders, the investigator needs to consider how the participant's or offender's response might have differed from a normal person's response in the same situation....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Student with Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) is a medical condition characterized by different impairment degrees in social interactions and communication skills, and stereotyped, restricted and repetitive behavior patterns (Taylor, 2009).... There are symptoms associated with pervasive developmental disorder and parents and teachers should take immediate action once they notice them in a child....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Causes of Scientific Disorders

The paper "Causes of Scientific Disorders" tells that Developmental Disorders to involve any condition that occurs at some age in the development of a child and leads to delay in developing one or various psychological functions of a child such as a language and communication skills.... Diagnosis of Developmental Disorders can also be challenging, given that individuals who are identified as experiencing certain disorders behave very differently.... Issues of diagnosis even expand further given that there are no exact cause or rather causes of certain Developmental Disorders that may have been established fully....
13 Pages (3250 words) Essay
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us