Autism: Social And Functional Challenges

English IV Composition Katelyn Decker
Personal Research Paper February 23rd, 2016

Autism, or a disorder of social and functional challenges, affects about one in every sixty-eight children in the world today (‘Facts about ASD’). The cause of autism has not yet appeared to scientists, but they have found ways to prevent it through pregnancy. My personal experience with autism showed me what the condition does to the person and to their families, and through my research, I discovered that scientists have found ways to overcome autism and its affects. My experience with autism began twelve years ago. My grandparents adopted Maddie, an autistic child, as a newborn baby. Because of her adoption into my family, we began to learn about
Those with Asperger’s syndrome usually have one stereotypical interest or show strange interest in inanimate objects or activities outside of their age group. People who have Asperger’s may find changes in a simple thing upsetting and may show signs of OCD, do random acts repetitively, or have an extreme interest in a monotonous motion. Asperger’s syndrome victims may not have the skills they need to create relationships or how to socialize (Carpenter). Although those with Asperger’s do not have appropriate social skills, most of them do quite well with schoolwork and with their futures academically (“Understanding Autism-The Basics”). Pervasive developmental disorder, another type of autism, applies to delays in social skills. Victims of pervasive developmental disorder (known as PDD-NOS) may have problems with language, relation to the outside world, or changes in routine. PDD-NOS children differ in intelligence and attitude, as some may not make a sound at all and others have normal intellect (“NINDS Pervasive Developmental Disorders Information Page”). Those with autistic disorder, the final type of autism, mostly have problems with life skills, such as communicating with others effectively. People with autistic disorder may not have interests in other human beings, not look people in the eyes or want physical contact with another person (“Facts about ASD”). They may repeat phrases, sounds or
The woman who wants to get pregnant should give herself six months to a year to change her diet and lifestyle. Taking white foods, preservatives and processed food out of the diet can help to begin the process (McDonnell). Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and packaged foods should also help (“Avoiding Toxic Exposures During Pregnancy”). Losing weight with daily exercise before pregnancy helps to prevent risks later on (McCarthy). Minimizing toxins in cleaning around the house, like changing to eco-friendly cleaning products, keeps the woman’s body pure of anything that could cause problems. Taking probiotics, vitamins and Omega-3s regularly, and avoiding mercury, shots, and pesticides can help to prevent problems for the growing baby (McDonnell). After becoming pregnant, the woman should continue her diet and take vitamins and antibiotics. (McCarthy) Finding a midwife and having a natural birth at home can help, as well as avoiding ultrasounds during the pregnancy and inductions during labor. Children born by cesarean section have a higher risk of having autism than babies delivered naturally. Even though a cesarean section seems easier, it has more potential to harm the baby. Bonding with the baby after its birth, which includes breastfeeding and using a baby carrier, can help prevent autism as well. Solids should not show up in the baby’s diet until after six months, and