Etiological Theories Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Essay

Etiological Theories of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of the Literature Nova Southeastern University Abstract Within the last twenty years, the amount of empirical research regarding the possible cause(s) and risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased (Lai et al., 2014). According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ASD is currently identified in approximately 1 out of 68 children living in the United States, compared to 1 in 10,000 children in 1980 (Baio, 2014). The rise in ASD prevalence highlights the need to continue research into etiology, risk factors, and effective treatments. Purpose: This paper is a critical review of current scientific studies that have focused on the ASD population about etiology of the disorder, susceptibility, and prevalence. Theories and factors that appear to influence or predict ASD outcome are reviewed. Method: Twenty-two research articles published between January 1, 2009, and November 1, 2014, in scientific, peer-reviewed journals were retrieved from the following electronic databases: ProQuest, CINAHL Complete, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The articles were evaluated for risk of bias. Results: Recent findings suggest autism is a disorder caused by interplay of multiple genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Keywords: Autism, ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder; in combination with: Etiology and/or Cause, Genetic Risk Factors,Show MoreRelatedGender Theory1544 Words   |  7 PagesThere is a 4:1 boy to girl ratio found in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This gender disparity, although heavily studied, is little understood. There are two main theories that attempt to explain this gender disparity: the extreme male brain theory, which is supported by research on fetal testosterone, X-chromosomes, Y-chromosomes, and the female protective effect; and the biased diagnostic criteria theory, which is also supported by many research studies that explore phenotypicRead MoreEtiological Theories And Social Implications Essay1944 Words   |  8 PagesEtiological Theories and Social Implications In this earliest period of recognition, people in the psychiatric community began to formulate theories as to why children developed conditions like autism and schizophrenia. Some theorized about the possibility of a genetic predisposition early on, but the ideas of some influential figures in the field proposed theories with rather damaging implications (Donvan, 2016). Kanner himself initially thought that autism was a result of a distant mother (SilbermanRead MoreThe Classification System Of Mental Health Disorders2431 Words   |  10 PagesThe classification system of mental health disorders is the foundation for diagnosis, assessment, intervention, and research. The necessity that this classification system provides a empirically-supported framework for the conceptualization of mental health disorders cannot be overstated. Currently, mental health fields around the world rely primarily on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5; APA, 2013) and the International Classification of Diseases 10thRead MoreEssay Psych Research3628 Words   |  15 Pagesthe caseload consists of children ages 2-18 with a variety of child mental health problems (e.g. ADHD, Anxiety, adjustment problems), there is the opportunity to provide specialized services to patients referred by Deaconess-Riley specialists (e.g. Autism, Developmental Delays, childhood diabetes, endocrinology etc.) Requirements: Ph. D. or Psy.D. in child psychology/pediatric psychology including completion of an internship in an APA-accredited child psychology program and licensed (or license eligible)