1
Mark Salting
Psych 321
Psychopathology
Autism
Description
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
is a condition related to brain
development that affects how a
person perceives or socialize with
others, thus leading to challenges
within social interaction and
communication (play).
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Social Challenges
Conversation, attention
Communication Differences
Speech, processing, n
Repetitive Behaviors & Interests
routine
Sensory Sensitivities
Sound, texture
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populations or cohorts that may be particularly susceptible
to this diagnosis
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Gender: Boy
Age: 5
Biological: mutations in genes SHANK3, CHD8, and SCN2A.
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Genetic syndromes, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and
tuberous sclerosis, are seen as higher chances of ASD.
Parental genetics: Advanced parental age, has been correlated with
an increased risk of ASD
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Stigmatized
Autism is unduly stigmatized
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Forms of stigma: discrimination
Impact on individuals: Stigma
lead to feelings
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Ways to improve
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Symbolism and advocacy
Solutions to stigma: Strategies
include educational initiatives,
advocacy efforts, and fostering
inclusive communities to
reshape societal views and
promote acceptance.
ways in which psychologists may reduce this stigma
for our clients
1.
Autism-friendly
spaces: environments
2.
Educational initiatives:
improved their
interactions
3.
Masking and its
effects: "mask" their
traits to fit societal
expectations.
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4.
Challenging
Stereotypes
5.
Encouraging
Self-Advocacy
diagnosis-specific treatment recommendations
Main goal: is to create an
environment where children
work better. Assessing their
school, home, implying
changes to suit their sensory
needs. Assist in regulating
and meaningful
communicative skills.
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): social,
communication, and learning skills.
Occupational Therapy: Supports sensory integration
and daily living skills.
Speech Therapy: Helps individuals develop
communication skills, including verbal and nonverbal
methods.
ASD media team. (2025, February 16). Understanding Autism Stigma: An In-Depth Tutorial on Causes and
solutions. ASD Media.
https://asd.media/understanding-autism-stigma-an-in-depth-tutorial-on-causes-and-solutions/.
Autism In Boys vs. Girls. (n.d.). https://www.milestoneachievements.com/post/autism-in-boys-vs-girls.
Emb. (2024, March 26). The Stigmatization of Autism | Applied Social Psychology (ASP) - Dr. Anthony
Nelson, Ph.D. https://sites.psu.edu/aspsy/2024/03/26/11003/.
Gitimoghaddam, M., Chichkine, N., McArthur, L., Sangha, S. S., & Symington, V. (2022). Applied Behavior
Analysis in Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review. Perspectives
on Behavior Science, 45(3), 521–557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40614-022-00338-x.
Havdahl, A., Niarchou, M., Starnawska, A., Uddin, M., Van Der Merwe, C., & Warrier, V. (2021). Genetic
contributions to autism spectrum disorder. Psychological Medicine, 51(13), 2260–2273.
https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291721000192.
Ibrahimagic, A., Patkovic, N., Radic, B., & Hadzic, S. (2021). Communication and language skills of autistic spectrum disorders
in children and their parents’ emotions. Materia Socio Medica, 33(4), 250.
https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2021.33.250-256.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, January 6). Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mayo Clinic; Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928.
Noble.Dana. (2024, May 29). Autism: Diagnosis before kindergarten has therapy benefits. Mayo Clinic Press.
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/autism-diagnosis-before-kindergarten-has-therapy-benefits/.
The Formal Diagnostic Criteria for Autism. (2013). Harvard.edu.
https://adult-autism.health.harvard.edu/resources/the-formal-diagnostic-criteria-for-autism/.