OUTLINE
I.
Introduction
A. Attention-getter: milestones of play
B. Differences in autistic child
C. General def. of autism
D. Main point: many unknowns, range of issues
II.
Causes
A. Combo of factors
B. Environmental
C. Genetics
D. Other risk factors
III.
How it effects daily life
A. Communication
B. Social skills
C. Intellect
D. Other
IV.
Treatment
A. Many forms of therapy
B. Positive outlook
V.
Conclusion
A. All are different
B. Consider the severity
C. Can live a full life
Amy Stoudemire
Teacher’s Name
Sample research paper
11 January 2014
Autism: Into the Unknown
Many parents look forward to certain milestones in a child’s development: the first laugh,
the nonsense chatter, or the pretend conversation on the phone. In a child diagnosed with autism,
however, these milestones may never occur. Autism “affects the brain’s normal development of
social and communication skills” and signs of the disorder usually appear in the first three years
of life (“Autism”). Although there are many features of autism that are still indefinite, scientists
are beginning to understand more about the varying degrees of the disorder.
There is no one cause for autism; in fact, scientists are not exactly sure what contributes
to the development of the disorder. It appears to be caused by a combination of environmental
and genetic factors (“What is Autism?”). Environmental risk factors range from geographical
location to exposure to harmful substances. Chemicals in pesticides and exposure to certain
drugs or medications while in the womb have been identified as possible contributing factors
(“Causes of Autism”). These factors may be a result of accidental exposure or, in the case of
certain drugs, a result of something deemed to be safe. Some parents have claimed that
vaccinations can lead to the onset of autism, but there is no definitive proof to link the two
(“Autism”). Today, researchers continue investigating the causes of the disorder, and it is
possible its cause will never be known.
However, scientists do know that environmental factors alone are not enough to cause
autism. They have discovered that genetics are a key component in the development of the
disorder. “Susceptibility to autism is inherited” and there are often other family members who
have symptoms as well (Rodier 942). Because autism is a physical condition rooted in the brain,
a family history of the disorder can predispose a child to developing it. Many other possible
causes have been suggested, such as advanced age in both parents, a mother’s illness during
pregnancy, or oxygen deprivation at birth (“What is Autism?”). None of these causes, however,
have been proved as a definite precursor to autism. Because different individuals experience
autism differently and on different levels, it is difficult to know exactly why they developed in in
the first place.
Regardless, scientists are not in doubt about the affect autism can have on an individual.
The severity of the disorder varies from person to person, but it generally affects a person’s
communication, intellectual, and social skills. Children with autism have difficulty
communicating with others. Most develop language much later than their peers do and some do
not develop language at all (Rodier 941). This can make it very difficult to succeed in school or
to make friends. It also may limit a person’s ability to live on his or her own as an adult. Despite
difficulties in communication, a person with autism may be just as intellectually capable as
someone without autism. Many of them have advanced skills in music or academics, and “40%
have average to above average intellectual abilities” (“What is Autism?”). Being diagnosed with
autism does not necessarily mean that a child will experience learning disabilities or difficulties.
Conversely, some people with autism fall at the opposite end of the spectrum and have
significant disabilities that keep them from living on their own (“What is Autism?”). Such
individuals need assistance with daily tasks for their entire lives. In brief, autism affects different
people in various ways, and there is a wide range of effects, from relatively insignificant to
profound. Knowing what the individual requires may help to determine the types of treatments or
therapies that may be beneficial.
At present, there is no known cure for autism, but there are many treatment options
available depending on the symptoms displayed by the individual. Catching the disorder early is
the key to effective treatment. Different types of therapy exist, including behavior intervention,
occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy (“Autism”). Starting these therapies early in
a child’s life can have a huge impact on how he or she communicates with the world. Many
scientists also agree that because autism is caused by a combination of environmental and
genetic factors, it is preventable (“Causes of Autism”). Knowing the risk factors is a positive
start on the road to prevention, even though scientists cannot yet affirm specific prevention
methods. For many, the outlook is bright.
There are many levels of autism effecting different people in different ways, and
scientists are still working to discover a cause. It is important that research continue to learn the
specific causes of the disease. Understanding the specific environmental causes of the disorder
could lead to better precautions during pregnancy and fewer children being born autistic.
Furthermore, learning the exact genetic indicators could improve doctors’ abilities to treat
children who may be born with the disease. Even more hopeful, if the exact causes are identified,
maybe a cure could be found. For those who already have the condition, treatment options and
educational programs should be geared toward the severity of the disorder and its symptoms. The
bottom line is this—many people who are diagnosed with autism live full, independent lives. The
diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence.
Works Cited
“Autism.” MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 May 2012. Web. 26 Dec. 2013.
“Causes of Autism.” National Autism Association. National Autism Association, n.d. Web.
12 Dec. 2013.
Rodier, Patricia M. “Autism.” The World Book Encyclopedia. 2009. Print.
“What is Autism?” Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks Inc., n.d. Web. 26 Dec. 2013.