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Nathan Saylors
DeBock
27 September 2016
English 4
The Effect of Autism on Kids
In recent years, Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD has become a major health concern
across the world. ASD is an abnormality in the brain that makes it difficult to communicate or
understand feelings. ASD affects 1 in every 88 kids in the US alone, more frequently in boys.
There is no definitive way to treat or cure ASD. ASD affect kids and teenagers in various forms
such as classic Autism, Aspergers, and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - not
otherwise specified).
The first form is classic Autism. Ballaro and Griswold define it as impairing a persons
ability to communicate and develop social relationships. This is the most common form of ASD.
Guttmacher states that kids with classic Autism can be identified within 48 months or 4 years.
For years, Autism was believed to be the same thing as schizophrenia. However, as stated in
Autism, in the 1980s, physicians stop using schizophrenic treatments including shock therapy.
Instead, they began using behavior modification and learning techniques to treat Autism. This,
however, is only one form of ASD.
The second is Aspergers Syndrome. According to Ballaro and Griswold, Aspergers
results in difficulty in understanding emotions, maintaining eye contact, and decoding facial
expressions. However, unlike classic Autism, Aspergers gives a normal or high intelligence. It
is generally considered a mild form of Autism and not as easy to identify. Guttmacher claims that
kids with Aspergers normally do not get identified until 75 months or over 6 years old. While it

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is probably the mildest form, Aspergers is also probably the hardest to treat as well. Autism
asserts scientists have no medical tests to detect Autism, only by behavior patterns. However,
Aspergers and classic Autism have more information about understanding them.
The final form is Pervasive Developmental Disorder - not otherwise specified or
Atypical autism. Ballaro and Griswold summarize PDD-NOS as difficulty in skill development,
adjustment to change and use of body movements. PDD-NOS is the most confusing to
understand. Guttmacher reports that PDD-NOS can be identified around 53 months or age 4.
However, scientists are still baffled about how it affect kids and teens so differently. Autism
explains since a true cause is unknown, the ability to help people with PDD-NOS or other forms
of ASD is limited.
ASD is affecting kids and teens everywhere in more ways than one. It primarily affects
the mentality of kids, teens, and young adults. It causes them to see the world differently from
anybody else in life. One of the most famous autistic people is activist Mary Temple Grandin.
Her story was portrayed in the movie Temple Grandin. She has struggled with Autism all her life.
Now, she has become a renowned activist for autism awareness. She is a beloved animal rights
activist as well. Autism in any way, shape or form, can be seen as a positive or a negative. It just
depends on resources available. Either way, this is no getting rid of it or curing it. However, a
person can learn tricks and shortcuts in order to get around the roadblocks in their life. It all
depends on the person willing to help himself and the support around them.

Works Cited
"Autism." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, 2016. Opposing Viewpoints in
Context. Web. 21 Sept. 2016.

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Ballaro, Beverly, and Ann Griswold. "Autism: An Overview." Point of View Reference Center.
Point of View Reference Center, 1 Mar. 2016. Web. 21 Sept. 2016.
Guttmacher, Alan. "Research and Intervention Are Making Headway Against Autism." Why Is
Autism on the Rise? Ed. Clay Farris Naff. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press,
2014. At Issue. Rpt. from "Testimony before the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform: Autism-Related Issues." 2012. Opposing Viewpoints in Context.
Web. 21 Sept. 2016.