Goals of Psychology

Describe behavior

Explain why a behavior occurs

Predict behavior in the future

Control or modify behaviors

Description (based on observations) of most common symptoms of autism:

impaired communication

impaired social interactions

impaired cognition (unable to imagine)

most often (but not always) associated with mental retardation

Preference for aloneness; ignores others

Insistence on sameness

Liking for routines

Abnormal motor & sensory responses like repetitive movements or over-responding to sensory stimulation

Extreme variability in severity & symptoms

Substantially below average intellectual functioning along with related limitations in at least 2 other areas (like social skills, communication, self-care, safety, etc..

Explain why autism occurs:

Early explanations suggested cold, rejecting parenting caused autism - NOT supported by data.

(Remember - theories can be refuted)

More recent research focuses on a biological cause for autism: abnormal brain development which may have a genetic basis.

The most consistent differences in the brains of persons with autism: abnormal CEREBELLUM &/or LIMBIC SYSTEM

Some also have an abnormality of the connection between the 2 sides of the brain: the CORPUS CALLOSUM.

May be linked to early brain injury or maternal illness during pregnancy

Predicting who is at risk:

2-4 x as many males with autism

families with an autistic child are 50-100X more at risk to have another with autism

Predicting when symptoms may worsen:

situations where there is sensory overload

situations when usual rituals or ways of doing things are disturbed

Controlling the symptoms of autism by avoiding certain situations or stimuli.

Decreasing the risk of autism thru genetic counseling (perhaps eventually a genetic test may be possible) & good prenatal care

Individuals with autism who possess exceptional ability in some area (may be artistic, musical, memory, or communication). (Remember Rainman?)