RUNNING HEAD: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Autism Spectrum Disorder

How Autism is Treated and the Diagnosis Process
Gianna Bell
UWRT-1103-026

Author Note
Gianna Bell, UWRT-1103-026
Contact: gbell6@uncc.edu

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Abstract
This paper explores what Autism Spectrum Disease (ASD). It explains the symptoms and the
causes of diagnosis. An interview was conducted with Janicia Sincliar, a close relative, as she
explains what she experienced caring for her son. Throughout the paper, direct quotes from
Janicia will be provided. Research was done to gather accurate statistics. This paper looks at the
diagnosis ASD, and the process to provide sufficient care for diagnosed patient. This paper also
explores the proper way to speak with parents about their child.
Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, diagnosis

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Diagnosis Process & How to Tell a Parent Their Child Has Autism

What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Autism is the complex disorders of the brain. It
affects two million individuals in the U.S. It is four to five times more common in boys than
girls. ASD affects the ability to learn basic skills, motor coordination, and attention and physical
aspects. Although ASD has plenty of negative connotations, children with ASD excel in arts,
music, and visual skills. Early signs of Autism appear in ages two to three in children. Autism
affects early brain development, therefore early diagnosis is important.

Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder

There is not just one single cause of ASD. According to the Autism Speaks website,
scientists have found that ASD is caused by risk factors before and during pregnancy.
These include maternal illness during pregnancy or difficulties during delivery. I interviewed
Janicia Sinclair about her son, Aubreii. She had complications with her pregnancy and with the
delivery of her son. He was diagnosed with Autism at age two. The interview was done in the
privacy of her home and a personal mode of communication. It was conducted October 21, 2015.
When asked if she had a healthy pregnancy, Janicia stated, No. I didnt gain any weight during
my pregnancy like the usual pregnant woman. This was due to an unhealthy placenta.

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An unhealthy placenta or a placental dysfunction or uteroplacental vascular

insufficiency, occurs when the placenta doesnt develop correctly or is damaged. A placental
insuffency is a blood flow disorder. It is a reduction in the mothers blood supply, and/or the
failure of the blood supply to increase adequately half way through pregnancy.

Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

According to autismspeaks.org, there no known diagnosis for ASD; meaning there is no
medical or blood test. Instead, there are several evaluations conducted by specially trained
physicians. Diagnosing your child for Autism is done by completing a screening and evaluation.
Once that is completed, your physician should speak with you to further their knowledge on the
disorder. Within this conversation, a plan for catering to your childs need should be considered.
Parents are usually the first ones to notice suspect behaviors of ASD in their children.
Signs of autism you should look for include:

No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter,

No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine

months,

No babbling by 12 months,

No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12

months,

No words by 16 months,

No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24

months, and

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Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age.

These signs should be reported immediately to your family physician. The physician will then
decide whether or not to perform a screening on your child. A developmental Screening is a short
test telling if your child is learning the basic skills when they should, or if your child is having
delays.
Interviewer: So when did you first realize a problem with Aubreii and his behavior?
Janicia: When he turned two.
Interviewer: What did you notice?
Janicia: When he was around other kids, hed play with himself. He was quite emotional
towards situations that didnt require that much emotion.
Interviewer: Any signs of developmental delay?
Janicia: Very much so. Before age 1, he would say words clearly. But as he grew older,
his speech began to slow down, and by age 2, he wouldnt speak at all.

During this screening, the physician may survey you as a parent, about your childs daily
activities. The physician may talk and play with your child to see behavioral, speech, or
movement delays. These Developmental Screenings should be conducted during regular child
visits at 9 month, 18 month, 24 and/or 30 month checkups. If delays are present, a
comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is needed.
A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is done only if signs of a problem are
shown. This includes a parent and physician interview. The evaluation includes a thorough
review of your childs development and behavior. During the evaluation a hearing and vision
screening, genetic testing, neurological testing, and other medical testing are conducted. The

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comprehensive diagnostic evaluation may take longer than the developmental screening; usually
being done over a course of two doctors visits.
After these steps are completed, your doctor has to tell you about their findings and
diagnosis.

Whats next?
After speaking with you, your physician may wish to refer the child to a specialist. By
doing this, the child will be provided with the help he or she needs. Physicians most commonly
refer children to a Developmental Pediatrician, a Child Neurologist, or Early start programs.
Developmental Pediatricians are doctors who have special training in child development,
and children with special needs. They provide counseling and treatment for children, adolescents,
and their families. They work in hospitals, clinics, major medical centers, schools, and
sometimes private practice settings. Developmental Pediatricians understand the importance of a
childs development, so they work closely with the family to ensure the best care possible.
Developmental Pediatricians in your area are:
1. Novant Health Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (Dr. Barbara Kissam M.D)

1900 Randolph Rd Suite 1010, Charlotte, NC 28207

704) 316-1155
2. Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (Dr. Joseph Stegman M.D)

4501 Cameron Valley Pkwy, Ste 301, Charlotte, NC 28211

704-403-2626

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Child Neurologists specialize in a child disorders, including delayed speech, motor

milestones, and coordination issues; which are symptoms of autism. Child Neurologists in your
area are:
1. Carolinas Pediatric Neurology Care (Nicole Brockway M.D)
1001 Blythe Blvd., Suite 200 - Charlotte, NC 28203
704-403-2660
2. Novant Health Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (Shana D Wallace, MD)
1900 Randolph Rd Suite 1010, Charlotte, NC 28207
704) 316-1155

Early Start Programs provide extra help in development. They help the child with
learning basic skills before entering school. Early Start Programs are commonly referred to Head
start. To enroll your child in Early Start Programs, feel free to contact the following institutions.
1. Bethlehem Center of Charlotte
2705 Baltimore Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone:(704) 375-1417
2. Smart Start of Mecklenburg County
601 E. Fifth St., Suite 500, Charlotte, NC 28202
704-377-6588

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Works Cited
- "Autism-Symptoms." WebMD. WebMD. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
- What Is Autism? (n.d.)
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
- "How Is Autism Diagnosed?" Autism Speaks. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
-

Sinclair, Janicia. "Autism & Your Son." Telephone interview. 21 Oct. 2015

- "HOW DO I TELL SOMEONE THEIR CHILD MAY HAVE AUTISM?"

Autism, PDD-NOS & Asperger's Fact Sheets. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.