Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is one of the most common neurodevelopmental diseases with 1 out of every 68 children being diagnosed with the disease (Baio, 2014). Typically diagnosed at age 4, ASD is a lifelong disease. As such, treatment of ASD typically focuses on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease. ASD is characterized by difficulties in communication, and social interaction. Those affected by ASD may also have increased or decreased sensitivity to tastes, touch, smells, sounds, or colors (“Autism Spectrum Disorder”, n.d.).
As the name implies, ASD has a wide spectrum of presentations and severities. It can range from Asperger’s syndrome, the least severe, to autistic disorder, the most severe. While individuals with less severe ASD are able to live independently, those with severe ASD will often require lifelong support, and care (“Autism Fact Sheet”, 2009).
Females are the cultural group specifically focused on in this paper. This cultural group is significant as 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with
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ASD children will not babble, talk, or point at 1 year of age. They may not develop single words by 1.5 years or two word phrases by the age of 2. Other symptoms include not responding to their own name and refusing to make or hold eye contact. When playing they will line up their toys in a row. Symptoms for older children with ASD include difficulty starting conversations, maintaining conversation, and making friendships. ASD children may exhibit an unusually repetitive use of language. They often adhere to a specific routine and are inflexible when trying to change it. Children with ASD may not engage in social and imaginative play but can express an unusually intense interest in certain specific subjects. Observing these behaviors is the first clue for a parent or clinician to consider an ASD diagnosis. (“Autism Fact Sheet”,