Autism Spectrum Disorder Summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a complex effect in brain development has limited many from having the opportunity to live a healthy, normal and stress free life. Today, the pervasiveness of ASD in society has gained momentum. The article, The Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder, by Newschaffer et al claims that it is “second only to mental retardation as the most common serious developmental disabilities in the United States (2006, p. 21.2).” In an objective but yet deliberate tone, this scientific article states that those who were born with this neurodevelopmental disorder lack skills in social interactions, communication and possess a limited and reoccurring pattern in behavior. The word “spectrum” in ASD refers to the wide range of

The main purpose behind the article is to present unbiased scientific facts; therefore, the author is not trying to persuade the audience one way or another. An example proving this is ““Use of complementary and alternative medicine approaches are also commonly reported (90), but their effectiveness remains unproven"(2006, p. 21.4).” It is apparent that no personal feelings or suggestion was included in this statement. The author never states what approach would be best, just states the fact. Furthermore, the diction present in The Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder tends to be abstract due to the scientific subject being discussed. For example the author states “Melatonin is made in the pineal gland from serotonin, with peak secretion at night (2006, p. 21.9).” For an average reader, certain vocabulary such as “peak secretion” can be challenging to understand. Thus, that is the reason why the Wallace article tends to boil down the main ideas of such articles to translate it with common vocabulary terms. Nevertheless, the audience this article targets is scientific, therefore; such colloquialism is understood by most readers and is the reason why there is a prevalence of such words

However, through my examination of both articles, I have come to the conclusion that both types of articles are essential in order to educate and raise awareness of the issues surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder. The scientific article by Newschaffer et al provides an in-depth explanation based on facts and statistical evidences. Such articles are vital for the scientific community to communicate new findings to one another. Thus, the tone of the article stays objective and monotone. The author cannot choose a side because if he or she does, it undermines the stakes of the article. Readers won’t be able to separate what is actual fact from the author’s opinion. In addition, authors of The Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder carefully choose their words when speaking to a community of scientists and professors. If every day colloquial where employed in such articles, it would take away from the authority of the tone and would degrade the value and credibility of the information