A push, a slap, a tear; the human life begins, at least for most individuals where great uncertainty surrounds the future as the risk of being diagnosed with some sort of disorders early in development exists. Chief among such disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders which include intellectual disability, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, specific learning disorder, motor disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders (DSM-5, 2013). Neurodevelopmental disorders is manifested before children begin grade school and is characterized by developmental deficits producing impairments in such areas of functioning of social, personal, academic or occupational (DSM-5, 2013). Autism spectrum disorders or autism are “severe developmental disorders characterized by abnormalities in social functioning, language and communication, and unusual behaviors and interest” (Mash & Wolfe, 2010, p. 300). These disorders include pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) such as Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s disorder and Pervasive Development Disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). The DSM-5 (2013) specifies diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder with having five criteria A, B, C, D, and E. Criteria A refers to …show more content…
With frequent reminders about the importance of taking other person’s feelings into consideration, empathy is usually improved nonetheless. Physical contact on the other hand, very seldom occurs with individuals with autism as they fear being touched or cuddled by others but will do so with family members at times where contact needs to be anticipated usually through repeated practice. These individuals also display self stimulatory behaviors considered stereotypical and repetitive body or object movements which serves to “excite their nervous system” (Mash & Wolfe, 2010, p.