Abnormal Psych DQ Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Abnormal Psych DQ Questions - Essay Example The low functional levels due to the profound mental retardation makes it difficult to assess for the key characteristics of autism and so diagnostic instruments are likely to throw up spurious results. This makes diagnosis of autism a challenge and calls for clinical experience (Brasic, 2006). Autism was initially believed to be associated with higher social classes, but is now known to afflict all social classes in an equal manner. Motion abnormalities are a striking feature of autism and may provide the means for the identification of autism in early infancy, prior to the other manifestations. In children the motion anomalies demonstrated are also highly characteristic and can be easily identified. An example of such an abnormal motion typical to autism is the placing of the hand with fingers outstretched by the child before the eyes, with rapid back and forth movement. This action of the child is considered as self-stimulation, as it produces a visual sensation. Many of such abnormal motions typical to autism appear like attempts to provide sensory input to the self in barren environments (Brasic, 2006). The cause of autism still remains unknown, but there are several hypotheses that include exposure to toxic agents and infections, and possibly vaccinations for diseases like measles, mumps and rubella. The treatment of autism is essentially directed towards the associated behavioral problems and so includes intensive behavioral, educational, and psychological components. The use of serotonin in the treatment of autism is under investigation. The earlier the diagnosis and use of intervention strategies the more favorable the outcome and so regular screening of infants and toddlers for signs and symptoms of the disorder is useful (Brasic, 2006). The definition of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) provided by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM IV) is that it is â€Å"a recurrent