Running Head- [Essay]

Essay- [“Disability Studies”]

[Name of Writer]

[Name of Institution]
“Disability Studies”

“Table of Contents”
Introduction................................................................................................................................3

“Autism Spectrum Disorder”.....................................................................................................3

Conclusion................................................................................................................................11

References................................................................................................................................13

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“Disability Studies”

Introduction

More disabled people exist than able-bodied people. Disability rates are rising. This is

happening due to population movements and diseases. Most people will have a temporary or

permanent disability in their lives. COVID-19 affects disabled individuals disproportionately.

When seeking medical care, disabled patients often experience discrimination and aggression.

Scaling up disability inclusion in primary care is urgent. Disability studies investigates

disability as a cultural, social, interpersonal, and political reality and disabled people's lived

experience. SDS leads the industry. Humanities, sciences, and social sciences are used in

disability studies. SDS disability studies members study literature, history, medicine,

philosophy, education, architecture, law, and anthropology (Howard and Sedgewick., 2021).

Disability studies isn't a "special-interest" topic due to its wide spectrum of scholarly

perspectives. Disability studies prioritise disabled voices and engagement over non-disabled

"research." Many disabled scholars are activists and campaigners aiming to reduce disability

stigma. Disability studies clarify prejudices and how to handle the physically or intellectually

impaired. The field is built on evaluating preconceived notions about disabled individuals. It

questions the concept that disabled people have a fault that can be remedied with technology

or support. We investigate disability's sociological, cultural, and political contexts.

Researchers in disability studies see impairment as a sign of cultural diversity, not something

to fear or overcome. Disability pride is strong (Sipowicz, et al., 2019). As with other minority

identities, this varies. Some may never accept and appreciate handicap. Disability studies can

give intellectual, emotional, and community fulfilment. This article covers disability,

medical, and social support. Alternative communication and helping impaired people.

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“Disability Studies”

“Autism Spectrum Disorder”

“Autistic spectrum disorder” (ASD) is a developmental disability that impacts a

person's ability to communicate, interact socially, and behave appropriately. Patients with

autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty speaking, interacting socially, behaving

responsibly, & developing in ways that are considered typical for most people. People who

have been diagnosed with ASD may have varying degrees of difficulty in social interaction,

problem-solving skills, and communication. Individuals who are autistic often struggle to

form meaningful relationships, control their emotions, and communicate effectively.

However, to this day, it is still unknow why certain people are more predisposed to

developing autism spectrum conditions than others (Albrecht, et al., 2021). Researchers are

under intense pressure to find a solution to the problem, and it appears that there may be

multiple causes at play here, with genetic and/or environmental variables playing a central

role in the inquiry.

Differences in brain structure and function are at the root of autism spectrum disorder

(ASD), a developmental impairment. People on the autism spectrum sometimes struggle with

limited speech and language skills, as well as restricted or repetitive activities and interests.

Individuals on the autism spectrum may also operate differently in terms of how they take in

information, move their bodies, and focus their attention. It's worth noting that some people

who don't have autism spectrum disorder may also exhibit similar signs. However, these traits

can make daily life difficult for those with autism spectrum disorder. Individuals with ASD

may struggle with social communication and interaction skills. Infant, in human years,

making a waving gesture, smiling for the camera. illustration of social interaction and

communication (Goodley, et al., 2019). One symptom of autism spectrum disorder is

difficulty making or maintaining eye contact. doesn't recognise their name by 9 months,

doesn't show emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, or surprise by 9 months, doesn't play

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“Disability Studies”

pat-a-cake or other interactive games by 12 months, uses few or no gestures by 12 months

(like waving goodbye), doesn't show interest in others by 15 months, doesn't point to show

you something interesting by 18 months, doesn't talk by 18 months.

Individuals on the autism spectrum may display peculiar habits or hobbies.

Differences in these behaviours or interests distinguish ASD from conditions limited to

difficulties in social communication and engagement. An up-close shot of a kid playing with

bricks on the floor is an example of the kind of confined or repetitive behaviour and interests

that can be indicative of autism spectrum disorder. Has unusual reactions to the sight, smell,

taste, or touch of things; lines up toys or other objects and becomes upset when the order is

changed; repeats words or phrases over and over (echolalia); plays with toys in the same way

every time; focuses on specific parts of objects (such as wheels); is easily frustrated by even

small changes; has obsessive interests; requires strict adherence to routines; flaps hands,

rocks body, or spins self in circles; has trouble regulating emotions (Howard and Sedgewick.,

2021). Individuals with autism spectrum disorder tend to also exhibit a number of ancillary

traits. Delays in language development could be one such issue. Acquiring Delayed Motor

Skills a lag in mental or academic development symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity,

and/or a lack of focus; epilepsy; a history of convulsions. problems with digestion (such as

constipation), changes in mood or emotional state (such as anxiety, stress, or excessive

worry), and either a lack of or an excess of fear

One in every 44 children receives a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in

2021, according to statistics collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC). On average, 1 in every 27 boys has autism. When only females were considered, 1 in

116 were found to have autism. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in boys is four

times that in girls. Although autism may be reliably diagnosed beginning at age 2, the vast

majority of diagnoses were not being made until around the age of 4. Of the children

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diagnosed with ASD, 31% have intellectual disabilities (IQ 70), 25% fall in the borderline

range (IQ 71-85), and 44% have ordinary to above average IQs (IQ 85). Autism strikes

communities of every background and income level. Less and delayed diagnoses are made in

minority populations (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022). The best

chance to promote healthy development and long-term advantages is provided by early

intervention. Autism cannot be diagnosed medically. Based on the available evidence, it

seems that genetics have a significant role in the great majority of instances. Autism spectrum

disorder is more common in children of older parents. In families where one member has

autism spectrum disorder, the chance of having another kid also diagnosed is 2% to 18%.

Research indicates that between 36% and 95% of pairs of identical twins will both be

diagnosed with autism. If one child in a pair of non-identical twins has autism, the chance

that the other will also have the disorder rises to roughly 31% (Autism Speaks. 2022).

Extensive studies have been conducted over the past two decades to see if there is a

connection between autism and childhood vaccines. The study's findings are unmistakable:

Autism is not caused by vaccines. Learning, talking, and socialising can all benefit from early

intervention, as can cognitive growth. The field of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and

therapies founded on its principles are the most studied and widely implemented behavioural

interventions for autism. Other interventions, such as speech and occupational therapy, are

helpful for many autistic children as well. One in five children who are later diagnosed with

autism experience developmental regression between the ages of one and three. This can

include a loss of skills like language and social interest (The Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. 2022). Some 40% of those who have autism are also non-verbal. 31% of children

with ASD have an intellectual disability (IQ 70) and face substantial difficulties in daily

functioning; another 25% are on the cusp of intellectual disability (IQ 71–85). Many people

with autism have a tendency to wander or run off. Between the ages of 6 and 15, over two-

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thirds of children with autism experience bullying. Self-harming behaviours are present in

about 28 percent of children with ASD at the age of 8. Some of the most frequent are hitting

one's head, biting one's arm, and scratching one's skin (Autism Speaks. 2022). Children with

autism have a higher risk of drowning than children without the disorder, and over 90% of all

deaths connected with wandering or bolting by children younger than 14 are caused by

drowning.

One's entire body may feel the effects of autism. Between 30 and 61% of autistic

children also have “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD). The majority of

autistic youngsters experience long-term sleep difficulties. A significant percentage of

children and adolescents on the spectrum also suffer from anxiety disorders, anywhere from

11-40%. About 7 percent of autistic children and 26 percent of autistic adults experience

depression. The prevalence of persistent gastrointestinal issues in children with autism is

about eight times that in typically developing youngsters. One-third or more of those with

autism also suffer from seizures (seizure disorder). It has been estimated that 4-35 percent of

autistic individuals also suffer from schizophrenia. Alternatively, schizophrenia is thought to

affect just about 1.1% of the population at large. Health issues linked to autism occur at any

age, from infancy to old age. One-third of children with autism between the ages of 2 and 5

are overweight, and 16% are obese. In contrast, just about 10% of the general population's

children aged 2-5 are medically obese, and only 23% are overweight. Drugs like risperidone

and aripiprazole are currently the only options for treating agitation and irritability in people

with autism that have received FDA approval (The Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. 2022).

The average cost of caring for a child with autism is estimated to be $60,000. This

includes the expense of special services as well as the cost of lost wages for one or both

parents as a result of caring for their child. Having an intellectual handicap is expensive.

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“Disability Studies”

Mothers with children with ASD often take on the roles of case manager and advocate for

their children, and as a result, they are less likely to hold a paid job outside the home.

Mothers of children with special needs have lower weekly earnings and work fewer hours on

average than mothers of children without special needs (56% less) and mothers of children

with other special needs (35% less). An estimated 707,000 to 1,116,000 adolescents (70,700

to 111,600 per year) with autism will reach adulthood during the next decade and no longer

be eligible for services provided via their schools (Howard and Sedgewick., 2021). Half as

many autistic teenagers as normal teenagers with exceptional healthcare needs use healthcare

transition programmes.

Young people with autism who also have medical complications are significantly less

likely to get help making the transition. However, many autistic young people go without

medical care for a significant amount of time after they have stopped seeing a paediatrician.

When asked about their employment and schooling status two years following high school

graduation, more than half of autistic young adults said they were neither. This is a smaller

percentage of young adults than those with other types of disabilities, such as learning

disabilities, intellectual disability, or speech-language impairment. In 2014, approximately

18,000 adults with autism participated in state-funded vocational rehabilitation programmes,

but only 60% of them were successful in finding employment upon completion of the

programme. Eighty percent of these individuals were employed at lower-than-minimum-

wage part-time jobs (median weekly wage: $160), putting them in poverty (Albrecht, et al.,

2021). About half of autistic adults (those aged 25 and up) have never worked for money.

Independent work activities have been shown to improve autistic individuals' ability to

perform daily tasks and decrease the severity of their symptoms.

Without more efficient interventions and lifelong care, the cost of caring for people

with autism reached $268 billion in 2015 and is projected to climb to $461 billion by 2025.

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The expenditures associated with autism in the United States are projected to be between

$175 and $196 billion a year, with adults bearing the lion's share ($175–196 billion)

compared to the costs associated with children ($61–66 billion). Health care costs for

children and adolescents with ASD were between 4.1% and 6.2% higher than those without

autism. The "Achieving a Better Life Experience" (ABLE) Act was passed in 2014, allowing

states to create tax-preferred savings accounts for people with disabilities (Howard and

Sedgewick., 2021). Thanks to laws that have been passed in all 50 states, people with autism

can now receive the necessary medical care and therapeutic interventions.

There is a considerable population of people with ASD who are nonverbal or mildly

spoken throughout their lives, making AAC essential for this group. Many people associate

the use of “augmentative and alternative communication” (AAC) with those who have

trouble with expressive communication, however even youngsters who are already thought to

have a great voice can benefit from using AAC. Visual systems in particular aid in

understanding, and can even lend a hand with expression when necessary. Reducing negative

behaviours is possible when people with ASD learn to express even the most basic needs and

wants. A person's quality of life may increase as a result of their access to augmentative and

alternative communication tools because of their enhanced capacity for communication

(Albrecht, et al., 2021). AAC can help the user communicate more effectively, which can

have positive effects beyond the person. They might not have to guess at the user's

preferences anymore. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are

highly recommended for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who want to improve

their communication and language skills. However, it ultimately rests in the hands of the

individual to determine their own necessities.

A well-designed and implemented AAC system may allow people with speech

impairments to express themselves in their own way. Practice such independent functional

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conversation with people from all walks of life in a wide range of contexts (including at

home, in the store, in a restaurant, etc.). Long-term effects of proper operation are as follows

and should be remembered: For starters, people should have the freedom to talk about how

they're doing on their own personal goals (a) in their own words. Communication

accessibility (b): people in the user's immediate environment, including those the user knows

and those they don't, are open to and supportive of the user's use of AAC (The Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention. 2022). (c) Verbal and written communication competence:

the individual has shown that they have the fundamental knowledge and abilities in language,

business, social, and strategic planning.

AAC can be used with people who have ASD, but there are many more ways to help

them learn to communicate effectively. Before settling on a particular AAC system, it is

necessary to conduct an AAC evaluation to ascertain the individual needs of the user. Second,

the system is put into action because it is intended to accomplish particular positive goals.

Then, we'll analyse how each of these three overarching goals can be measured, and last,

we'll dive into the various intervention strategies that can be put to use to make these dreams

a reality.

The effects of raising an autistic individual can be felt in many aspects of a family's

life, including cleaning, budgeting, the mental and emotional well-being of the parents, the

quality of marital and other family relationships, the physical health of family members, the

ability to respond to the needs of other children within the family, strained sibling

relationships, poor relationships with extended family, friends, and neighbours, and

recreational and leisure pursuits. Raising an autistic child can also have a negative impact on

a family According to the findings of several studies, children on the autism spectrum have a

range of challenges, each one of which can have a significant impact on the daily functioning

of a family (Autism Speaks. 2022). Additionally, it has the potential to place a significant

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amount of stress on the family system as a whole. As a result, challenges in speaking and

interacting with others have an effect on the entirety of the family. Families dealing with

autistic children frequently find themselves financially and emotionally depleted as a result of

their situation.

It is abundantly clear that autism spectrum disorder has the potential to impact not just

the functioning of the child but also the family as a whole. When compared to parents of

children who do not have a developmental disorder, those who have children diagnosed with

ASD have a significantly greater rate of divorce. Autism in children is thought to be caused

by the anxiety and depression experienced by their mothers. There appears to be a cyclical

relationship between the stress experienced by parents and the challenges that their children

with autism experience in terms of their behaviour, with deteriorating child behaviour

contributing to increased levels of parental stress. The stress experienced by parents has a

detrimental effect on the outcomes of behavioural therapies, and the stress experienced by

parents is itself a factor that contributes to an increase in behavioural problems (Sipowicz, et

al., 2019). There are a variety of different factors that can contribute to parental stress in

families with children who have autism. These factors include a lack of spousal support,

friends and family members who are unable to assist, and the child's autism diagnosis itself.

Adjusting to the child's actual condition, the family's living situation and their financial

situation are all additional issues that can contribute to parental stress.

Conclusion

The World Health Organization (WHO) strives to ensure that people with disabilities

have easier access to and coverage of health services by performing the following tasks:

advising and supporting the Member States to raise awareness of disability issues and

promoting the inclusion of disability as a component in national and sub-national health

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“Disability Studies”

programmes; facilitating the collection and dissemination of data and information related to

the disability; creating normative tools, such as guideline documents; and promoting the

inclusion of disability as a component in international health programmes. as well as the

establishment of programmes to increase capability. Autism is a complex disorder, and its

symptoms can manifest in a wide variety of ways. Numerous studies have come to the

conclusion that parenting presents its own special challenges. The stress that is placed on

moms is one of these factors. The stress that is placed on the mother as a result of the

responsibility of providing care for a kid who has autism has a substantial effect on the

overall health of the family.

The conclusions of this study regarding the consequences that autism spectrum

disorder have on families are emphasised with respect to their significance. It is feasible that

addressing issues of family support, marital relationships, and social involvement will

minimise the effect on everyone in the family. These difficulties include: Parents of children

on the autism spectrum may benefit from receiving social assistance that is both encouraging

and helpful. This may help them feel less stressed. There is a good chance that the mother

and any autistic child would benefit from improved adaptation among the extended family of

the child.

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“Disability Studies”

References

Goodley, D., Lawthom, R., Liddiard, K. and Runswick-Cole, K., 2019. Provocations for

critical disability studies. Disability & Society, 34(6), pp.972-997.

Albrecht, I.G., Seelman, K.D. and Bury, M., 2021. Disability Studies. Sexuality Education

for Students with Disabilities, p.236.

Autism Speaks. 2022. Autism Statistics and Facts | Autism Speaks.

Sipowicz, K., Marlena, P. and Pietras, T.B., 2019. Methods of communication with

individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Kwartalnik Naukowy Fides et

Ratio, 1(38).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Howard, P.L. and Sedgewick, F., 2021. ‘Anything but the phone!’: Communication mode

preferences in the autism community. Autism, 25(8), pp.2265-2278.

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