Autism and Mental Retardation

Autism and Mental Retardation

Respond to the following:

1. List the primary features of autism.

The primary features of autism include language and communication issues, lack of responsiveness, repetitive and rigid behaviors, echolalia, pronominal reversal, self-injurious behaviors, and self-stimulatory behavior (Comer, 2011).

2. Which explanation for autism is no longer considered valid and lacks research support?

Sociocultural causes are no longer considered to be valid and lack research support. Previously, there was a belief that social stresses along with dysfunction in the family were possible primary causes for autism. Others were under the belief that high levels of social and environmental stresses were responsible for autism (Comer, 2011). Neither of these has enough support through research to substantiate them, and therefore are no longer considered valid.

3. What forms of treatment are helpful for a person with autism?

Behavioral therapy, parent training, community integration, and communication training used in conjunction with medication treatments can be helpful in the treatment of person's with autism (Comer, 2011).

4. List the criteria for a diagnosis of mental retardation:

The diagnostic criteria for a person to receive a diagnosis of mental retardation include displays of general intellectual function below average in conjunction with IQ of 70 or less, difficulty with communication, self-direction, work, safety, or home living. Symptoms must be present before age of 18 (Comer, 2011).

5. Explain one way in which sociocultural biases in testing might pose problems for assessing mental retardation.

When a person that is being assessed for mental retardation and has been exposed to higher socioeconomic levels, the bias has an advantage based on their exposures to the testing information used to measure the tests. Whereas with persons of a lower socioeconomic level are not exposed, and therefore a likely to do worse.

6. Of the four levels of mental retardation, into which category do most people with mental retardation fall?

Most people with mental retardation fall into the mild category and are capable to supporting themselves in some forms and capacities. These individuals are able to learn to support themselves through training and schooling.

7. What are the main types of biological causes of mental retardation?

Chromosomal, genetic, metabolic, childhood problems, and prenatal/birth issues are all biological influencial causes of mental retardation.

8. What is the only way to prevent