Norcia 1

Anthony Norcia

Mrs. DeBock

English IV Honors

23 February 2017

Research Question: How can autism affect the motor functions of adolescents?

Working thesis: Autism in children seems to hinder social, communicative, and language

development.

Refined thesis: Parents should identify social, communicative, and language deficiencies in their

children so an early diagnosis can be reached and the special attention needed will be provided.

Dachel, Anne McElroy. "Autism Is a Serious Public Health Crisis." Behavioral Disorders, edited

by Louise I. Gerdes, Greenhaven Press, 2010. Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing

Viewpoints in Context, Accessed 22 Feb. 2017.

This article is a first hand account of a parent whose child suffers from Asperger's

syndrome (a common form of autism). The writer begins by explaining the discrepancy of autism

cases in the 90s and how it seemed so common yet the CDC denied how often it occurred in

children, especially males. The authors son, John, had always been behind the learning curve

since age three forcing him to take speech classes and be homeschooled. Due to the lack of

diagnosed autistics back then, Johns parent was concerned he would suffer through life without

other autistics to be around. He had a paper route and took piano classes while being home

schooled yet still struggled with everyday communication. Little did anyone know, an explosion

of autism was inbound. Not that the disorder was just showing up, but it had always been there
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undiagnosed disguised as a disinterest in learning or social anxiety. Once John had been

diagnosed and found others to be around, his learning and social skills improved. As an aging

autistic, he was able to collect disability because holding a stable job would be difficult. All of

this is due to a greater understanding and awareness of the disorder. This source goes with the

thesis because it gives a first hand account of autism from a parent and what she went through.

Dean, Rick. "Apps Can Help Special Needs Students Improve Social Skills." What Is the Role of

Technology in Education?, edited by Judeen Bartos, Greenhaven Press, 2013. At Issue.

Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Accessed 23 Feb. 2017.

This source pertains to an app that is designed for preteens and teens who have

Aspergers Syndrome called Sosh. This app does a variety of exercises such as slang terms,

relaxation in conversation, and speech volume. It is targeted for the 12-19 age set because

children of these ages receive less intensive special education during those years. Sosh is mainly

a social interaction application built around 5 Rs, relate, recognize, regulate, reason, relax. The

program is full of relaxation techniques to limit frustration and a voice meter to teach a normal

level. The refined thesis mentions special education and Sosh is a perfect example of the

innovation in special education programs.

Gilman, Priscilla. "The child you didn't dream of." Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2011, p. 46. Opposing

Viewpoints in Context. Accessed 23 Feb. 2017.

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This source is a first person account of a woman who watches her son grow up with an

ASD. Her son, Benjamin, exhibited unique behavior as a 3 year old and was recommended an

alternative school. Benj did not make small talk or express feelings or desires with gestures

and it became increasingly obvious the condition he was born with. The mother soon became

obsessed with child development books and articles and got her son into a therapist quickly after.

Benjamin was able to enjoy school despite still suffering from tics and strange anxieties which

will remain with him for most of his life. This source is a helpful real world connection for

parents to see how autism can be handled internally.

Nordqvist, Christian. "Autism: An Overview." Why Is Autism on the Rise?, edited by Clay Farris

Naff, Greenhaven Press, 2014. At Issue. Opposing Viewpoints in Context, Accessed 21

Feb. 2017.

This article outlines the exact definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder. ASD is

characterized by various social and communicative deficiencies ranging from debilitating to

manageable. This disability usually presents itself in the first three years of a person's life and is

a product of a neurological disorder that hinders normal brain activity. ASD has a wide spectrum

of symptoms which means no two cases of autism are the exact same. Some people with autism

can function day to day society with few slip ups while severe cases of autism can isolate a

person from everyone due to their lack of knowledge of social cues, inability to make eye

contact, and difficulty holding a conversation. Another characteristic of ASD described in the

article is the autistics need to follow a routine. Sudden change to everyday life can upset the
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subject and cause instability. Failure to express emotions is a common symptom of ASD.

Autistics find it difficult to show love, happiness, sadness, and pain although they possess all

these emotions. This source pertains to the thesis because it gives parents telltale signs to look for

in children.

Not all capsSnell Martha, E. "Autism, Education of Individuals with." Encyclopedia of

Education,

edited by James W. Guthrie, 2nd ed., vol. 1, Macmillan Reference USA, 2003, pp.

161-162. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Accessed 23 Feb. 2017.

This source begins with how autism was first described by Leo kanner 75 years ago.

Then, the article goes on to describe the extensive, long term educational needs required by

children with a form of ASD. These treatments revolve around a behaviorally based curriculum

that involves interaction with peers and goals embedded in tasks. This curriculum would be best

constructed by a physical or occupational therapist who interacts directly with the child with the

ASD. The goal of the special education program setup for autistics aim for improvement in

social communication, appropriate behavior, decision making, and functional academic abilities.

A government act called IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is explained and

serves the purpose of getting disabled Americans the much needed care they require, although

IDEA has been unable to keep up with the explosion of autism. The thesis works well with this

source because it gives parents a way to refine the education of their autistic children.

"An Untreated Epidemic?" America, 2 Nov. 2009, p. 5. Opposing Viewpoints in Context,

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Accessed 22 Feb. 2017.

This article promotes the rhetoric that there are so many cases of autism that are

undertreated while there are viable treatments for this disorder. When parents see the telltale sign

of autism in their child such as lack of eye contact, sporadic behavior, or repetitive speech they

do the best they can to help but there is simply not enough help to be given. Insurance does not

recognize autism as the serious problem it really is causing families to pay out of pocket for the

effective remedies used on autistics. This source also tackles the federal governments surprising

lack of funding to autism research and treatment compared to other large scale health crises. The

thesis can be linked to this article because it gives examples of autism symptoms yet many are

still undertreated.