Common Disorders

Choose one of the seven disorders you read about in this unit: Fragile X syndrome, ADHD, Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, autism, and FAS. Respond to the following questions using the disorder you chose.

Your friend Alice tells you that her daughter Lauren has been recently diagnosed with this disorder. Alice would like more details and comes to you for information.

Provide a brief description of the disorder.

Ask three friends or family members who are not in the field of medicine or psychology what they know about the cause and symptoms of the disorder. Analyze their replies and discuss what this might imply about how this disorder is known and perceived by the general public.

Alice expresses guilt that she may have caused Lauren’s disorder and is also concerned that it might occur again in future offspring. What would you advise her in terms of preventive actions, available testing, and reproduction options

Brief Description of Autism: Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent challenges in social interaction, communication difficulties, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. It typically emerges in early childhood and varies widely in severity and presentation.

Analysis of Public Perception: To analyze the public perception of autism, I asked three friends or family members who are not in the field of medicine or psychology about their knowledge of the cause and symptoms of the disorder. Their responses varied but shared some common themes:

1. Lack of Awareness: Two out of three individuals had limited knowledge of autism. They were aware that it is a developmental disorder but lacked detailed understanding of the specific symptoms and causes.

2. Genetic Factors: All three respondents mentioned that they believed genetics played a role in autism. One person mentioned that it could be inherited from parents, while another mentioned the possibility of a genetic mutation.

3. Communication and Social Challenges: The participants recognized that individuals with autism experience difficulties in communication and social interactions. They mentioned characteristics such as limited eye contact, repetitive behaviors, and a preference for routine.

These responses imply that there is a general lack of awareness and understanding of autism among the general public. While some individuals may have a basic understanding of the disorder and its impact on communication and social interactions, the specific causes and symptoms may not be widely known.

Advice for Alice:

1. Guilt and Blame: It is crucial to reassure Alice that she is not to blame for her daughter’s autism. Autism is a complex disorder with multifactorial causes, including a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Encourage Alice to focus on supporting her daughter and seeking appropriate interventions rather than dwelling on guilt.

2. Prevention and Testing: As of now, there is no known way to prevent autism. It is essential to emphasize to Alice that the disorder is not solely caused by any actions or decisions she made. However, if Alice plans to have more children in the future, she can consult a healthcare professional or a genetic counselor to understand the potential risks and available testing options for early detection or genetic screening.

3. Reproduction Options: Depending on Alice’s individual circumstances and preferences, she may explore various reproductive options such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which involves testing embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation, or prenatal testing during pregnancy. These options can provide more information and assist in making informed decisions about future pregnancies.

4. Support and Resources: Encourage Alice to seek support from autism advocacy organizations, parent support groups, and healthcare professionals specializing in autism. These resources can provide valuable information, guidance, and emotional support to both Alice and her daughter.

It is essential to approach the topic with empathy and understanding, emphasizing that Alice is not alone and that there are resources available to support her and her daughter through their journey with autism.