What about Autism and ADHD?

by

Humanities

Assignment: Content Review

Directions:

  • Respond to each item. Each response should be concise and 2–3 paragraphs in length.
  • Use MS Word to write your responses, and submit your answers to all three questions in one Word document.
  • Copy and paste each question into the document, so your Instructor can see which questions you are answering.
  1. In your own words, define autism. Then, identify and briefly describe four symptoms that a child with an autism spectrum disorder might exhibit.
  2. In your own words, define ADHD. Then, identify and briefly describe four symptoms that a child with ADHD might exhibit.
  3. Describe at least three specific implications (e.g., financial, political, psychological, educational, etc.) of autism and/or ADHD for families, schools, and/or society as a whole.

Discussion 1: Autism

As this week’s Learning Resources attest, debate rages among doctors, scientists, parents, and other child advocates on the cause or causes of autism spectrum disorders in children. In this Discussion, you will reflect on the roots of the controversy and how the Learning Resources have shaped your own opinion on these issues. Consider the following:

  • What are your thoughts on the vaccine controversy? Why do you think such fear and skepticism persist among some parents even though the vast majority of doctors and scientists maintain there is no link between vaccines and autism?
  • Do you think this skepticism and fear are warranted? Why or why not?
  • Do you think parents have the right not to vaccinate their children? Why or why not?

With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.

Post a description of your thoughts on the vaccine controversy, including why you believe many parents remain fearful that vaccines cause autism despite scientific evidence to the contrary. In addition, explain why you think parents do or do not have the right to refuse vaccinations for their children. Be sure to use the Learning Resources to support your thinking.

Discussion 2: ADHD

Like autism, ADHD has become a prominent children’s issue, in large part due to rapidly increasing rates of diagnosis. In this Discussion, you will consider why rates of ADHD in children have increased, and what the implications of treatment might be. Reflect on the following:

  • To what do you think the increase in ADHD among children can be attributed? Do you think ADHD is occurring more often, or is it simply being diagnosed more? Is the increase in diagnosis due to a combination of several factors? Explain.
  • What are your thoughts on the treatment of ADHD? Do you think drug therapies should be a primary option? Or should they only be a last resort, or not used at all? Why?

With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.

Post an explanation of your thoughts on the factor(s) that have contributed to the increase in children with ADHD over the past decade. In addition, explain how you think ADHD should be treated in children, particularly if and how drug therapies should be used, and why. Be sure to use the Learning Resources to support your thinking.