Autism Spectrum Disorders in Childhood

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2012 in the subject Social Work, grade: 1,0, Erfurt University of Applied Sciences, language: English, abstract: The focus of this Bachelor's thesis is the comparison of early childhood autism with Asperger's syndrome. I work out successively how these disorders differ and how social workers can act professionally through methodical procedures and programmes. Even though the causes of autism spectrum disorders are not yet clearly defined, the symptoms can be compensated for through targeted support. The studies focus on the treatment of these disorders. Therefore, the bachelor's thesis elaborates how social workers can contribute in a supportive and accompanying way to compensate for the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders in childhood. The central task is the early recognition of the corresponding disorder in order to be able to intervene in a targeted manner. This can be done through screening in early childhood, but in Germany the diagnosis of early childhood autism is often not made until the age of four. The diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome is sometimes more delayed because children develop normally in the first months and years of life. This gave rise to the following questions, which are discussed below: What are the similarities and differences between early childhood autism and Asperger's syndrome and how do they manifest themselves? Which support options for building social and communicative skills can compensate for autistic behaviour and how can social workers intervene?