Question

Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by irregularities in central nervous system development that adversely impact learning, executive cognitive processes, social behavior, and general intellectual functioning. For many with neurodevelopmentaldisorders, functioning is impacted into adulthood. The purpose of this forum is for you to evaluate the effects that neurodevelopmental disorders may have on two key developmental tasks of adulthood: establishing meaningful work and forming intimate relationships. For the current discussion, please address the following issues in your thread:

1. Choose 1 of the following neurodevelopmentaldisorders and describe its diagnostic features: Learning Disorders, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Hydrocephalus, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fragile-X Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or Tourette Syndrome. (Don’t forget to cite the source(s) of your information.
2. An issue that is passionately debated in Christian circles is the “age of accountability,” or the belief that God saves people who die never having possessed the ability to make a decision for or against faith in Christ (e.g., young children, the intellectually disabled). Using scholarly support, discuss whether or not a person diagnosed with the disorder you chose can have the cognitive capacity to make a true commitment to belief in Christ. Using scriptural support, discuss the implications of your stance for this person’s salvation.

Answer 1

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

ASD is a neuroldevelopmental disorder that begins early in childhood and lasts through a person’s life. It can cause significant impairement in social, communication and behavioral functioning. It involves a wide range of problematic behaviors including deficits in language, perceptual , emotional and motor developmental skills. It also inhibits the ability of an individual to function in social situations.

Individuals with ASD has difficulties in three main areas. These are known as ‘the triad of impairments’ or ‘the three impairments’. It causes deficits in these major areas:

1.Socialization and communication.

2.Repetitive and restricted behaviors.

3.Extremely limited range of activities and interests.

• The diagnostic features include:

1. Hyper-hypo reactivity to sensory inputs.
2. Deficits in social communication and social interactions
3. Stereotyped and repetitive patterns of behavior
4. Inability to form or maintain social relations
5. Lack of ability to manage or regulate emotions
6. Deficits in non-verbal communication
7. Repitive motor movements such as clapping, flipping objects etc.
8. All the symptoms must be present in the early developmental period.
9. Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational and education functioning.