Psychology and Autism

For the past two weeks, we have been learning the basic history of psychology. We learned about how psychology's definition has changed over time, from the thoughts of Plato and Aristotle up through modern psychologists. We also discussed whether psychology is a science or not and what forms of data gathering can be used in psychology and for what purpose they can be used.

For the project on Chapter 3a, Mrs. Perl asked us to find an outside source to discuss in our presentations. I immediately researched autism. As most all of you know, autism is particularly close to my heart because my brother was diagnosed with moderate-to-severe autism at the age of three. He is now almost thirteen. As a result of simply living in the same house as him, I probably know more about this psychological disorder and  the treatments than the average person. From a young age, my brother and I were both exposed to the world of various supplements, treatments and pills, each of which had a different purpose. Now, at the age of almost thirteen, my brother is taking anti-depressants among other medications. Why does he take these medications? What is autism?

Simply put, autism is a psychological disorder of unknown cause that causes an imbalance of chemicals, or neurotransmitters, in the brain. Every manifestation of autism is unique to the person it effects. However, common to most cases of autism is the imbalance of the chemical serotonin. As we all know, neurons communicate with each other by releasing neurotransmitters from one neuron and receiving those neurotransmitters in the next neuron. Serotonin, whose functions/messages include balancing mood and maintaining stable bodily functions, has been found in much lower (than normal) levels in autistic children. Normal children should have serotonin levels that are much higher than the average adult's levels. Autistic children between the ages of 3 and 8 were found to have only 1% more serotonin than adults. During a clinical study, autistic children were given a drug containing the extra serotonin that they were lacking. By the end of the study, the scientists found that the children's aggression was measurably reduced. This finding may lead scientists closer to finding the causes of autism as well as help them control the symptoms.

Right from the start of my study of psychology, I was intrigued by psychology's application to everyday life. Until I did this assignment, I had no idea that psychology would be so close to home. I look forward to learning more about the disorder that effects my brother and gaining a better understanding of what autism actually does to the mind. On a side note, I am grateful that scientists have created and tested drugs that can help balance the serotonin levels in my brother's brain so that he is not in a constant state of aggression and can enjoy his life.