Autism vs Emotional Disturbance

Autism vs. Emotional Disturbance: What’s the Difference?

As a result, it is important to explore the difference between ASD and ED because these two conditions may somewhat resemble each other. Yet, they are different in terms of causes, signs, and manner of impact on individuals.

Autism is a developmental disorder that particularly influences a person’s capacity to talk and relate with others. It also includes limited or recurring activities, as well as special awareness.

On the other hand, emotional disturbance refers to a mental condition that affects emotion bestowal and impairs social interaction, scholarly performance, and social functioning.

While some similarities exist between the two, they differ significantly in their core features:

Autism

• Affects communication and role interaction abilities.
• This can result in complications within social interaction, such as interpreting body signals and developing friendly returns and interactions.
• Characterized by significant limitations in patterns of behaviour and tasks and the presence of sensory integration difficulties (for instance, light sensitivity, auditory, tactile, etc.).
• It is more commonly seen in children under the age of three years, although the diagnosis can sometimes be made later if milder forms of the condition are present.
• According to the CDC in recent years, the incidence rate is that it impacts one child in every 36 in the United States.

Emotional Disturbance

• Interferes with the emotional modulation of behaviour, resulting in an increased level of fear, anxiety, depression or a poor ability to control emotions.
• It may lead to aggressive or withdrawn, second and impulsive behaviours, and the appropriate functioning of existing relationships and daily activity.
• May appear at any time and depends on environment, psychosocial factors or genes.
• An estimated 12 million or 4 per cent of adults in the United States are prey to the disorder.

Both autism and emotional disturbance require professional diagnosis and tailored interventions. Early recognition and appropriate support can help individuals lead fulfilling lives.

Causes of Autism and Emotional Disturbance

The aetiology of autism and emotional disturbance is not clear, and the factors are multiple. These usually have interactive components with various causes, which include genetics, environment and neurobiology.

Autism

1. Genetic Factors: Autism’s genetics mean that certain genetic mutations or inherited characteristics put a child at risk for the condition.
2. Neurological Factors: Neural aspects of the analysis also include the differences in the brain that exist in ASD primarily due to variations in the development and connectivity of various organ parts.
3. Environmental Influences: Environmental conditions, including those during pregnancy and before birth, might be contributing to autism.

Emotional Disturbance

1. Genetic Predisposition: Predisposing factors considered to be effective include a family history of mood or anxiety disorders.
2. Psychosocial Stressors: It is important to relate emotional disturbance to other factors such as distress, maltreatment or unfavourable parent-child relations.
3. Neurobiological Factors: This can occur due to a lack of balance in the brain chemistries or due to early developmental problems.

Diagnosing Autism and Emotional Disturbance

Autism and emotional disturbance require Physicians to make a diagnosis through examinations by developmental paediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

Autism

• Characterised according to diagnostic criteria of DSM-5 with features set on impairments in social and communication development and the presence of stereotyped or repetitive patterns of behaviour.
• A common feature is usually diagnosed in childhood via developmental checkups and/or behavioural observations.

Emotional Disturbance

• When a person is identified to have had a low mood or behavioural changes that affect normal functioning for two weeks or more, they are likely to be diagnosed with mental illness.
• They mainly involve screening of manner of handling emotions, self and other’s behaviours, and the possibility of having any psychological disorders.

It’s important to note that some individuals may exhibit overlapping symptoms of ASD and ED, complicating the diagnostic process. A thorough evaluation is critical to ensure accurate identification and effective intervention planning.

Treatments for Autism and Emotional Disturbance

Effective treatments for autism and emotional disturbance focus on addressing the individual’s unique needs, promoting social and emotional well-being, and improving quality of life.

Autism

1. Behavioural Interventions: Positive reinforcement, social stories, and routine teaching are the major strategies used in managing the condition.
2. Speech and Occupational Therapy: These therapies enhance the speech, occupational or adaptive, and tactile needs of the individual.
3. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Children with ASD should be supported with educational strategies to be offered by schools.

Emotional Disturbance

1. Therapeutic Interventions: Psychotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy, counselling, and other related treatments help in treating anxiety, depression and emotional problems.
2. Medication: Addressing any psychiatric condition may require prescriptions for antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers.
3. Support Systems: This should involve family and community counselling to provide a proper environment for the child.

Living with Autism or Emotional Disturbance

Living with autism or emotional disturbance presents unique challenges, but with the right support and interventions, individuals can thrive.

• Autism only affects communication and behaviour, yet it does not limit the ability and the possibility of learning. A common feature of many children with ASD is that they perform well in certain specialized fields, such as mathematics, art, or technology.
• Afflictions that cause high emotional turmoil substantially impact friendships, love and everyday reality; however, counselling and medication afford the individual an opportunity to reclaim normalcy.

Key Differences Between Autism and Emotional Disturbance

1. Autism is a pervasively developmental disability; on the other hand, an emotional disturbance is a mental illness.
2. Autism is a range disorder; on the other hand, emotional disturbance exhibits regularity of emotional functioning.
3. Autism is a childhood disorder, while emotional disturbance may occur at any time in a person’s life.
4. The main idea of autism is different, but many individuals can have their strong sides and some preferred topics, while emotional disturbance is mainly about emotional difficulties.
5. The treatment for autism mainly includes developmental as well as behavioural therapy, whereas the treatment for emotional disturbance includes emotional management and mental health disorders.

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