What I Have Learned

Coming to the States to study was a decision I will benefit from for the rest of my life. It is crazy that this quarter ran so fast! I can’t believe how much I have really experienced through this quarter. I have learned so much here; moreover, taking English classes has really helped me focus on improving my skills and it definitely paid off. Starting here in April, I really didn’t know a lot of English profounds; however, my English skills now have developed much better than before. I am really proud of the hard work I have put in this quarter. I know what I have accomplished has exceeded my goals and expectations for where my language skills would be.

Aside from everything that I have learned English-wise, I have also learned so much more, life-wise. First, I have met so many different people. I went to almost 50% of the tours,which were presented by the Extension, and I have enjoyed all of them. Second,  I have learned how to use Fahrenheit instead of Celcius to figure out the temperature outside! It is so funny to think back of the first few weeks here. I was so confused by the Fahrenheit temperatures. I think I can finally understand what it is going to feel like outside after seeing the Fahrenheit temperature! That is a pretty important accomplishment. Third, I feel like it is really important to document everything. I have been able to reflect back on what I have done, probably once a week here in Riverside. Having the camera [ iPhone 4 :) ] with me all the time throughout my staying here has been so beneficial as well. I have photos from the first day here. I hope to continue capturing my life through photos when I get back home. I have a new understanding of how important and fun it is to look back on what I have done or seen. I really enjoy looking through my photos and feeling so fortunate for getting to experience all of it. Fourth, living in a different country broadened my world view. Before coming to the States, I didn’t really think about other cultures and other languages. After being placed into another country and meeting many people from different areas of the world, I have a greater interest in learning about other cultures/countries. Fifth, Skype is amazing. Like most people who study abroad, I missed my family back home. But, luckily with the help of Skype, I could talk to and see my family. That was great because not only was it free, it also made me feel better. This was the longest time I have gone without being with my family. So, thank you Skype. Furthermore, studying abroad is really challenging at times but it is completely worth it. I have gained so much from this experience, I probably don’t even realize how much I have benefited from it yet. in the end, I have learned a lot from my dedicated teachers and I am so thankful to them.

Autism

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), a group of illnesses that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize or form relationships with others as well as the ability to communicate and to use imagination (including fantasy play). Children with autism and related disorders often are confused in their thinking and generally have problems understanding the world around them.

In addition to problems with social interaction, imagination, and communication, children with autism also have a limited range of interests. Many children with autism (nearly 75%) also have mental retardation. In many cases, children with autism are unable to emotionally bond with their parents or other family members.

Symptoms of autism typically appear before a child is 3 years old and last throughout life. Children with autism can display a wide range of symptoms, which can vary in severity from mild to disabling. General symptoms that may be present to some degree in a child with autism include:
1- Difficulty with verbal communication, including problems using and understanding language.
2- Inability to participate in a conversation, even when the child has the ability to speak.
3- Difficulty with non-verbal communication, such as gestures and facial expressions.
4- Difficulty with social interaction, including relating to people and to his or her surroundings.
5- Inability to make friends and preferring to play alone.
6- Unusual ways of playing with toys and other objects, such as only lining them up a certain way.
7- Lack of imagination.
8- Difficulty adjusting to changes in routine or familiar surroundings, or an unreasonable insistence on following routines in detail.
9- Repetitive body movements, or patterns of behavior, such as hand flapping, spinning, and head banging.
10- Preoccupation with unusual objects or parts of objects.

People with a form of autism, called savantism, have exceptional skills in specific areas such as music, art, and numbers. People with savantism are able to perform these skills without lessons or practice.

The exact cause of autism is not known, but research has pointed to several possible factors, including genetics (heredity), certain types of infections, and problems occurring at birth.

Recent studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism, meaning that a susceptibility to develop the condition may be passed on from parents to children. Researchers are looking for clues about which genes contribute to this increased vulnerability. In some children, environmental factors may also play a role. Studies of people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the brain, which suggest that autism results from a disruption of early brain development while still in utero.

If autism symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical exam. Although there are no laboratory tests for autism, the doctor may use various tests -- such as X-rays and blood tests -- to determine if there is a physical disorder causing the symptoms.

If no physical disorder is found, the child may be referred to a specialist in childhood development disorders, such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or another health professional who is specially trained to diagnose and treat autism. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the child's level of development, and the doctor's observation of the child's speech and behavior, including his or her play and ability to socialize with others. The doctor often seeks input from the child's parents, teachers, and other adults who are familiar with the child's symptoms.

Autism cannot be prevented or cured. However, early diagnosis and intervention is critical and may help to maximize a child with autism's ability to speak, learn, and function. It is very important that all children see a pediatrician regularly so that any signs of autism can be detected early. The earlier treatment is started, the more effective it can be.