Abnormal Psychology and TherapyJessica MortonPsy 31/3003/2014Abnormal Psychology and TherapyAutisum“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both terms general denoting a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, to varying degrees, by difficulties with social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 release of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autistic disorders were merged into one general diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. » (Autism Speaks, 2014) Autism affects many children. My 3 year old niece was diagnosed with autism. It works pretty well. She can communicate fully, unlike others, some may never be able to fully communicate verbally. Like most people with my niece, she has a routine and if something major changes her routine it can cause a crisis. With the appropriate coping methods, autism can be managed by special education teachers and school psychologists. and low self-esteem. The behavior patterns associated with avoidant personality disorder are persistent and severe, impairing the ability to work with others or maintain social relationships. (Laurie, Fundukian, & Wilson, 2008) There are several types of avoidant disorders. • Shy/Social Avoidants: Shy avoidants have difficulty establishing relationships...... middle of paper ...... abnormal, perhaps in twenty years will be considered normal. This is the main reason why normal psychology and abnormal psychology differ. Therapy The main contemporary forms of psychodynamic treatment are psychoanalysis, which is intensive and long-term, and psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is based on the same principles but is more conversational. Researchers have found that all psychotherapies are relatively effective, although some treatments are superior for some disorders. According to Renner, Morrissey, Mae, Feldman, and Majors (2011), there are four main treatment approaches for psychological disorders. Psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive and humanistic approaches each have their own characteristics in relation to therapy. Psychodynamic therapists share the belief that a patient's psychological disorder is the result of the person's unconscious..