Orientation To Children & Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Outline

 

I.      Characteristics of ASD

A.     Impairments in social skills

B.     Impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication

C.     Restricted & repetitive interests or behaviors

 

II.      Diagnostic criteria

A.     Autism Disorder

B.     Asperger’s Disorder

C.     PDD-NOS

D.     Rett’s Syndrome

E.      Childhood Disintegrative D/O

 

III.      Etiology & prevalence

A.     CDC: 1 in 166 (1500% rate of increase) (4/10,000 to 60/10,000)

B.     4:1 ratio boys to girls

C.     Girls – more cognitive impairment

D.     Genetic vulnerability, environmental triggers, & timing of exposure

E.      Multiple neurological & developmental pathways

F.      Neurobiological features

IV.      Co-morbid conditions

A.     Seizures

B.     Sleep problems

C.     Gastro-intestinal problems

D.     Allergy/immune disorders

E.      Metabolic disorders

F.      Hormonal imbalance

G.     Sensory-motor challenges

H.     Hyperactivity and attentional abnormalities

I.        Mental health/mood disorders

J.       Mental retardation

K.    Fragile X

L.      Tuberous sclerosis

 

V.      Characteristics of best practice

A.     Early and intensive

B.     Multidisciplinary assessment & treatment

C.     Naturalistic environments

D.     Strength-based

E.      Focus on remediation of core deficits specific to ASD

F.      Data-based decision-making

G.     Family involvement & attitude

 

VI.      Assessment

A.     Diagnostic assessment instruments

B.     Cognitive / developmental

C.     Mental status / stress

D.     Sensory-motor Assessment

E.      Medical evaluations

 

VII.      Behavioral treatment models that address core deficit areas

A.     Social development interventions

B.     Language/communication-based interventions

C.     Sensory and motor interventions

D.     Challenging behavior interventions

E.      General skill building and educational strategies

F.      Psychotherapies

 

VIII.      Biomedical treatment models that address associated physical conditions

A.     Psychopharmocology

1.      Neuroleptics/Antipsychotics

2.      Risperidone

3.      Clomipramine

4.      Selective Serontonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

5.      Antidepressants

6.      Stimulants

7.      Anticonvulsants

 

B.     Biomedical treatment options with minimal evidence of effectiveness /potential risk

1.      Secretin

2.      Gluten-free, Casien-free diet

3.      Enzymes, vitamin, & mineral supplements

4.      Chelation therapy

 

IX.      Family-based Interventions

A.     Counseling, family therapy, support groups

B.     Parent training

C.     Case management; systems navigation

D.     Respite

E.      Supports for siblings

In-home and placement services

Presented by Susan E. Stevenson, Director, ASD & Care Coordination Services