Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders

What are the suspected causes of ASD neurodevelopmental disorder?

• Genetic Predisposition

  • Inherited factors increasing risk

• Prenatal Environment

  • Infections or toxin exposure during pregnancy

• Early Development

  • Intrapartum or postpartum factors

What are the core aspects of autism?

• Communication

  • Verbal and nonverbal challenges

• Specific Interests

  • Narrow, intense focus areas

• Social Interaction

  • Difficulty with social cues and norms

• Repetitive Behaviors

  • Stereotypical movements and routines

What is the DSM-5 Criteria?

• Social Communication

  • Social-emotional reciprocity

    • Struggles to engage in give-and-take interaction

  • Nonverbal Communication

    • Difficulty with eye contact, body language, facial expressions

  • Relationship Challenged

    • Struggles forming and maintaining friendships

• Restricted Behaviors

  • Stereotyped Behaviors

    • Hand flapping, rocking, echolalia, lining up toys

  • Insistence on Sameness

    • Strict routines, distress with changes, difficult tansitions

  • Restricted Interests

    • Intense focus on specific topics, limited range

  • Sensory Responses

    • Hyper/hypo-reactivity to sensory input, picky eating

What are the early signs of autism?

• 4-6 Months

  • Limited eye contact, fewer social smiles

• 9-12 Months

  • Limited facial expression, no pointing or gestures

• 15-18 Months

  • Not sharing interests, limiting object pointing

• 24-36 Months

  • No peer awareness, limited empathy, no pretend play

What is included in the screening for autism?

• When

  • 18 and 24 Month well-checks

• Tool

  • M-CHAAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers)

• Scoring

  • Low, medium, or high risk assessment

• Accuracy

  • 85% sensitivity when used correctly

Why is early diagnosis important?

• Understanding

  • Parents gain insight into child’s behavior

• Early Intervention

  • Access to crucial support services

• Better Outcomes

  • Improved long-term development

What is included in the comprehensive evaluation?

• Subjective Data

  • Developmental hx

  • Communication patterns

  • Behavior concerns

  • Sensory issues

• Objective Data

  • Physical examination

  • Neurological assessment

  • Growth patterns

  • Behavioral observation

• Diagnostic Testing

  • Parent assessment tools

  • Provider assessment tools

  • DSM-5 criteria documentation

What are some differential diagnoses?

• Intellectual disability

• Language disorders

• Learning disabilities

• ADHD

• Anxiety

• Sensory processing disorders

• Genetic syndromes

What are the challenges for children with ASD?

• Communication

  • Difficulty expressing needs and wants

• Behavior

  • Meltdowns, routine disruption, overwhelm

• Mental Health

  • Higher risk for anxiety and depression

• Social Isolation

  • Difficulty forming friendships

What is included in a comprehensive treatment approach?

• Behavioral Therapy (ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis)

  • Gold standard treatment, up to 40 hrs weekly

  • BASICS of ABA Therapy: Individualized Approach, uses positive reinforcement, focused on skill Development, focused on behavior reduction, is Data-Driven:

  • ABA therapy relies on data to monitor progress and make adjustments to the therapy plan as needed. 

• Speech Therapy

  • Devices for communication

• Occupational Therapy

  • Motor skills, sensory processing challenges

What are the specialized therapeutic approaches?

• Hippotherapy

  • Horseback riding for motor skills and emotional regulation

• Aqua Therapy

  • Water-based therapy for sensory and motor development

• Music Therapy

  • Engaging through music for communication and expression

• Art Therapy

  • Creative expression for emotional and sensory processing