OT 501 Diagnostics (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

what diagnosis is similar to autism spectrum disorder but classified as higher functioning?

asperger's disorder

when should autism be diagnosed?

Must be present in early life (onset prior to 3 years)

prevalence of autism is....

increasing greatly

what are requirements for diagnosis with autism spectrum disorder?

Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction

-Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity: abnormal social approach, failure back and forth communication, reduced sharing emotions, failure to initiate or respond to social communication, not orient toward speech

-Deficits in non-verbal communicative behaviors: poor integration of non-verbal/verbal, abnormalities in eye contact/body language, deficits and understanding and use of gestures, total lack of facial expression/non-verbal communication

-Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships: difficulties adjusting behavior to social context, difficulties in sharing imaginative play or making friends, can't read social cues, have difficulty interacting with peers

Restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activity

-Stereotyped and repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech (echolalia, lining up toys, hand flapping)

-Apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals (distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals)

-Highly restrictive or fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity and focus (strong attachment to unusual objects)

Hyper/hypo activity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of environment --------apparent indifference to pain, temperature and adverse reactions to certain sounds/textures)

Must be present in early life

Impairs functioning

Not explained by intellectual disability

what are some symptoms/problems a child might have?

Seizures

Hyperactivity, short attention span

Self-injury

Aggressiveness

Temper tantrums

Motor coordination problems

Lack of fear to real dangers

Excessive fearfulness

Mood abnormalities

treatments for child with autism

-Can receive gains in some areas with intervention

-Partial independence is possible but many will require supervision

receptive language will

exceed expressive language