Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is the prevalence and etiology of autism spectrum disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder has been consistently rising over the past few decades with classic autism rates remaining steady. ASD is influenced by genetics, environmental influences, and other factors

1) Common factors that are associated with ASD are advanced parental age and birth complications
→ has a strong genetic component

2) It is more common in males compared to females
→ patients can also exhibit social camouflaging hiding their autistic behaviors in order to avoid diagnosis
→ social camouflaging is better in women

What are the methods of diagnosis of autism?

Diagnostic Tools for Autism are the ADOS and ADI which are clinical judgement tests that are the gold standard for autism diagnosis
→ ADOS is the autism diagnostic observation schedule where you play with the child for hours and observe any autistic behavior
→ ADI is the autism diagnostic interview where you interview the parent

May also use additional experimental tools such as EEG and eye-tracking, but are not used yet as diagnostic 

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a disorder that encompasses prior diagnoses of Asperger’s which allows for coverage of services not previously provided in some states

1) Is a clinical diagnosis and is characterized by five major criteria that has a great degree of variability
→ persistent deficits in social communication
→ restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior
→ symptoms present early in development
→ symptoms limit/impair every-day function
→ symptoms not better explained by other explanations

What are the most common comorbidities with autism spectrum disorder

Depression is the most frequent comorbidity associated with ASD
→ may also have anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and psychosis

These patients will present with waxing and waning of symptoms that is specific for autism spectrum disorder 

What are the major treatments for autism spectrum disorder?

There is no evidence based treatment for the core features of autism, but we instead treat the comorbidities
1) Therapies:
→ Applied Behavioral Analysis
→ Sensory Integration
→ Occupational and Physical Therapy
→ Social Skills

2) Medications

3) Experimental Treatments

What is Applied Behavioral Analysis? What are some of the methods of Applied Behavioral Analysis?

1) Applied Behavioral Analysis is a method of reinforcing positive behaviors and providing consequences for a negative behavior
→ patients are not punished for negative behavior, but are instead not rewarded

2) patients will experience this in the clinic and at home allowing for consistency in treatment
→ often use first/then cards in order to increase compliance in cases of refusal or agitation
→ can make visual coping supports that assist with emotional regulation like a coping flashcard
→ can also make social stories to prevent for special events or changes in routine

What are the pharmacological treatments for the comorbidities of autism?

While there is not pharmacological treatment for the main tenants of autism, you can treat their comorbidities
→ antipsychotics
→ antidepressants
→ mood stabilizers
→ anti-ADHD
→ anti-anxiety 

Risperidone and Aripiprazole are both antipsychotics used in the treatment of irritability in autism 
→ irritability is a common side effect of stimulant treatment for ADHD in individuals with autism