Childhood Disorders 4

Childhood Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Definition: A condition characterized by mild to moderate abnormalities in social interaction and communication.

  • Possible Symptoms:

    • Social/relationship deficits

    • Repetitive speech

    • Obsessive focus on specific objects

    • Rigid adherence to routines or rituals

    • Hyper- or hypoactivity to sensory input

Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment

  • Medications:

    • Used to target specific symptoms associated with autism.

  • Behavioral Interventions:

    • Focus on developing social and communication skills.

  • Reference: Review the Autism information in the Unit 4 Workbook.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Definition: A behavioral disorder characterized by inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.

  • Variations:

    • Some individuals exhibit inattentive-type ADHD, which includes:

    • Disorganization

    • Lack of focus

    • Forgetfulness

  • Symptoms:

    • Must be present in at least two settings (e.g., at home and in school)

    • Symptoms must occur before the age of 12.

    • Associated traits:

    • Low frustration tolerance

    • Temper outbursts

    • Labile moods

    • Poor school performance

    • Peer rejection

    • Low self-esteem

  • Peer Relationships:

    • Often strained due to:

    • Difficulty taking turns

    • Poor social boundaries

    • Intrusive behaviors

    • Interrupting others

  • Characteristics of Inattentive Type:

    • High degrees of distractibility and disorganization.

    • Difficulty completing challenging or tedious tasks, easily bored.

    • Frequently loses items or requires reminders to complete tasks.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment

  • Stimulants:

    • Used to improve function in the “sluggish” frontal lobe.

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

    • Employed to modify patterns of impulsivity by fostering internal control.

Conduct Disorder

  • Definition: A persistent pattern of behavior where the individual violates the rights of others and disregards societal norms or rules.

  • Behavioral Characteristics:

    • Abnormally aggressive behavior.

    • Engaging in physical confrontations or bullying.

    • Potential for destruction of property or physical injury to others.

    • Initiating coercion or manipulation, including sexual activity against another’s will.

  • Behavior Duration:

    • Behaviors are enduring patterns observed over a period of 6 months or longer.

  • Cognitive Features:

    • Individuals may have normal intelligence while exhibiting disruptive behaviors.

  • Educational Impact:

    • Tendency to skip classes or disrupt school leading to academic failure, expulsion, or dropout.

  • Complications:

    • Associated with juvenile delinquency.

    • Increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse and dependency.

    • Potential involvement with juvenile court.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (Munchausen by Proxy)

  • Case Example: Gypsy Rose.

  • Possible Warning Signs:

    • History of frequent hospitalizations for the child or dependent individual.

    • Inconsistent symptoms reported mainly by the mother (or caretaker) rather than verified by hospital staff.

    • Symptoms and condition do not align with diagnostic tests results.

    • Improvement of the child's condition while hospitalized but recurrence of symptoms at home.

    • Blood samples indicating mismatched blood type between the child and reported symptoms.

    • Signs of chemicals found in blood, stool, or urine.

    • Possible history of unusual illnesses or deaths of children in the family.