What is Autism

Event Information

• Title: What is the Autism Acronym: Name it on the Spectrum

• Date: March 10-13, 2025 (Virtual from May 15-July 31)

• Organizers: National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)

Speakers

• Jennifer Keller, DNP, CPNP-PC, PMHS

• Barb Picard, MSN, CRNP

• Daphna Zack, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC

• Stephanie Carper, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC

Support and Sponsorship

• NAPNAP's Developmental Behavioral & Mental Health (DBMH) Special Interest Group (SIG) is sponsoring this session.

Speaker Disclosure

• The speakers report no financial disclosures.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the surveillance, screening, and evaluation steps for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

• Describe initial interventions and utilized therapies for ASD.

• Verbalize comorbid conditions associated with ASD.

• Acquire new skills and best practices in pediatric developmental and behavioral healthcare.

Contact Information

• Jennifer Keller: kellerpedsnp@gmail.com

• Barb Picard: Picard@chop.edu

• Daphna Zack: daphnaszack@gmail.com

• Stephanie Carper: stephanielcarper@gmail.com

Quiz Game

• A JEOPARDY game format is referenced for engagement during the session.

• 85% of kids with autism have cormorbid psychiatric diagnosis ex ADHD, bipolar, seizure disorders

• IDEA-Fed law that guarantees students a free and appropriate public education

• FBA~ usually done at school

• Depression- Sleep disturbances, self injury, lack of eye contact overlap. Treated with SSRI's, CBT 26% of kids with autism also have depression.

• TEACH: Teaching method based on visual processing difficulties and social communication.

• CARES: Most comprehensive federal law in addressing the urgent needs of individuals with autism used for research and training.

• BCBA - Masters or doctorate level provider certified in ABA

• Sleep disorders: 50-80% of children with autism have this comorbidity. Believed that its related to lack of neuron functioning. Kids with autism usually produce less melatonin.

• Fragile X: Genetic condition in autism that cause ID, Developmental delays

• ASQ- Communication, gross motor, fine motor problem solving. Screening tool for clinical surveillance.

• Early intervention developed for kids age under 3 years old. After they turn 3 can be evaluated to start preschool with services and supports.

• OT:Therapy has goal of improving a Childs adaptive functions. Helps with visual motor, develop diet, grooming, bathing, toileting.

• Gut health/constipation: Occurs 4 times more often in kids with autism. Other cormorbidites include obesity, lack of activities- lack of coordination.

• SWYC-GENERAL developmental 12 item screening tool for young children to assess risk for developmental or behavioral issues

• SRS-Rating scales identifies the presence and severity of social impairment.

• SEQ-40 item screening tools identifies children at risk for ASD. Child has to have mental capacity yo a 2 year old.

• ADI-R: Diagnostic Semi structured interview designed to elicit information needed to diagnose autism and plan. Subjective

• IEP: Legal contract that outlines specific education needs.

• AAC - any kind of tool that can be used to communicate

• Boys more likely to have autism compared to girls.