Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Chapter 23

Debbie Phillips KIN 583
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Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Neurodevelopmental Disorder Characterized by an
  impairment in
• Social Reciprocity
• A typical Communication
• Repetitive Behavior
• Disorder categories occur along a continuum.
• Synonym for the category is PDD Pervasive
  Development Disorder.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

• The symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Neurologically Based
• Scientific evidence of genetic pre-disposition
• Also likely to be gene-environment interactions

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Diagnostic categories within the Autism Spectrum.
  These are defined by the presence or absence
  of behaviors in the following areas
• Social Reciprocity
• Communication
• Repetitive behaviors

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Autistic Disorder
• Autism is a discrete diagnosis within the ADS.
• Defined by a pattern of six symptoms distributed
  across three areas.
• At least two symptoms must be in the area of
  social reciprocity.
• See Table on following slide.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Aspergers
• Dr. Hans Asperger observed children with typical
  language who had difficulty with socialization
  and repetitive behaviors.
• Diagnosed if three symptoms - 2 related to Social
  Reciprocity and one to habitual behaviors are
  present.
• Considerable overlap between diagnosis of high
  functioning Autism and Aspergers disorder.
• Children with Aspergers disorder may not be
  diagnosed until school age.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Pervasive Development Disorder Not otherwise
  specified. (PDD-NOS)
• Used to describe children who do not have the
  number of distributions of symptoms for another
  diagnosis within the ASD.
• Fewer symptoms of autism are present.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• CDD is a very rare condition
• All aspects of the development are typical until
  3 to 5 years.
• At this age all domains begin to regress
  (language, cognitive ability, play, motor skills,
  bowel and bladder skill deteriorate)
• Represents a common final pathway for a number of
  neurologic insults.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Retts Disorder/Syndrome
• Involves the loss of previously obtained language
  and social milestones.
• Associated with mutation in methyl-CpG- binding
  protein 2 and a gene on the X chromosome.
• Mostly see in Girls
• Affected children lose language and social
  interest.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Diagnostic Features of Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Core symptoms are divided into three areas
• Qualitative- Impairments in Social Reciprocity.
• Atypical Communication Development
• Atypical Behavior

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• The Genetics of Autism
• Family and Twin Study
• Candidate Gene Studies
• Association with Genetic Disorders of know
  Etiology (genetic disorders)
• Brain Structure and Function in Autism Spectrum
  Disorders

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders Cont.
• Obstetric Complications studies have not
  strongly shown any specific prenatal or birth
  complications with the development of ASD.
• Environmental Exposures
• Teratogen substances that result in birth
  defects maternal medications, drugs of abuse,
  chemical and radiation.
• Vaccinations significant controversy
• Infections Prenatal infections increase the
  risk

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Gender and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• There is a 41 male to female predominance of
  ASD.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Early Identifications of Autism Spectrum
  Disorders.
• Symptoms must be present by 3 years of age.
• Delayed language development, repetitive
  behaviors and atypical social responsivity are
  common parental concerns.
• Early diagnosis is based on the recognition of
  the core features of ASD as they appear in early
  childhood.
• Atypical development of pretend play, pointing
  to share interest, use of eye gaze to engage
  another person in communication and social
  interest. (as young as 18 months).

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Evaluation of the Child with ASD.
• Multidisciplinary Assessment
• Diagnostic Measures
• Laboratory Testing

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Associated conditions ASD may be associated
  with intellectual disabilities and other
  conditions.
• Intellectual Disabilities ¾ have intellectual
  disability
• Learning Disabilities Specific impairment in
  executive function
• Epilepsy about ¼ with ASD
• Tic Disorders Up to 9

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Associated conditions Cont.
• Sleep Disorders 50 to 70
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms Increase in pain,
  reflux, diarrhea, constipation and bloating.
• Psychiatric Conditions greater risk for
  depression, mood disorders, ADD and anxiety.

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Genetic Disorders with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Tuberous Sclerosis
• Fragile X syndrome
• Chromosome 15 Deletion

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Treatment Approaches
• Educational
• TEACCH
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Developmental-Individual Difference-Relationship
  Base model
• Relationship Development Intervention
• Classroom-Based Programs

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Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Behavioral Intervention
• Pragmatic Language and Social Skills Training
• Medication
• Stimulant Medications
• Selective Serotonin reuptake Inhibitors
• Atypical Neuroleptics
• Mood Stabilizers