Post on 31-Dec-2015
Links
• CDC video• CDC website• signs 1• video
ASD Facts
• Present at birth, with onset of symptoms before 36 months
• Accurate diagnosis possible at 18-24 months
• Parents first voice concerns around 18 months, but diagnosis is typically not until 3 years or older
ASD Facts: Epidemiology
• Conservative prevalence: 1 in 150• ASD more prevalent in pediatric
population than:– Cancer, Diabetes and Downs Syndrome
• Male to female ratio: 4 to 1• Diagnostic rate increase 1:20 then 1:4
CDC, AAP, Autism Speaks
2007
Strike that-
• Since I have been giving this lecture the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has changed 3 times.
• 1 in 300 to 1 in 150 • To current CDC stats of 1 in 68• To current Easter Seals stats of 1 in 88
What is Autism?
• Neurodevelopmental disorder with a spectrum of clinical conditions
• 3 areas of dysfunction:– Social interaction/social relatedness
difficulty– Communication impairment– Restrictive/repetitive behaviors and
interests
Pervasive Developmental Disorder
AutismAsperger’s Syndrome
PDD – NOS(not otherwise
Specified)
Rett’sSyndrome
ChildhoodDisintegrative
Disorder
Typical DevelopmentJoint Attention
• 2 mo. Shared smiles• 9 mo. Follows a point• 12 mo. Point to request
Language soon follows joint attention,No joint attention, no need to share
language.
Typical DevelopmentSocial Interaction
• 4 mo. Interest in faces, smiles shared• 9 mo. Orients to name• 12 mo. Uses gesture to get needs met• 15 mo. Check expressions, check this!• 18 mo. Pretend play, attracts attention• 24 mo. Enjoys playing by others, gives
toys
Typical DevelopmentPlay Behavior
• 4-12 mo Sensor motor • 12+ Functional Play• 16mo Symbolic Play• 30+ Imaginative Play
Language Delay:Absolute indications for immediate
evaluation
9 months: No babbling12 months: No pointing or other gestures16 months: No single words24 months: No functional 2-word phrases
(not echolalic) Any loss of language or social skills
ASD Basics Summary
• Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a broad spectrum of behavioral manifestations.
• Early awareness and intervention are key.
• It’s OK to discuss concerns.
Challenging Behaviors
• Stimming: Repetitive, Stereotyped, and Sometimes Self-Injurious Behaviors
• Restricted Interests: Obsessions, "Special Topics", and Attention Deficits
• Insistence on Sameness • Sensory Issues: Seeking and Avoiding • Mood Instability and Meltdowns • Activities of Daily Living