Autism Spectrum Disorder David Hoehne PSY F14

What is Autism? According to the American Psychiatric Association, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), reclassified Autism in 2012 to a new name that reflects four previously separate disorders to a single condition. WebMD defines Autism as a brain disorder that affects communication and socialization with others, which is attributed to areas of the brain failing to work together.

Diagnosis Persistent deficits in social communication and social Interaction across multiple contexts. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity: back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect; failure to initiate or respond to social interactions. Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction ranging from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication. Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships ranging from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts; to difficulties in sharing imaginative play or in making friends; to absence of interest in peers.

Symptoms Symptoms of ASD start with how a child perceives and socializes with others. This perception causes problems with areas of development including social, Communication, and behavior. Social Development: Fails to respond to their name Poor eye contact, minimal facial expression Appears to be playing alone Doesn’t express emotions or feelings Patterns of behavior: Receptive movements, such as rocking, or may perform harmful activities Constant movement Sensitivity to light, sound and touch Lack of imitative or make-believe play Other symptoms include signs of lower intelligence, slow to gain knowledge or skills.

Possible Causes Of Autism Experts are uncertain as to the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Common factors are thought to be contributors of the disorder and still require further studies: Genetics Environmental Stressors Abnormal levels of serotonin or Neurotransmitters

Treatment The American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) recommends the following strategies: Behavioral training and management: positive reinforcement, self-help, and social skills training. Specialized therapies: speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Medication Community based advocacy groups

Always Remember “An autism instruction manual will never be a recipe, and a treatment plan From a clinical trial will never be comprehensive or permaent” Need a new approach to autism Autism is complex and in need of everyone’s help Parents need to take a more active role and observe their child Parents and medical professionals need to be a team Always consult with your medical team Enjoy and love your child, create a safe and stress free environment More treatment isn’t always better Less treatment but more specific treatment

References 1. Autism-Topic Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2014, from 2. American Psychiatric Association. (2012, December 31). American Psychiatric Association DSM-5 Development. Retrieved from 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, March 24). Diagnostic Criteria. Retrieved from 5. What is autism spectrum disorder? - definition, symptoms & cures. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2015, from 4. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Autism spectrum disorder. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from disorder/basics/symptoms/con disorder/basics/symptoms/con Cont’d

References 7. Introduction. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2014, from WebMD. (n.d.). Autism-Treatment Overview. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from 9. Herbert, M. R., & Weintraub, K. (2012). Chapter 9 Lead the Revolution. In The autism revolution: Whole-body strategies for making life all it can be (pp ). New York: Ballantine Books. 6. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (n.d.). Autism Fact Sheet. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from