1. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Chapter 23
Debbie Phillips
KIN 583

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder

7. 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 Asperger’s disorder.
Children with Asperger’s disorder may not be diagnosed until school age.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Rett’s 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Gender and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
There is a 4:1 male to female predominance of ASD.

15. 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).

16. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Evaluation of the Child with ASD.
Multidisciplinary Assessment
Diagnostic Measures
Laboratory Testing

17. 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%

18. 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.

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

20. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Treatment Approaches
Educational
TEACCH
Applied Behavior Analysis
Developmental-Individual Difference-Relationship Base model
Relationship Development Intervention
Classroom-Based Programs

21. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Behavioral Intervention
Pragmatic Language and Social Skills Training
Medication
Stimulant Medications
Selective Serotonin reuptake Inhibitors
Atypical Neuroleptics
Mood Stabilizers