Autism

Diagnostic Criteria

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), created by the American Psychological Association (APA). Autism Spectrum Disorder is categorized as a Neurodevelopmental Disorder, which manifests itself in early development. According to the DSM-V, Autism Spectrum Disorder must be present in the early developmental period of life, although some behaviors may not become fully manifested until the social demands exceed their limited capacities (including the start of school). Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, currently or in history. These deficits are in the areas of social-emotional reciprocity (abnormal social approach and failure of normal back and forth conversation, reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect), nonverbal communication (abnormalities in eye contact and body language, or lack of facial expression), and developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships (difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts, difficulty sharing imaginative play, and absence of interest in peers). In addition, Autism Spectrum Disorder is manifested by at least two restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, including: repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech; insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, extreme distress at small changes, difficulties transitioning, rigid thinking patterns, need to take the same route, and eating the same food every day; highly restricted fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity; and hyper or hypo reactivity to sensory input in the environment including adverse response to sounds and textures, visual fascination with lights or movements, and indifference to pain and temperature. While these symptoms may occur, in order to the DSM-V, these symptoms must cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Ways to Monitor Symptoms:

• monitor development and milestone using a checklist, a milestone tracker app, learning the signs and acting early program, and letting the child's primary doctor know about any concerns.
• utilize developmental screening tools

Treatments focus on reducing the symptoms of Autism that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. Each person with ASD has different skills and challenges, therefore, will need different treatment options. Treatments can start as early as developmental age to adulthood and provided in a variety of settings (home, school, community, clinical, and medical).

Types of Treatments:

• Behavioral
• Developmental
• Educational
• Social-Relational
• Pharmacological
• Psychological
• Complementary and Alternative

Supporting Children with ASD During Medical Visits:

This article describes ways that nurses can help support children diagnosed with ASD to reduce stress and negative experiences.

Webinars/Videos

Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network

The AS ATN is the first bi-national network of hospitals, physicians, researchers, and families at 17 centers across the United States and Canada. We are working together to develop the most effective approach to medical care for children and adolescents affected by autism.

Temple Grandin on TED Talks

Online Resources

National Resources

Local Resources