3.5 Autism Spectrum

The four pervasive developmental disorders which were included in the DSM-5 TR included childhood autism, pervasive development disorder NOS, Asperger’s disorder and childhood disintegrative disorder are now consolidated into one single diagnosis which is called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Any individual who was previously diagnosed with one of the four previously mentioned disorders, that diagnosis should be changed to ADS. For a diagnosis to be used, a child must experience difficulties in two areas: social  communication and repetitive patterns of behaviors.

Key Points about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain-based disorder with a strong genetic component.
• There is no specific medical test to diagnose ASD.
• ASD is characterized along a spectrum, meaning that there is a wide variety of ways in which autistic traits may manifest in different individuals.
• ASD is found in children of all racial/ethnic groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. It occurs in both boys and girls, but is more common in boys.
• The first signs of ASD are often seen between the ages of 12 and 24 months, but many children may not show clear signs until much later.
• Early identification and intensive intervention can have a significant impact on future academic, behavioral, and adaptive success. (Children’s National)

Please read pages 50-59 in your DSM-5 Manual

Activity: What did you learn?

Please know that you nor I will ever make a clinical diagnosis for this disorder; we will be one of the first group of professionals asked about “normal development.” A parent reporting to you they are observing the child not responding to their names, lack of eye contact, flipping of hands or repetitive behaviors, stop speaking just to name a few behaviors.  According to the CDC, 2020 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention Center) “ASD begins before the age of 3 and last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children with ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months or later. Some children with an ASD seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had.”

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a highly structured behavioral and educational intervention which is an evidence based treatment approach.

Family Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Resources:

Autism Speaks