Study Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assignment

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Study Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assignment

Introduction

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
  • DSM-5-TR classification: ASD includes autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Study Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assignment

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Signs and Symptoms (DSM-5-TR)

  • Social communication deficits: Challenges in reciprocal communication, nonverbal communication, and developing/maintaining relationships (APA, 2013).
  • Restricted, repetitive behaviors: Stereotyped/repetitive motor movements, insistence on sameness, and restricted interests.

Differential Diagnoses

  • Intellectual Disability (ID)
  • Specific Language Impairment
  • Social Communication Disorder

Incidence

  • Prevalence rates: Approximately 1 in 54 children in the US have ASD (CDC, 2023).
  • Gender and cultural differences: Variances in ASD prevalence across countries and cultures. Study Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assignment

Development and Course

  • Early signs and symptoms: Delayed social interactions, lack of pointing/sharing, repetitive behaviors.
  • Progression across childhood and adolescence: Challenges in social/communication skills, potential emergence of co-occurring difficulties.

Prognosis

  • Influencing factors: Early intervention, cognitive/language abilities, supportive environments.
  • Long-term outcomes: Varying levels of independence, some individuals requiring ongoing support.

Considerations: Culture, Gender, and Age

  • Cultural variations: Cultural beliefs/practices influencing perception and diagnosis of ASD.
  • Gender differences: Recognition of ASD in females challenging historical bias (Rujeedawa & Zaman., 2022).
  • Age-related considerations: Tailoring interventions to different age groups, addressing transitions.

Pharmacological Treatments

  • Common medications: SSRIs for anxiety/depression, atypical antipsychotics for aggression/irritability
  • Study Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assignment Side effects and risks:
    • SSRIs:
      • Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
      • Sleep disturbances
      • Sexual dysfunction
      • Emotional blunting
      • Increased suicidal thoughts
    • Atypical Antipsychotics:
  • Weight gain
  • Metabolic effects
  • Sedation
  • Movement disorders
  • Prolonged QT interval

Nonpharmacological Treatments

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Behavior modification techniques for skill development (Yu et al. 2020)
  • Speech and language therapy: Addressing communication difficulties, using AAC when necessary.
  • Occupational therapy: Addressing sensory sensitivities, developing daily living/social skills. Study Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assignment

Diagnostics and Labs

  • Assessment tools: ADOS, ADI-R, clinical observations, interviews, developmental histories.
  • Genetic testing and neuroimaging: Research into ASD etiology and subtypes.

Comorbidities

  • Common conditions: ADHD, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, gastrointestinal/sleep disorders.
  • Managing co-occurring conditions: Integrated care among specialists.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • Rights and accommodations: ADA protecting rights of individuals with ASD.
  • Ethical considerations: Informed consent, privacy, well-being in research/treatment.

Patient Education Considerations

  • Educational strategies: IEPs, visual supports, structured routines, sensory accommodations.
  • Supporting families/caregivers: Providing resources, support groups, and family-centered care. Study Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assignment

 

 

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

Rujeedawa, T., & Zaman, S. H. (2022). The diagnosis and management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adult females in the presence or absence of an intellectual disability. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1315. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031315

Yu, Q., Li, E., Li, L., & Liang, W. (2020). Efficacy of interventions based on applied behavior analysis for autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Investigation, 17(5), 432-443. https://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2019.0229

Language, speech and communication disorders Study Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assignment

Create a study guide for your assigned disorder. Your study guide should be in the form of an outline with references, and you should incorporate visual elements such as concept maps, charts, diagrams, images, color coding, mnemonics, and/or flashcards. Be creative! It should not be in the format of an APA paper. Your guide should be informed by the DSM-5-TR but also supported by at least three other scholarly resources.

Areas of importance you should address, but are not limited to, are:
Signs and symptoms according to the DSM-5-TR
Differential diagnoses
Incidence
Development and course
Prognosis
Considerations related to culture, gender, age
Pharmacological treatments, including any side effects
Nonpharmacological treatments
Diagnostics and labs
Comorbidities
Legal and ethical considerations
Pertinent patient education considerations Study Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assignment