Autism Flashcards
What type of disorder is ASD?
neurological
ASD is most common in…
males
How do ASD symptoms cluster?
Social interaction
Repetitive and restrictive behaviors
What is the prevalence of ASD?
Has risen over time.
Cause is still unclear.
Currently reported as 1 in 59 (but 1 in 37 boys).
Large public health burden as ASD is now quite common and an expensive disorder for the country.
What is the DSM V criteria for ASD?
Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following, currently or by history
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history
Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period.
Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning
How does ASD impact social skills?
In all areas but most consistently in social participation as social issues are a part of the diagnostic criteria
Difficulty with social interaction and friendships
Difficulty with nonverbal communication in particular
Social isolation and limited romantic relationships
How does ASD impact play?
Play is atypical in type, quality, and complexity.
Often pretense is lacking.
Uncommon use of objects.
Sensory seeking.
Limited ideation and creativity.
How does ASD impact sleep?
Difficulty falling and staying asleep.
These difficulties are very common in ASD and impact parental sleep as well.
How does ASD impact ADLs and IADLs?
May have difficulties in all areas of ADLs or these may be relative strengths.
Common issues include limited diets, fear of toileting, distress over hygiene or dressing tasks, difficulties with dental care.
Safety concerns and escapism common.
How does ASD impact education?
Wide ranges of educational performance
Some children are fully included and perform well academically but may struggle socially.
Others have difficulty with behavior in the classroom and have difficulty learning academic content.
Some children are placed in special educational placements.
Determining the proper educational placement can be difficult for parents.
How does ASD impact performance patterns?
Many children with ASD struggle with changes to routines.
Prefer structure and predictability.
Often hinders family flexibility.
Families often revolve their activities around the needs of the child with ASD.
How does ASD impact performance skills and client factors?
Sensory—Motor difficulties common but highly variable across individuals
- Sensory over responsiveness
- Sensory under responsiveness
- Sensory seeking
- Difficulties with praxis
- Linked with difficulties in many occupations
How does ASD impact family members?
Families of a child with ASD are often quite stressed.
They have difficulty
- finding appropriate services.
- managing problem behaviors.
- maintaining employment for both parents.
- being involved in the community with their child.
- knowing how to best parent multiple children with different needs, fairly.
What is the role of the OT in treating ASD?
Broad in scope because the needs of these families are wide ranging.
OT is a commonly requested intervention
- to manage ADLs and family routines.
- to deal with sensory concerns and the impact on occupations and behavior.
- to improve child’s ability to participate in the community and in daily family life.
Describe the evaluation process with ASD.
Must be comprehensive, strengths based, and family focused
Must include education about the role of OT and what we are able to help with
Must include consideration of social interaction, friendships, and engagement
Must ask about unusual behaviors, safety concerns, and escapism
Should consider the sensory environments the child is in and how they impact performance
