Autism Spectrum Disorder: Etiology, Management, and Diagnosis

Question 1

Autism is 5 times more common in males or females?

Answer 1

MALES

Question 2

What are some of the criteria seen in children with autism?

Answer 2

Lack of reciprocity in interaction
Failure to initiate or respond to social interaction
deficits in nonverbal communication (eye contact, understanding gestures)
restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities (fixated interests, hyper or hyporeactivity to sensory input)

Question 3

What is critical in management of autism?

Answer 3

Early diagnosis is Crucial!!

Prognosis is much more favorable if identified well under 5 years

Question 4

What intervention is used with children with autism?

Answer 4

Applied Behavior analysis (ABA): standard intervention

Question 5

What is the screening tool for autism called and when is it done?

Answer 5

M Chat

Should be done at 16 and 30 months

Question 6

How early can autism be diagnosed?

Answer 6

It can be diagnosed as young as 12 months if parents and providers are alert or if the symptoms are severe

Question 7

What are RED FLAGS for autism?

Answer 7

No babbling by 12 months
No pointing or other gestures by 12 months (i.e., waving bye-bye)
No single words by 16 months
No two-word spontaneous utterances by 24 months
Loss of any language or social skills at any age

Question 8

How is autism treated?

Answer 8

Can use medications
Referral for:
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Clinical Psychologist
Neurologist
(as needed)

Question 9

How is autism treated?

Answer 9

Can use medications
Referral for:
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Clinical Psychologist
Neurologist
Family Therapy
Behavior Therapy
(as needed)