Autism Spectrum Disorders Flashcards
ASD Pathophys. and Etiology
Etiology unknown
Believed to be complex interplay between factors:
Genetic
Immunologic
Environmental
ASD Risk Factors
Maternal age > 40, paternal age > 50
Maternal smoking or use of alcohol, valproic acid, misoprostol during pregnancy
Increased risk if child has fragile X syndrome, neurofibromatosis, congenital rubella syndrome, Down syndrome
Boys have higher risk than girls
Premature, low-birth-weight babies
ASD Prevention
Prevention
Factors can be modified to reduce the risk of occurrence
Maternal health most important
ASD Clinical Manifestations 1
Impairments in social interactions
- Does not learn common characteristics
- Unable to respond to social, emotional cues
- Stereotypy: rigid, obsessive behavior
Impairments in communication
- Difficulties, delays
- ASD abnormal communication patterns
- Abnormalities
ASD Clinical Manifestations 2
Impairments in ability to adapt to new situations
Impairments in attention span, ability to organize responses
Disturbances in rate, sequence of development
- Wide variety of intellectual ability, functioning
- Usually noted in first year of life
ASD Pharm
Stimulants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Mood stabilizers
ASD Non-Pharm Therapy
Early intervention assists in maximizing potential
- Behavior management
- Goals of treatment:
- Reduce rigidity, stereotypy
Reduce maladaptive behaviors
ASD Complementary and
Alternative Therapy
Dietary therapy
- Gluten-free diet, GFCF diet
- Vitamin therapy
- Touch therapy
Help parents evaluate studies on complementary care
ASD Assessment
Initial assessment *No babbling or communication gestures by 12 months *No single word by 16 months *No spontaneous two words by 24 months *Loss of language or social skills previously achieved History Developmental screening Observe behaviors
ASD Nursing Diagnosis
Nursing diagnoses may include:
- Risk for Injury
- Impaired Verbal Communication
- Impaired Social Interaction
- Risk for Caregiver Role Strain
- Compromised Family Coping
ASD Planning
Goals may include that child will:
- Remain free of injury
- Acquire communication strategies that enable communication with others
- Perform self-care to maximum potential
- Demonstrate consistent developmental progress
- Participate in small group activities with family members or peers
- Have symptoms managed effectively
ASD Implementation (Injury)
Prevent injury *Monitor autistic children at all times *Use bicycle helmets, hand mitts for children who self-injure Provide anticipatory guidance *Life-long supervision and support *Social limitations with impaired interpersonal relationships *Behavior modification *Specialized educational programs
ASD Implementation (environment)
Stabilize environmental stimuli
- Sounds may be louder, more frightening, and overwhelming
- Responses include withdrawing, crying or ritualistic behaviors
- Orient child to new settings
- Encourage parents to bring favorite objects from home
- Minimize relocation of items in environment
ASD Implementation (Communication)
Provide supportive care
*Developing a trusting relationship may be difficult
*Adjust communication techniques
*Teach to the child’s developmental level
*Schedule daily care and routine procedures at consistent times
*Emotional support
Enhance communication
*Speech is used when possible
*Short and direct sentences are best
*Visual aids
*Speech and language therapy
ASD Evaluation
Discuss child’s progress with parents
- Assess type of environments child is in during day
- Continuity of caregivers
- Participate as part of treatment team when possible
- If not possible, get details of treatment from parents
