Module 2.2 (Intro to Autism and ADHD) Flashcards
What do children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) show?
Delays and deviations in reciprocal social interaction, communication skills and/or stereotyped behaviour, interests and activities
What are the 3 most common types of autism spectrum disorders?
- Autistic disorder
- Asperger’s disorder
- Atypical autism(pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified PDDNOS)
Is autism a lifelong disorder?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopment disorder with an onset before 3 years of age
What 3 core deficits are there in the 3 areas of development for autism spectrum disorder?
- Language
- Social interaction
- Behaviour
What issues with language in ASD?
Impaired verbal and non verbal communicationn
What issues with interaction in ASD?
Impaired interaction and development
What issues with behaviour in ASD?
Repetitive, stereotyped and restricted behaviour
What are the causes of ASD?
Genetic
Medical e.g. TB
How is diagnosis of ASD achieved?
An experienced paediatrician or a child psychiatrist should confirm the diagnosis.
- History from parents/guardians
- Assessment of individual
- Evaluate any other existing neurodevelopmental , medical or psychiatric disorders
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ?
Persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity.
> Patients with ADHD exhibit these symptoms with a higher frequency and severity than other children at a comparable level of development.
> Prevalence - 5% to 7% of school-aged children
What type of condition is ADHD?
It is a chronic condition resulting in significant disruption to the lives of children, parents and families. It also severely impacts on the educational outcomes of children.
- Using a comprehensive multimodal intervention system with pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments as appropriate can have a major influence to the child and their family
How is diagnosis of ADHD done?
Must be made by a comprehensive assessment by a specialist.
Some symptoms that cause impairment must have been present < 7 years of age
Some impairment from the symptoms must be evident in at least two settings, e.g. home and school.
Clear evidence of major interference with social, academic or occupational functioning.
Symptoms should not occur exclusively during the course of autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, or be better accounted for by another psychiatric illness.
Children of preschool age - diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult, effectiveness of stimulants is not well documented and the risk of adverse effects is greater.
An accurate diagnosis needs to be made before treatment is started.
What should evaluation include for ADHD?
- medical and developmental history
- mental status examination
- a family assessment
- physical examination.
Children with ADHD commonly have other mental health disorders, e.g. oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. They also have higher rates of learning and language problems than other children.
True or False
If so how to manage
True
A comprehensive management plan is essential to address these problems. Information about a child’s behaviour should also be acquired from the child’s teacher during the initial assessment and regularly over the course of a child’s treatment.
Parent and teacher rating scales are not diagnostic indicators but can guide the frequency and severity of a child’s symptoms and monitor the efficacy of treatment in reducing symptoms. Comprehensive evaluation of other conditions that might coexist is also indicated. These may be?
emotional (e.g. anxiety, depression)
behavioural (e.g. oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorders)
developmental (e.g. learning and language disorders or other neurodevelopmental disorders)
physical (e.g. tics, sleep apnoea).
