Autism Spectrum Disorder Ricci, pp. 1966-1967

Incidence and Types Usually manifests in infancy or early childhood as developmental delays or regression No relation to socioeconomic level or parenting style Ranges from mild to severe

Etiology Genetic disorder of brain development most likely Viruses or toxic chemicals have been speculated Autosomal recessive pattern No evidence of link to thimerosal-containing vaccines

Manifestations Seizures Delayed development of hand dominance Persistence of primitive reflexes Limited language acquisition Losing language and social skills Large head, large ears

Manifestations Indifference to touch and affection Shows unusual attachments to objects Overly sensitive to light, touch, sound, hearing, smell, taste Performs repeated body movements Language delays or regression Nonsense rhyming or word repetition Communicates with gestures Cannot start or maintain conversation

Manifestations Behavioral outbursts, preoccupation Head banging, hand biting Limited pretend play GI/nutritional issues—constipation,willful starvation, gagging, mouthing objects, eating non-edibles, smelling/throwing food Screening for manifestations (see Take Note! p. 1967)

Nursing Management Highly structured routines, consistency, and positive reinforcement Increase social awareness of others Teach verbal communication skills Decrease unacceptable behaviors

Pharmacologic Therapy Meds to decrease irritability, aggression, anxiety, mood swings, hyperactivity Risperidol SSRIs Divalproex Ritalin

Hospitalized Autistic Child Parents present Encourage parents to bring in favorite possessions Limit physical contact when possible Private room with low stimulation

Parental Support Feel guilt and shame—need counseling and support Encourage parents to care for child in home with family support, if possible. If not, then institutional care Early intervention/IEP for public school Refer to mental health facilities and facilities for developmental disabilities Refer to Autism Society of America: www.autism-society.org

Owen Suskind—Autism Story on ttbook.org