Autism Developmental Awareness and Screenings Becky LaMont MSN, APN-CNP

Links CDC video CDC website signs 1 video

ASD Facts Present at birth, with onset of symptoms before 36 months Accurate diagnosis possible at months Parents first voice concerns around 18 months, but diagnosis is typically not until 3 years or older

ASD Facts: Epidemiology Conservative prevalence: 1 in 150 ASD more prevalent in pediatric population than: –Cancer, Diabetes and Downs Syndrome Male to female ratio: 4 to 1 Diagnostic rate increase 1:20 then 1:4 CDC, AAP, Autism Speaks 2007

Strike that- Since I have been giving this lecture the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has changed 3 times. 1 in 300 to 1 in 150 To current CDC stats of 1 in 68CDC To current Easter Seals stats of 1 in 88Easter Seals

What is Autism? Neurodevelopmental disorder with a spectrum of clinical conditions 3 areas of dysfunction: –Social interaction/social relatedness difficulty –Communication impairment –Restrictive/repetitive behaviors and interests

Pervasive Developmental Disorder Autism Asperger’s Syndrome PDD – NOS (not otherwise Specified) Rett’s Syndrome Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Typical Development Joint Attention 2 mo. Shared smiles 9 mo.Follows a point 12 mo.Point to request Language soon follows joint attention, No joint attention, no need to share language.

Typical Development Social Interaction 4 mo. Interest in faces, smiles shared 9 mo. Orients to name 12 mo. Uses gesture to get needs met 15 mo.Check expressions, check this! 18 mo. Pretend play, attracts attention 24 mo.Enjoys playing by others, gives toys

Typical Development Play Behavior 4-12 moSensor motor 12+ Functional Play 16moSymbolic Play 30+Imaginative Play

Language Delay: Absolute indications for immediate evaluation 9 months:No babbling 12 months:No pointing or other gestures 16 months:No single words 24 months: No functional 2-word phrases (not echolalic) Any loss of language or social skills

ASD Basics Summary Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a broad spectrum of behavioral manifestations. Early awareness and intervention are key. It’s OK to discuss concerns.

Challenging Behaviors Stimming: Repetitive, Stereotyped, and Sometimes Self-Injurious Behaviors Restricted Interests: Obsessions, "Special Topics", and Attention Deficits Insistence on Sameness Sensory Issues: Seeking and Avoiding Mood Instability and Meltdowns Activities of Daily Living

Myths- Refrigerator mothers Others?

Stir the pot Conflict of interest?

Final thoughts Autism speaks resource— assisting with speechAutism speaks assisting with speech