1. Autism Spectrum Disorder
Ricci, pp

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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)

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

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

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

10. 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:

11. Owen Suskind—Autism Story on ttbook.org