Autism Basics
Define Autism
A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and cause social challenges.
Explain how genetics affect autism?
1. Changes in certain genes in an embryo can increase the risk
2. Parents may carry the gene and pass to the child even if they do not have autism
How does a child present at 6 months with autism?
- Few or no big smiles
- Limited or no eye contact
Name the guide that health care providers use to diagnose mental health disorders.
DSM 5
The healthcare provider is assessing a child who has a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Which of these clinical findings supports this diagnosis?
A. Annoys others deliberately
B. Uninterested in playing with others
C. Cries for attention at inappropriate times
D. Utilizes manipulative behavior
B. Uninterested in playing with others
Is there a cure for autism?
No - it is a life long disorder
How does the parent's age relate to the risk of Autism?
If their age is advanced it can increase the risk. This is for both the mom and dad.
How does a child present at 9 months with autism?
- little to no back and forth sharing of sounds/smiles/facial expressions
What is done at each well care visit to obtain information about the child and milestones they are meeting.
Developmental Screening
You are about to perform an assessment on Suzie who has the diagnosis of autism. You should start your assessment by
A. Showing her your stethoscope and equipment
B. Start slowly at a distance first
C. Assess her in the playroom
D. Ask her mom to do the assessment for you
B. Start slowly at a distance first
Why is Autism called a "spectrum disorder"?
There is a wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.
- Exceptionally gifted or severely challenged
Describe the thalidomide tragedy that happened during the 1950s.
This drug was administered to pregnant women for nausea and vomiting and caused thousands of babies to be born with malformations and thousands of deaths.
How does a child present with autism at 12 months?
- little to no babbling
- no pointing
- little to no response to name
You are a pediatric nurse at a doctor's office. You educate the parents on upcoming milestones to look for and assess for milestones during each visit. What is this term called?
Developmental monitoring
Antipsychotics
Describe the goal of treating autism
The goal is to provide treatments and services to improve their ability to function.
Name two drugs that are taken during pregnancy that can increase the risk of autism.
1. Valproic Acid
2. Thalidomide
How does a child present with autism at 16 months?
- says very few to no words
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for autism at these two ages.
18 and 24 months
Your autistic patient is in the hospital and is having a hard time adjusting to the new routine. What could you do to help the patient adjust?
A. Let him play with other children who are autistic.
B. Let him participate in a hallway parade where he can see other staff members.
C. Try to make his daily stay the same as his routine at home.
D. Try to help him overcome his triggers by introducing them daily to him slowly.
C. Try to make his daily stay the same as his routine at home.
American Academy of pediatrics merged 4 diagnoses together and placed them into one category with autism. Name the 4 diagnosis
1. Autistic Disorder
2. Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified
3. Asperger Syndrome
4. Childhood Disintegrative disorder
Name three chromosomal conditions that put a child at risk for autism.
1. Fragile X
2. Tuberous Sclerosis
3. Rhetts Syndrome
How does a child present at 24 months of age with autism?
- very few or no meaningful words or phrases
This evaluation is done if there is an area of concern within the screening process..
Comprehensive Development Evaluation
Your patient's mom is confused that her child is Intellectually delayed and has a diagnosis of autism. You explain to her that:
31% of children with autism also have a developmental disability.