JEOPARDY

Autism

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What are the causes of Autism?

Genetics and abnormal genes are found in people with Autism. The gene may be just one of three or five and interact someway that may cause the disease. This faulty gene alongside lack of oxygen at birth, chemical imbalances or viruses have been studied to be factors.

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Is Autism hereditary?

Genes do play a factor in Autism, and often times if you have one child with autism, you have an increased risk of having another child with autism.

There may be a faulty gene that is passed down mixed with a certain factor that begins with the onset of Autism

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What are some characteristics of Autism?

Difficulties in behaviour

social interaction

communication and sensory

tendency to have repetitive behaviours and likes

Some have flapping hands

Learning disabilities

The characteristics are unique from person to person

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How is Autism diagnosed?

There are two steps in diagnosing Autism as stated by the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention

Developmental screening- to see how the child learns, speaks, behaves, moves and looks for any delays in these areas. If born prematurely, low birth weight or sibling with Autism, they can be at a higher risk. Screening should be done around 9 months, 18 months, 24 months or 30 months.

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What are some factors that could affect the person's experience of this illness?

Someone with Autism could feel like they aren't cared and included in society and could  lead to low self-esteem. Not following care plans could severely effect someone with Autism as it will cause uncertainty and anxiety.

People who may not know that someone has Autism or who may not know much about Autism may treat them in an ill manner, they may also be offended by some of the impulsive behaviours of someone with Autism resulting in discrimination and poor treatment.

Someone with Autism may have poor hygiene and that can cause someone with Autism to be outcasted in society  and again it may affect self-esteem.

PSW

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How does the PSW meet the 5 health needs of a client with Autism?

Follow all routines as best you can. Routines that are not followed with someone with Autism can make them very anxious or upset.

Give plenty of transitional time between routine changes.

Support the client with social needs. Provide a safe nurturing environment. Repetition and structure help children with Autism learn more effectively.

Adults with Autism can be independent and live alone. PSW's can help with light housekeeping, organization and calendar planning/organizing.

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How can you as a PSW help a person with Autism?

Physical-Keep child or client in a safe and stable environment. A quiet area may be needed to keep someone less anxious.

Social- Bring the child to playgroups activities where they can practice socializing with other children in their similar development stages.

Cognitive- Memory games, basic word searches, building blocks or legos. Playing with sensory objects. Walking in nature or visiting a zoo could also help someone grow cognitively.

Emotional- Remember to keep calm. Do not take offence if someone with Autism does not want to be physically touched or if they do not make eye contact. If you provide a safe environment, it will create and emotionally stable environment for your client even if you cannot see the changes.

Spiritual- Bringing someone to church and sitting with them through service. Religious books or movies can also be beneficial to someone's spiritual health. Following house routines to allow time to pray before meals may be on the care plan. Respect their beliefs.