1- Identify first language
- Dislike of diagnosis level, puzzle pieces, and genetic research
- Trauma informed practitioner
o ABA
o Behavior modification
- Listen to the autistic community
neurodiversity movement
2what is the cure for autism
no cure, intervention to improve skills
3- ongoing difficulty with communication, not related to cognition
- difficulty with learning to use language
- presents in early childhood
social communication disorder
4how can the symptoms of social communication disorder affect occupations
limit effective communication, relationships, academics and occupational performance
5what are some of the main symptoms of autism
- impairements in social interaction and communication
- presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviors
- sensory processing symptoms
6how has the DSM-V changed when it comes to autism
- no longer 5 subtypes
- use of specifiers
- streamline diagnostic criteria
- change of diagnostic age from 3 to early childhood
7what are the specifiers for Autism
intellectural impairment
language impairement
level of support
8what is the etiology (cause) of autism
complex combination of biology, genetics, and environmental factors
9what are the biological changes in someone with autism
physical differences in the brain
10what are the genetic implications in someone with autism
- heritable neuropsychiatric disorder
- higher rates in twins and siblings
- more than 100 genes linked with autism
11what are some environmental factors that can affect autism
parental age
exposure to toxins
maternal factors
prematurity or low birth weight
Andrew Wakefield "study"
12why is the incidence and prevalence of autism hard to measure
due to variation of onset, including later diagnosis
13_ in 100 people worldwide are diagnosed with autism
1
141 in __people in the US are diagnosed with autism
36
15are boys or girls more likely to recieve an autism diagnosis
boys
16what class of people do we see more autism diagnoses
higher SES
17what racial group recieves the most diagnoses of autism
o White diagnosed more frequently than Black/Hispanic
18what are some examples of how autistic people struggle with social interaction and communication
eye contact, social gestures, social engagement, body language, facial expressions, verbal speech
19what are some examples of how autistic people take part in restrictive and repetitive behaviors
Routines/patterns, sensory processing, special interests, stimming, unusual/non-functional play
20what are some common co-occurring conditions with autism
o Sensory processing disorder
o Fine and gross motor impairment
o Food selectivity
o Sleep disturbance
o Any conditions previously discussed in ADHD lecture
21how is autism diagnosed
- Initial screening by primary provider or early childhood professionals
- Evaluation completed by a developmental specialist
22what is included in the evaluation done by the developmental specialist
Social and medical history
Physical and neurological exams
Parent interview
Language testing
Cognitive testing
Developmental sensory processing testing
Formal and informal observation
Audiological testing
Other testing
23what are some predictors of functional outcoems for autism
o Intellectual abilities
o Language
o Motor skills
24- Requiring support
o I need help navigating a non-autistic world
- Average traits
o People may see me as awkward, not disabled
o I can befriend or date non-disabled people, but it’s hard and I’m often lonely.
o I can handle change but I prefer routine.
o My fidgeting is seen as quirky or “annoying”
o People may think my developmental delays are signs of laziness or insecurity.
- Please know that
o Social interactions are challenging. Please be understanding and offer help
o I struggle more than I let on
o Meeting other’s expectations is exhausting. Please be patient.
o I deserve respect and support
Functional Level 1 of Autism
25- Requiring substantial support
o I need help handling everyday challenges
- Average traits
o People can usually tell that I have a disability.
o My social life is very limited or nonexistent
o Coping with change is very challenging
o My repetitive behaviors are noticeably unusual.
o I have significant developmental delays and will meet milestones late.
- Please know that
o I may seem inattentive, but I hear and understand you.
o Routines and repetitive behavior help me feel safe.
o I need a lot of help coping with stress.
o I deserve respect and support.
Functional Level 2 of autism
26- Requiring very substantial support
o I often need one-on-one support
- Average traits
o My disability is very obvious
o I usually only communicate to express needs or answer questions.
o Change and transitions can be unbearably difficult.
o My intense repetitive behavior is calming and important to me
o I have large developmental delays and may not meet every milestone.
- Please know that
o I may seem unresponsive, but I hear and understand you.
o Routines and repetitive behaviors help me feel safe.
o I need help with communication skills.
o I deserve respect and support.
Functional Level 3 of autism
27what are some common medical conditions seen with autism
seizures or GI disorders
28what are some alternative methods sometimes used for autism
supplements
mind body treatment
biological treatment
29where might you work with someone with autism
any setting
30what are some considerations for autism
safety and trauma