![]() If a child fails on a screening test, they will be referred to a specialist to receive a comprehensive clinical evaluation to determine a potential diagnosis. Screening tools are not used to establish a diagnosis, but rather to aid in identifying those that might need further evaluation. Primary care screening tools (MCHAT and MCHAT follow-up) This manuscript should be a valuable resource guide for health practitioners Further, the understanding of the recommendations for treatment are of vital importance for practitioners. ![]() Given the variation in children’s manifestations of ASD, degrees of co-morbid conditions as well as differences in level of functioning for children illustrate the need for a clear understanding of the diagnostic categories as well as the variety and purpose of each screening test. The disorder represents a heterogeneous set of neurodevelopmental disorders with a typical triad of symptoms, which includes problems with social interaction, language, and communication abnormalities and stereotypical behavior, characterized as ritualistic, repetitive, and restrictive behaviors ( 2). Many studies have been published on emerging theories for the pathophysiology and etiology of ASD, most concluding the cause is multi-factorial with a complex interplay of several mechanisms, genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors ( 1). In 2016, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended all children be screened for ASD at ages 18 and 24 months and for all children who fail routine developmental surveillance. ![]() The most recent estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is that 1 in 68 children has a diagnosis of ASD ( 2). In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), these disorders were combined into one term Autism Spectrum Disorder. In the past, the ASD were historically made up of multiple distinct disorders (i.e., autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified and Asperger disorder). In the past two decades, the prevalence of Autism has seen a consistent and dramatic increase with the diagnostic criteria changing to encompass a broader perspective of symptom manifestations, now called autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which has led to increased knowledge and push for earlier screening and recognition of the disorder. Although several interventions and therapies exist, there are some potential interventions some use that need to more research to know how truly effective they are.Īutism, first described in 1943 by Leo Kanner, was at that time thought to be a rare disorder ( 1). There are several evidence-based therapies that exist that have been effective in improving the quality of life of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses. Once an individual is diagnosed with Autism, the interventionist team, physicians, and clinicians assist the family in finding the appropriate resources and treatment plan. The assessment and diagnostic process for Autism involves a large battery including parental interviews and forms, the ADOS-II, and a multitude of other intellectual assessments to get a full picture of what the individual is experiencing. Screeners have been created to help in primary care settings so physicians can gauge the severity of symptoms and refer patients to the appropriate resources. Additionally, with the changes that have come up, screening tools and assessments have also been changed and improved to assist with the increasing demand of early screening. With these changes, there has been a push for earlier screening and diagnosis to be made to ensure individual impacted by the deficits have ample time and opportunity to receive the services they need. ![]() The changes encompass criteria over a spectrum rather than individual diagnoses based on clusters of criteria. There have been significant changes in the way Autism has been defined especially in the last decade.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |