ROSE ATHENA BAJA-SIBALA, RN

 DR. LEO KANNER

- introduced the label of early infantile
“autism” into the English language in 1943

 DR. HANS ASPERGER

- described a milder form of autism that
became known as “Asperger’s Syndrome”
AUTISM is a developmental disability
significantly affecting verbal and
nonverbal communication and social
interaction, generally evident before
age 3, that adversely affects a child’s
educational performance.
by Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA)
Listed under the heading “Pervasive Developmental Disorder”
(PDD)

Diagnosis of autistic disorder is made when an individual

displays 6 or more of 12 symptoms across
three major areas: a) social interaction,
(b) communication, and (c) behavior.

Other conditions under PDD are Rett’s Disorder,

Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not
Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
estimates 1 in 150 American children &
almost 1 in 94 boys has autism

Risk is 3-4 times higher in males than

females

Higher rate than cerebral palsy (2.8);

hearing loss (1.1); vision impairment (.9)
Thimerosal in Vaccines
Familial Tendencies
Brain Structure Defects
Neurotransmitter
Imbalances
Presence of Core Group of Behaviors
Developmental Screening Instruments
Comprehensive Evaluation by Multi-
Disciplinary Team (Psychologist,
Neurologist, Psychiatrist, Speech
Therapist)
Neurological Assessment and
In-Depth Cognitive and
Language Testing
Hearing Test
As early as 1yo – parents can usually
detect symptoms
By 18 mos. – autism is measurable by
some screening tools
By 2yo – a diagnosis can be made
By 3yo – a formal diagnosis can be made
when a child has noticeable delay in
developing language skills
SOCIAL INTERACTION

VERBAL & NON-VERBAL

COMMUNICATION

REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS/INTERESTS

UNUSUAL RESPONSES TO SENSORY

EXPERIENCE
INDICATORS:
 poor eye contact
 doesn’t smile when smiled at
 prefers to play alone
 does not respond to own name
 seems to be in his “own world”
 does not seek/respond to display of affection
 doesn’t point or wave bye-bye
 not interested with other children
 throws violent tantrums
INDICATORS:
 does not babble or coo by 12 months of age
 does not gesture (point, wave, grasp) by 12 months of age
 does not say single words by 16 months of age
 does not say two-word phrases on his or her own (rather
just repeating what someone says to him or her) by 24
months of age
 facial expressions, movement & gestures
tone of voice fails to reflect feelings
 can’t explain what he wants
 doesn’t follow directions
INDICATORS:
shows unusual attachment
to toys & objects
inflexible adherence to specific
routines or rituals
spends a lot of time lining up things or
putting things in a certain order
whirling, hand-flapping, walking on toes
INDICATORS:
covering the ears to certain sounds
maybe painfully sensitive to
certain texture, taste, smell
No cure for autism but it can be treated
Therapies and behavioral interventions are
designed to remedy specific symptoms
Treatment plan coordinates therapies and
interventions that target the core
symptoms of autism
The earlier the intervention the better
Educational/Behavioral
Interventions
Dietary Interventions
Pharmacotherapy
 Classroom environment is
structured, consistent, predictable
 Individualized program
 Focused on improving social,
communication, academic,
behavioral, & daily living skills
 Needs assistance of professionals
 Example: Applied Behavioral
Analysis (ABA) – based on reward
system
 Based on the idea that:
- food allergies cause symptoms of autism
- insufficiency of a specific vitamin or
mineral may cause some autistic
symptoms
 Ex: Gluten-Free, Casein-Free (GFCF) diet
- Avoid “BROW”; milk products
 Often used to treat behavioral problems, such as
aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe
tantrums
 Often prescribed “off label”
 Anxiety & depression – SSRIs (Prozac, Luvox)
 Behavioral problems – Antipsychotics (Haldol)
 Seizures – Anticonvulsants (Tegretol, Depakote)
 Inattention & Hyperactivity – (Ritalin, Diazepam)
Provide directions step-by-step, verbally,
visually, and by providing physical supports
or prompts, as needed by the child
Assist child with ADL
Encourage child to develop a relationship
with another person
Provide constant routine for child (place for
eating, sitting, sleeping)
Protect child from self-injury
Provide a safe environment
Institute seizure precautions if necessary
Provide support to the parents
 Learn & read as much as possible
 Network with other families
 Test, test, test
 Consider major lifestyle changes
 Set up an educational/behavioral
program in the home
 Begin therapies
 Address diet & nutrition
 Don’t give up; attitude is
everything
 Get out & relax
 Autism Society of America (ASA)
 Autism Society Philippines (ASP)
 Center for Autism & Related Disorders
(CARD)
 National Association of Residential
Providers for Adults with Autism
(NARPAA)
 Families for Effective Autism Treatment
(FEAT)
 Davao Autism Center
 Rainbow Intervention Center