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- Autism is a NEURODEVELOPMENTAL disorder that begins in early childhood.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is comprised of:
- Autism
- Asperger syndrome
-Pervasive developmental  disorder-not otherwise specified
- Childhood disintegrative disorder
- Characterized by:
- Impaired social interactions         and communication
- Restricted interests, activities, and behaviors,
-Repetitive patterns of behavior
- Manifestations can differ significantly among individuals

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- No single known cause
- Genetics and environment both play a role

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- Family hx (esp siblings)
- Child's sex
- Boys 4x more likely vs girls
- Genetic mutations
- Unclear which genes
- Other disorders
- Fragile X syndrome
- Down syndrome
- Phenylketonuria
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Pregnancy & birth complications
- Advanced parental age
- Prematurity before 26 wks
- Low Birth Weight
- Pregnancies < 1 year apart
- Exposure
- Heavy metal toxins
- Environmental toxins
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- NO LINK BETWEEN VACCINES AND ASD!

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-Applied behavior analysis (ABA): rewards appropriate behavior
-Fosters positive or adaptive coping skills
-Facilitate effective communication
-Increase social awareness
-Decrease unacceptable behaviors

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Usually become apparent around 3 years of age.
Areas involved with impairment are socialization, communication, and behavior.
These areas of impairment can be seen when the child has difficulty relating to people or responding to social/emotional cues.
Stereotypy
- Repetitive machine like movements associated with obsessive behavior.
- May form rituals
Sensory Stimuli
-Usually abnormal
-Aversion to touch, loud noises, bright lights

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These behaviors can include
- Head Banging
- Twirling in Circles
- Biting themselves
-Flapping arms or hands
The repetitive behavior is usually self-stimulating or self-destructive.

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-Speech and language therapy
-Physical therapy
-Occupational therapy: improve fine motor dexterity

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Provides information about autism as well as various resources and tool kits for autistic individuals, parents, and educators

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Growth and Development usually appear normal at first then start to slow or deteriorate around 2-5 years old.
Communication delay is often the first symptoms leading to diagnosis.
- Absence of babbling by 1 year
- Absence of two word phrase by 2 year
Those with ASD can still learn to speak well, but may have certain abnormalities such as using you in place of I or echolalia where the individual repeats questions instead of answering them.
Cognitive Impairment
- Some areas may be above average while others have slow developmental progression.
- Usually intellectual ability is above average while social skills have slower progression.

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-Decrease environmental stimulation: sounds may be interpreted as louder, frightening, overwhelming
-Orient to new settings
-Smaller classrooms/hospital room w/ only one other child better
-Encourage to bring favorite object from home
-Close supervision to prevent injury

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Work with national employers to help individuals with autism get hired

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-Age-appropriate level
-Short, direct sentences
-Pictures, computer, other visual aids may help form interactions

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- Behavioral symptoms are effectively managed
- Child is able to perform self-care
- Child remains free from injury
- Consistent developmental progression
- Develops successful communication strategies

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-Maintain usual home routines as much as possible
-Schedule daily care and routine procedures at consistent times to maintain predictability
-Establish patterns for nutritional needs
-Offer resources for family: genetic counseling, childcare, support groups

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-Children w/ autism can become functioning members of society
-Successful adjustment more likely w/ higher IQ, access to specialized programs, adequate speech
-Early intervention helps maximize potential

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Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)

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Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)

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- Provides programs that help individuals develop communication and social skills.
- Offer specialized outpatient services (SOS) which provides assistance with specific areas of concern for a family and develops and implements strategies to diminish challenging behaviors and teach necessary skills.

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Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD®)

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Home - Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD®)

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Leading the Way in the Successful Treatment of Autism The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD®) is the nation's leading treatment provider with over 30 years of experience. GET STARTED Understanding Autism Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder marked by impaired social interaction, limited communication, behavioral challenges, and a limited range of [...]

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Provides education and resources to individuals with autism and their families. Also funds programs for them.
https://www.hawaiiautismfoundation.org/

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Hawaii Autism Foundation - Helping Hawaii's Families

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-Can be used to control aggression, anxiety, hyperactivity, irritability, mood swings, compulsions, and attention problems
-SSRIs: decrease aggression
-Antipsychotics & melatonin: insomnia

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- Maintaining child's routine
- How to best communicate with child?
- May not be able to verbalize
- Decrease environmental stimuli
- Lights, sound, touch
- What helps them to cope with increased sensitivity?
- Favorite comfort possession
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