AUTISM SPECTRUM

DISORDER (ASD)

PRESENTED BY: Ms Mamta Bisht

Lecturer
 Introduction
Autism spectrum disorder previously known
as pervasive developmental disorder is a
lifelong condition that is characterized by
impairments in communication, social
interactions and responsiveness.
 Introduction
• The onset is during the early childhood.
• The child may show delayed development
up to the age of 2 years.
• Most specific signs of autism during 2-3
years of age.
• Some children with autism may develop
normally until toddlerhood or when they
stop acquiring or lose previously gained
skills.
 DEFINITION
Autism refers to a condition where
the person lacks the communication
skills and social interactions resulting
in isolation

The term "spectrum" in Autism

spectrum disorder refers to the wide
range of symptoms and severity.
 RISK FACTORS
❖Genetics –monozygotic twins and first
degree relatives.
❖Viral infections, medications or
complications during pregnancy.
❖Prenatal exposure to Valporic acid
❖Family history of ASD
❖More common among boys
❖Preterm babies(LBW)
CLINICAL FEATURES OF
AUTISM SPECTRUM
DISORDER (ASD)
 Poor social communication and social
interaction
• Usually quiet and alone
• lack social reciprocity
• Lost in their own world
• Reduced eye contact and lack facial
expression
• Lack of response to their name
• Does not express feeling and emotions.
• Appear unaware of others feeling.
 Poor social communication and social
interaction
• Abnormal tone and rhythm (singing or robot
like voice)
• Fails to respond and appears not to hear you
• Resists cuddling and holding
• Prefer solitary activities and play alone
• Inability to start or sustain the communication
• Inability to use or understand social cues.
 Restricted and repetitive patterns
of behaviors, interests or activities
• Repetitive movements such as spinning,
rocking or hand flapping
• Get disturbed with changes in routine or
environment.
• Indifferent to pain and temperature
• Fixation to an object, toy or activity
• Has specific food preferences
• Problems with coordinated movements.
 MANAGEMENT
Autism cannot be cured, so the goal is to help
a person gain skills, and improve daily life,
including school, work, relationships, etc.

Individualised care:
Every person with an Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) has different needs.
 Applied Behavior analysis
ABA is a system of reward-based training
that focuses on teaching particular skills and
behaviors, such as everyday tasks specifically
developed for autism.
 Social skills training
The child can be trained how to interact
appropriately by sharing, collaborating, taking
turns, asking and answering questions (usually
in group situations)
 Speech Therapy
Speech therapy may include communication
skills training (verbal and non-verbal) and focus
on speech pragmatics (the ability to use
language in a social setting).
Play Therapy:
Autistic children prefer playing alone. Play
therapy can help them connect with other
people, both children and adults during the play
activities. It can also improve their
communication skills, social skills and emotional
skills.
 Pharmacological management
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
for anxiety, depression and/or obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD), which may
accompany autism spectrum disorders.

• Antipsychotic medications may be

recommended if behaviors are dangerous or
out of control.
FAMILY EDUCATION & COUNSELLING
• Learn as much as possible about autism
spectrum disorder
• Provide consistent structure and routine
• Connect with other parents of children with
autism
• Seek professional help for specific concerns
• Take time for yourself and other family
members
Thank you
Presented By Mamta Bisht 21