AUTISM

SPECTRUM
DISORDER
SPECIAL TOPIC REPORT

Devorah S. Caruz
 AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

A complex neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. It

is a lifelong developmental disability characterized by impairments in
communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive, and
stereotypic behavior patterns, interests, and activities.
 EPIDEMIOLOGY
The generally accepted prevalence rate for Autism is between 4/5:10,000.

Recent studies in North America and the United Kingdom suggest a

prevalence of approximately 1:300 for the entire spectrum.

ETIOLOGY
The cause or combination of causes of ASD is not fully known.

ASD may occur more frequently in families with a history of ASD or related
disorders, but it may also occur in families with no apparent history.
 ETIOLOGY
There is no clear evidence that ASD is caused by:
parenting style
vaccines
food allergies
bacterial, parasitic, or viral infections
persistent infections
immunological abnormalities
 BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE
Researchers don’t know the primary causes of ASD. Some factors that are
associated with an increased likelihood of developing ASD include:

Having a sibling with ASD

Having older parents
Having certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or Fragile X
syndrome)
Having a very low birth weight
 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Autism appears to result from developmental factors that affect many or all
functional brain systems and lead to disruption in the development of the brain.

Neuroanatomical studies and studies in the area n genetic inheritance have

suggested that autism occurs after conception.

Environmental factors play an important role in the development of autism or

anomaly in the the brain leads to the activation of pathological pathways.
 MEDICAL/PHARMACOLOGICAL
MANAGEMENT

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Tricyclics
Psychoactive or anti-psychotic medication
Stimulants
Anti-anxiety medications
Anticonvulsants
 CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
Association with intellectual disability - The relationship between autism and
intellectual disability (sometimes referred to as mental handicap or mental
retardation)

Association with epilepsy - Epilepsy occurs in at least 30% of cases of traditional

autism, usually in the preschool years or around puberty.

Regressive Autism - In about one-fifth of children with autism, a history of

regression is present.
 COURSE AND PROGNOSIS
The symptoms of ASD become milder as children get older. You may need to be
flexible and ready to adjust treatment as needed for your child.

People with ASD may go on to live typical lives, but there’s often a need for
continued services and support as they age.

In general, ASD is a lifelong disorder with guarded prognosis; however, if

communication skills develop by the age of 5-7 years old and the child has an IQ
level of above 70, prognosis is improved.
 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
APPLICATIONS
INTERVENTIONS
Early Intervention
Behavior Therapy
Speech Language Therapy
Occupational and Physical Therapy

ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Cognitive-Behavioral Frame of Reference
Developmental Frame of Reference
Play-Based Therapy
THANK YOU!