Autism is becoming more and more prevalent. Autism has no boundaries, equally affecting the rich and poor; the young and the old; white and blue collar workers and the unemployed as well as all races, ethnicities, and religions. Its symptoms range from subtle to severe and can affect communication, intellect, socialization, and movement. Not only are those with the diagnosis impacted, but so are their parents, siblings, extended families, and caretakers.The healthcare, educational and therapeutic professionals working with them are affected as well.
This three-part series delves into the mysteries of autism exploring the causes of the disorder, the signs and symptoms seen, tests performed to make or confirm the diagnosis, and interventions used in its treatment. Each of the syndromes under the umbrella known as Autism Spectrum Disorders is also described in detail. This series is an excellent resource for physicians, nurses, developmental specialists, therapists, and teachers.
THE MANY FACES OF AUTISM
Autism includes a myriad of symptoms including impaired communication, social interactions, and repetitive behaviors which can range from mild to severe. This program describes the known pathophysiology as well as manifestations of the most common forms of the disorder: Classic Autism; Asperger's Disorder; Rett's Disorder; Childhood Disintegrative Disorder; and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified. In addition, the phenomenon of autistic savants is discussed.
AUTISM: The Diagnostic Process
This program describes the various mechanisms used to make the diagnosis of autism or one of its related syndromes. Begins with recognition of the child with autistic behaviors and a description of the disorder by the DSM-IV-TR. In addition, screening tools such as ALARM, Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Child Development Inventory, Bayley Infant Neuro-Development Screen, and the Denver II Developmental Screening Test are discussed. Finally, a team assessment is described in which the child is evaluated for speech, language, motor skills, and school success as well as concurrent medical conditions and other co-morbidites.
TREATING INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS
This program describes specific treatment modalities including Applied Behavioral Analysis, Direct versus Intermediary Learning, Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication of Handicapped Children (TEAACH) as well as speech, occupational, social skills, physical, and play therapies. In addition, factors which affect individual response to each of these modalities are explored.
*Includes learner objectives, discussion questions, a pretest, a computer-graded test, and a final exam.
*Closed Captioned