Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder in Infants and Toddlers
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that presents challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Individuals with ASD may exhibit a range of abilities from gifted to severely challenged. It is now considered a single diagnosis encompassing conditions like Autistic disorder, PDD-NOS, and Asperger syndrome. Signs and symptoms can manifest in early childhood, affecting how individuals relate to others and interact with their environment. Early identification and intervention are crucial for supporting individuals with ASD.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Developmental Disability
- Early Childhood Intervention
- Social Communication Challenges
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In cooperation with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and your local public health agency Child Care Health Consultation Program AUTISM SPECTRUM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DISORDER IN INFANTS AND TODDLERS IN INFANTS AND TODDLERS
INTRODUCTION AUTISM SPECTRUM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DISORDER
DEFINITION Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges
ASD Facts ASD is a developmental disability People with ASD do not look any different than people who don t have ASD People with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people
ASD Facts Learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things
ASD facts ASD is now diagnosis for several conditions that formerly were diagnosed separately: Autistic disorder Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) Asperger syndrome These conditions are now ALL called Autism Spectrum Disorder
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AUTISM SPECTRUM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DISORDER
Signs and Symptoms of ASD Signs may begin in early childhood May repeat certain behaviors May not want daily routine changed May not point at objects of interest May not look at objects when another person points at them May have trouble relating to others or not have interest in other people at all
Signs and Symptoms of ASD May avoid contact and want to be alone May have trouble understanding other people s feelings or talking about their own feelings May prefer not to be held or cuddled, of only if they want to May appear to be unaware of people talking to them, but respond to other sounds
Symptoms of ASD May be very interested in other people, but not know how to talk, play or relate with them May repeat of echo words or phrases said to them or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language May have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
Symptoms of ASD May not play pretend games (feeding dolls) May repeat actions over and over again May have trouble adapting when a routine changes May have unusual reactions to their other senses (how things smell, taste, look, feel, sound) May lose skills they once had (stop using words they d been using)
DIAGNOSIS AUTISM SPECTRUM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DISORDER
How ASD is Diagnosed There are no medical tests (bloodwork,) for diagnosing ASD Doctors must observe a child s behavior and development to diagnose ASD Sometimes can be detected in children 18months and younger Diagnosis is usually very reliable by age 2 years
How ASD is Diagnosed Many children are not diagnosed until much older This can cause a delay in getting them the help they need the earlier the intervention, the better improvement seen in the child s development
TREATMENT AUTISM SPECTRUM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DISORDER
How ASD is Treated Currently there is no cure for ASD Early intervention services help children from birth to age 3 years (36 months) Early intervention helps these children learn important skills, such as walking, talking, and interacting with others This is why early diagnosis is so important!
How ASD is Treated Even short of a formal diagnosis for ASD, children under age 3 may be eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act if they are at risk for developmental delays Treatment for particular symptoms (such as speech therapy) often does not need to wait for a formal ASD diagnosis
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS AUTISM SPECTRUM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DISORDER
Causes and Risk Factors for ASD All causes for ASD are not known Factors that may make a child more likely to have an ASD include: environmental, biologic, and genetic factors Science indicates that genetics can make some people more likely to develop ASD
Causes and Risk Factors for ASD Children who have a sibling with ASD are at higher risk of also having ASD ASD occurs more often in people with chromosomal conditions such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis Taking prescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide while pregnant increases the risk of ASD
Causes and Risk Factors for ASD Children born to older parents are at greater risk Some evidence suggests that development of ASD happens during the critical period before, during and immediately after birth
WHO IS AFFECTED AUTISM SPECTRUM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DISORDER
Who is affected by ASD ASD occurs in ALL racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups ASD is four times more likely to affect boys than girls About 1 in 59 children is identified with ASD The increase in numbers diagnosed with ASD may be due to broader definitions and better diagnosis, but a true increase in cases can t be ruled out
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT AUTISM SPECTRUM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DISORDER
What to Do If there is a suspected problem with the way a child plays, learns, speaks, or acts, the parents should contact their physician
What to Do The physician can refer the family to a specialist if needed. Specialists who do more in depth evaluation include: Developmental Pediatricians Child Neurologists Child Psychologists
What to Do Learn how you can help identify children who could need help in their development Watch Me! Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention s Learn the Signs. Act Early. Program Can take four short online modules for 1 clock hour! http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/watchmetrainin g/index.html
What to Do In these modules you can learn: How to monitor children s development Your role in developmental monitoring Monitoring children as they reach certain milestones How to talk to parents about their child s development
Developmental Checklists Free developmental checklists are available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/freem aterials.html
RESOURCES AUTISM SPECTRUM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DISORDER
Resources Some states have early childhood intervention systems which can assist families with getting evaluated. More information is available at the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center: http://ectacenter.org/contact/619coord.asp
ECTA Contact for Missouri: Ginger Henry, Part B 619 Coordinator Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Effective Practices Section/Office of Special Education PO Box 480 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 Phone: (573) 751-0625 Email: ginger.henry@dese.mo.gov Website: http://dese.mo.gov/special- education/early-childhood-special-education
MDHSSChildren & Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program The CYSHCN Program provides assistance statewide for children and youth with special health care needs from birth to age 21. The program focuses on early identification and service coordination for children and youth who meet medical eligibility guidelines. As payer of last resort, the program provides limited funding for medically necessary diagnostic and treatment services for children whose families also meet financial eligibility guidelines. Children with special health care needs are those who have, or are at increased risk for a disease, defect or medical condition that may hinder their normal physical growth and development. These children require health and related services that go beyond those required by children in general.
MDHSS (State Health Dept) Special Health Care Needs Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services PO Box 570 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570 Telephone: 573-751-6246 or (toll-free) 800-451-0669
