Understanding & Caring for Individuals with Autism - Streaming Video only *NO CE - 6 Hours

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Part 1

• The History and Diagnostic Evolution of Autism: From Infantile Autism to a Spectrum of Conditions
• Up for Debate: Is Autism a Mental Disorder? The Concepts of Neurotypical and Neurodivergent
• Recognizing Signs and Symptoms: The DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Two Main Characteristics: Deficits in Social Communication and Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
• The Advantages and Disadvantages of a “Spectrum” Concept of Autism
• The Screening, Assessment, and Diagnostic Process: Preschool, Older Children and Teens, and Adults
• Across the Spectrum: Assessing and Balancing the Heterogeneity of Strengths and Deficits. Is Functional Independence a Goal?
• The Autism Epidemic: Why Have Diagnoses Hugely Increased in the Last 30 Years?
• Myths and Misconceptions about Autism: “Refrigerator Mothers,” Childhood Vaccines, and Mercury Preservatives
• Evidence-Based Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Multiple Genes and Neurodevelopmental Factors
• A Divergent Autistic Brain: Differences in Size, Connections, and Structures
• High Male Brain “If-And-Then” Systematizing Plus Struggles with Theory of Mind and Cognitive Empathizing

Part 2

• Childhood ASD: Across the Spectrum. Fragile X Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Other Related Disorders
• Adolescent and Adult Striving to Belong: Social Camouflaging and “Putting on my Best Normal”  
• Effects of Multiple Comorbid Disorders: ADHD, Anxiety, Sleep-Wake, Depression, and OCD
• Do Talented, Successful, Creative, and Highly Inventive People have Autism?
• Extraordinary Abilities and Autism: The Rare and Amazing Prodigious Mega-Savants      
• The Variety of Enhancements, Treatments and Supports for Individuals with ASD
• Early Childhood Applied Behavioral Analysis, Parental Interventions, and Sensory Interventions
• Treatments Appropriate for Physical and Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Nurses, Dietitians, and Mental Health Professionals
• How Effective Are Current Treatments for ASD? Are There any Medical Treatments That Work?
• Dental Considerations for Patients with ASD: Calmness, Consistency, and Continuity in Routine Care
• One Size does not Fit All: Special Treatments and Supports for Adolescents and Adults with ASD

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the history and development of the concept of autism as a spectrum condition.

2. Identify the current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, several co-occurring disorders, and other similar neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett Syndrome and Fragile X.

3. Discuss the difference between considering autism to be (a) a neurodivergent development of normal brain functions and (2) a mental disorder. 

4. Describe the remarkable heterogeneity of strengths and deficits of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including major challenges for support and treatment.

5. Identify patterns of structural and functional changes in the brain in individuals with autism.

6. Discuss the variety of evidence-based behavioral and medical treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

7. Describe how the information from this course can be utilized across health care disciplines, including dentistry, mental health, pharmacy, psychology, social work, counseling, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, dietetics, and other healthcare professions to improve patient care outcomes.