About The Dsm And Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis
Autism diagnosis criteria: explained (DSM-5)
When diagnosing autism, professionals like paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists and speech pathologists use the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders , or DSM-5, produced by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-5 lists the signs and symptoms of autism and states how many of these must be present to confirm a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The DSM-5 refers to signs and symptoms, but this article talks about signs and characteristics. To find out whether a child has autism signs and characteristics and meets DSM-5 criteria, professionals also need to do extra tests. These tests are called adiagnostic assessment. Referrals For Therapies And Assistive TechnologiesThough there is greater attention to, and controversy about, therapies intended to treat ASD in children, providers often under-utilize referrals for therapies, services, and assistive technologies for adults on the autism spectrum. Such therapies, services, or technologies are not meant to treat or cure autism, but can potentially help adults on the autism spectrum improve function or quality of life. The aim is to help patients address challenges, increase coping strategies, treat co-occurring conditions, or obtain needed accommodations or supports. Participation in therapy should be the patient’s choice. The following are a few examples where providers may consider referring adult patients on the autism spectrum for additional therapies, services, or assistive technologies. Many individuals who have limited speech can benefit from the use of assistive and augmentative communication technology, such as picture boards or text-to-speech devices. There are countless examples of individuals who could not communicate effectively until they learned to use assistive technology as adults. Typically, such patients’ intellectual capabilities are under-estimated. Patients also may continue to develop and mature well into adult life. Failed attempts to use assistive communication in the past should not preclude reconsideration of a referral for adult patients with limited communication skills. Specifiers For Autism Spectrum DisorderDSM-5 has introduced specifiers to help the clinician to describe associated or additional conditions, eg intellectual impairment, language impairment, genetic conditions, behavioural disorder, catatonia. One of the specifiers relates to the severity of social communication impairments and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour. There are three levels: requiring support, requiring substantial support, requiring very substantial support. This can allow the clinician to give an indication of how much someones condition affects them and how much support an individual needs. However, people who receive a diagnosis are not automatically eligible for support. DSM-5 explains that severity levels may vary by context and also fluctuate over time, that the descriptive severity categories should not be used to determine eligibility for and provision of services, and that ‘these can only be developed at an individual level and through discussion of personal priorities and targets’. Recommended Reading: How Autism Affects The Brain Functional Consequences Of Autism Spectrum DisorderIn young children with autism spectrum disorder, lack of social and communication abilities may hamper learning, especially learning through social interaction or in settings with peers. In the home, insistence on routines and aversion to change, as well as sensory sensitivities, may interfere with eating and sleeping and make routine care extremely difficult. Adaptive skills are typically below measured IQ. Extreme difficulties in planning, organization, and coping with change negatively impact academic achievement, even for students with above-average intelligence. During adulthood, these individuals may have difficulties establishing independence because of continued rigidity and difficulty with novelty. Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder, even without intellectual disability, have poor adult psychosocial functioning as indexed by measures such as independent living and gainful employment. Functional consequences in old age are unknown, but social isolation and communication problems are likely to have consequences for health in older adulthood. DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA 10 Screening And Diagnosis Of Autism Spectrum Disorder For Healthcare ProvidersDevelopmental screening can be done by a number of professionals in health care, community, and school settings. However, primary health care providers are in a unique position to promote childrens developmental health. Primary care providers have regular contact with children before they reach school age and are able to provide family-centered, comprehensive, coordinated care, including a more complete medical assessment when a screening indicates a child is at risk for a developmental problem. Read Also: How Does One Develop Autism Specify Current Severity: Severity Is Based On Social Communication Impairments And Restricted Repetitive Patterns Of BehaviorB. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history :
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
ABOUT USHi I am Chloe Nathan. I am driven and dedicated to learning and perfecting my work in various elds and providing value to any task I undertake. Entrepreneurial experiences give me insight into how businesses are run and what I can do to bring value. My ability to quickly adapt to any scenario and good communication skills help build lasting professional relationships. |