The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as the fastest growing developmental disability in the nation. One in 36 children living in the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) sites identified as being affected by the disorder. Children with autism may present challenges to the health care provider due to issues and challenges with communication and behavior.
Upon course completion, learners should be able to recognize characteristics and impairment associated with ASD and utilize evidence-based tools, practices and strategies to provide effective communication and behavioral support of the patient with autism.
Objectives
- Identify the typical development pattern and two major areas of symptoms associated with autism
- Outline the six areas of characteristics and impairment associated with ASD and ow they present differently across children with ASD
- Recognize potential issues/triggers that may lead to anxiety and/or challenging behavior in the patient with autism
- Explain three ways that staff and/or families can prepare for an upcoming medical visit
- Describe how to use the various evidence-based tools, practices and strategies to provide effective communication and behavioral support of the patient with autism
