Class 7 - Early Childhood 2 - ASD

Question 1

How are disorders in early childhood usually noticed? (2)

Answer 1

• first by parent, then they initiate care
• possibly discovered in well child check up

Question 2

What is nursing care directed at when children are diagnosed with disorders? (3)

Answer 2

• parent support
• appropriate referral to services/supports/allied health or other clinicians
• effective communication and documentation

Question 3

What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Answer 3

• Complex neurodevelopmental disorders of unknown etiology

Question 4

What are the characteristics of ASD? (2)

Answer 4

Deficits in:
- social interaction and communication
- Unusual behaviours (ex. fixed interests, inflexibility, repetitive behaviours and/or unusual sensory responses

Question 5

What are the common core deficits in ASD? (2)

Answer 5

1. Social interactions
   - abnormal eye contact, decreased response to own name, decreased imitation
   - failure of social interaction and communication development is one of the hallmarks of ASD

Question 6

What is autism regression?

Answer 6

• normal development followed by sudden regression, frequently displayed in expressive language

Question 7

What are other characteristics of ASD noted in lecture?

Answer 7

• can be hereditary, genetics, neuro-inflammatory , we do not know the cause

Question 8

For ASD, what should a nurse do to care for this person? (4)

Answer 8

1. provide a structured routine for the child!
2. If hospitalized, parents are essential to planning care and ideally should be present as much as possible
3. Decrease stimulation by using a private room, avoiding extraneous auditory and visual distractions, and encouraging the parents to bring in possessions the child is attached to
   - May lessen the disruptiveness of hospitalization
4. Must be introduced slowly to new situations, with visits with staff caregivers kept short when possible

Lecture
- minimize contact + be direct (not passive aggressive)

Question 9

When should children be assessed for hearing and language evaluation? (5)

Answer 9

Any child who does not display language skills such as:
- babbling by 12 months old
- single words at 16 months
- 2-word phrases by 24 months
Assessment of communication by registered speech and language pathologist

Question 10

What will Mental health providers do for patients with ASD and their families? (4)

Answer 10

• assess family dynamics
• ability to cope
• how dynamics contribute to symptom of aggravation
• evaluate for co-existing disorders (ex. ADHD)

Question 11

What will physicians and occuptional therapists do for pt with ASD?

Answer 11

physician - for any underlying medical condition
OT - assess for tactile sensitivites and challenges in ADLs