Docsity
Log inSign up
Docsity
Prepare for your exams
Prepare for your exams

Study with the several resources on Docsity

Earn points to download
Earn points to download

Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan

Guidelines and tips
Guidelines and tips
Sell on Docsity
Sell on Docsity
Log inSign up

Prepare for your exams

Study with the several resources on Docsity

Find documents

Prepare for your exams with the study notes shared by other students like you on Docsity

Search Store documents

The best documents sold by students who completed their studies

Search through all study resources
Docsity AINEW

Summarize your documents, ask them questions, convert them into quizzes and concept maps

Explore questions

Clear up your doubts by reading the answers to questions asked by your fellow students

Earn points to download

Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan

Share documents
download point icon20 Points

For each uploaded document

Answer questions
download point icon5 Points

For each given answer (max 1 per day)

All the ways to get free points
Get points immediately

Choose a premium plan with all the points you need

Study Opportunities

Choose your next study program

Get in touch with the best universities in the world. Search through thousands of universities and official partners

Community

Ask the community

Ask the community for help and clear up your study doubts

University Rankings

Discover the best universities in your country according to Docsity users

Free resources

Our save-the-student-ebooks!

Download our free guides on studying techniques, anxiety management strategies, and thesis advice from Docsity tutors

From our blog

Exams and Study
Go to the blog

Psychiatric Nursing (Autism), Lecture notes of Nursing

Saint Mary's University (SMU)Nursing

Struggling with nursing school? I've got you covered! Selling detailed, organized notes for psychiatric nursing, thank me later!

Typology: Lecture notes

2023/2024

Available from 08/01/2024

carla-jean-1
carla-jean-1 🇵🇭

16 documents

1 / 5

Toggle sidebar

This page cannot be seen from the preview

Don't miss anything!

bg1
NCM 11
7
RLE
SKILLS LAB / SECOND SEMESTER
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
AUTISM
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental
disorder that affects individuals of all ages,
ethnicities, and backgrounds.
It is characterized by a range of behavioral and
communication challenges, as well as
differences in social interaction and sensory
processing.
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Autism is often referred to as autism spectrum
disorder (ASD), as it encompasses a wide range
of symptoms, severity levels, and abilities.
The term “spectrum” emphasizes that each
individual with autism is unique and autistic
people’s experiences may vary greatly.
ASD CAUSES
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex
neurodevelopmental disorder that affects
individuals in varying ways.
While the exact cause of autism is still not fully
understood, research suggests that it is likely a
combination of genetic and environmental
factors that contribute to its development.
ENVIROMENTAL FACTORS
1. PRENATAL AND EARLY-LIFE EXPOSURES
✓ Studies have investigated whether certain
environmental factors during pregnancy or
early childhood could contribute to the
onset of the disorder.
✓ One such factor is maternal infections
during pregnancy.
✓ Research suggests that certain infections,
such as rubella and cytomegalovirus, may
increase the risk of autism in the child.
2. EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN CHEMICALS AND
MEDICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY
✓ Some studies have proposed a link
between prenatal exposure to pesticides,
air pollution, or certain medications, and
an increased risk of autism.
3. COMPLICATIONS DURING BIRTH
✓ Birth asphyxia, premature birth, low birth
weight, and other birth-related
complications have been studied for their
potential impact on the development of
autism.
✓ Researchers are exploring whether these
factors could disrupt normal brain
development, leading to the characteristic
symptoms of ASD.
GENETIC FACTORS
1. CERTAIN CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES
✓ Such as the deletion or duplication of
specific genes, have been linked to the
development of ASD.
✓ Individuals with conditions like Fragile X
syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and Rett
syndrome, which are caused by specific
genetic mutations, are also more prone to
autism.
✓ One such gene is the Shank3 gene,
mutations in which have been found to be
strongly linked to ASD.
✓ Other genes, such as CHD8, SCN2A, and
NRXN1, have also been identified with
varying degrees of association with autism.
✓ Interestingly, researchers have observed
that certain genetic variations can
influence the severity of autism symptoms
and the overall functioning of individuals
with ASD.
pf3
pf4
pf5

Partial preview of the text

Download Psychiatric Nursing (Autism) and more Lecture notes Nursing in PDF only on Docsity!

NCM 11 7 RLE

SKILLS LAB / SECOND SEMESTER

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

AUTISM

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It is characterized by a range of behavioral and communication challenges , as well as differences in social interaction and sensory processing. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER Autism is often referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as it encompasses a wide range of symptoms, severity levels, and abilities. The term “spectrum” emphasizes that each individual with autism is unique and autistic people’s experiences may vary greatly. ASD CAUSES Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals in varying ways. While the exact cause of autism is still not fully understood, research suggests that it is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to its development. ENVIROMENTAL FACTORS

1. PRENATAL AND EARLY-LIFE EXPOSURES ✓ Studies have investigated whether certain environmental factors during pregnancy or early childhood could contribute to the onset of the disorder. ✓ One such factor is maternal infections during pregnancy. ✓ Research suggests that certain infections, such as rubella and cytomegalovirus , may increase the risk of autism in the child.

2. EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN CHEMICALS AND

MEDICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY

✓ Some studies have proposed a link between prenatal exposure to pesticides , air pollution , or certain medications , and an increased risk of autism.

3. COMPLICATIONS DURING BIRTH ✓ Birth asphyxia, premature birth, low birth weight , and other birth-related complications have been studied for their potential impact on the development of autism. ✓ Researchers are exploring whether these factors could disrupt normal brain development, leading to the characteristic symptoms of ASD. **GENETIC FACTORS

  1. CERTAIN CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES** ✓ Such as the deletion or duplication of specific genes, have been linked to the development of ASD. ✓ Individuals with conditions like Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and Rett syndrome , which are caused by specific genetic mutations, are also more prone to autism. ✓ One such gene is the Shank3 gene , mutations in which have been found to be strongly linked to ASD. ✓ Other genes, such as CHD8, SCN2A , and NRXN1 , have also been identified with varying degrees of association with autism. ✓ Interestingly, researchers have observed that certain genetic variations can influence the severity of autism symptoms and the overall functioning of individuals with ASD.

✓ The impact of these genetic factors can range from mild to severe. ASD MANIFESTATIONS It is important to recognize the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in infants and toddlers so that intervention can begin as early as possible. While every child develops at their own pace, there are some common red flags that may indicate the presence of ASD. EARLY SIGNS OF ASD IN INFANTS & TODDLERS

  • Limited eye contact or lack of interest in making eye contact
  • Delayed or absent babbling, pointing, or other gestures used for communication
  • Lack of response to their name being called
  • Repetitive behaviors such as rocking, hand-flapping, or spinning objects
  • Difficulty with transitions and changes in routine
  • Sensory sensitivities such as aversion to certain textures or sounds SYMPTOMS IN MALES AND FEMALES MALES ✓ In early childhood, males with ASD tend to display more pronounced symptoms compared to their female counterparts. ✓ They may exhibit delayed language development, difficulty in maintaining eye contact, and an aversion to physical touch. ✓ These symptoms often become more apparent as the child grows older and enters social settings, where they may struggle with understanding social cues and facial expressions.

FEMALES

✓ Females with ASD, on the other hand, may demonstrate better social skills and a greater ability to imitate and mimic their peers. This can lead to a delayed or missed diagnosis, as their symptoms may be masked by their ability to adapt and camouflage in social situations. ✓ However, these girls may still experience challenges in maintaining friendships and developing meaningful relationships, but these difficulties may be less apparent. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALES AND FEMALES ✓ Females with ASD tend to have higher rates of anxiety and depression, which can be attributed to their efforts to conform to social expectations and navigate complex social situations. ✓ In contrast, males with ASD are more likely to exhibit behaviors associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or exhibit aggressive and disruptive behaviors. DIAGNOSIS ✓ Diagnosing ASD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a team of professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and developmental pediatricians. ✓ The diagnostic process typically includes interviews with parents or caregivers to gather information about the child’s developmental history and current symptoms. ✓ Standardized assessment tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) , are often used to assess social communication and behavioral characteristics associated with ASD.

Additionally, people at this level may also have significant sensory sensitivities. They may find it difficult to process sensory information, such as loud noises or bright lights, which can make it challenging to navigate the world around them. For instance:

  • They may cover their ears or become agitated in response to loud sounds.
  • They may avoid certain textures or materials due to sensory sensitivities.
  • This is why individuals with Level 3 ASD may require a highly structured environment with few sensory distractions. ASD MANAGEMENT SPEECH THERAPHY
  1. To improve communication skills such as speaking, listening, and understanding language, one must be willing to put in the effort and practice.
  2. It's not just about mastering grammar and vocabulary, but also about understanding cultural nuances and social contexts. The key is to be patient, persistent, and open- minded in your approach.
  3. One way to improve speaking skills is to practice with a language partner or tutor. This allows you to receive feedback on your pronunciation, intonation, and grammar, and also gives you the opportunity to practice in a supportive environment.
  4. Listening skills can be improved by actively engaging in conversations and paying attention to nonverbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice. 5. Understanding language, on the other hand, requires a deep understanding of the language's structure and syntax. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPHY 1. To help individuals develop fine motor skills needed for everyday tasks such as eating or dressing, it is important to engage in activities that promote dexterity and hand- eye coordination. 2. These activities can include playing with small objects, using scissors to cut paper, and practicing handwriting. 3. Additionally, exercises that strengthen the hand and wrist muscles can also be beneficial. 4. By regularly engaging in these types of activities, individuals can improve their fine motor skills and increase their independence in daily living tasks. 5. It's important to note that fine motor skills development is a gradual process, so patience and persistence are key. APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA) 1. Focuses on teaching new behaviors while reducing unwanted behaviors. 2. ABA is a data-driven therapy, meaning that progress is measured by the collection and analysis of data. 3. This helps to ensure that the therapy is effective and that the individual receiving the therapy is making progress. 4. ABA is often used to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder, but it can also be used to help individuals with a variety of other conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
  1. ABA is a highly individualized therapy, meaning that the therapy is tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
  2. This makes it a very effective therapy for a wide range of individuals. SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING
  3. To teach individuals how to interact with others appropriately is a challenging yet rewarding task.
  4. It requires a deep understanding of the unique needs and learning styles of individuals with ASD.
  5. It also involves a great deal of patience and empathy, as individuals with ASD often struggle with social communication and may require additional support to develop these skills.
  6. One approach to teaching social skills to individuals with ASD is through structured and individualized interventions.
  7. These interventions can include social stories, role-playing, and modeling appropriate social behaviors.
  8. It is important to tailor the interventions to the individual's specific needs and interests, as well as their developmental level.
  9. Another important aspect of teaching social skills to individuals with ASD is creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
  10. This can involve educating peers and family members about ASD and how to interact with individuals with ASD in a positive and respectful manner. 9. It can also involve providing accommodations and modifications to help individuals with ASD participate in social activities and interactions.