Driven by evidence: diagnosis and treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders

Missouri Medicine
|July 12, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence is rising, increasing the need for evidence-based care. Children's Mercy Hospital offers a model for diagnosis and treatment services for children and families with ASD.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric medicine
  • Developmental neuroscience
  • Clinical psychology

Background:

  • Increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) necessitates enhanced clinical care.
  • Practitioners require updated knowledge for evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
  • Families affected by ASD need accessible, high-quality services.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the diagnostic and treatment services for autism spectrum disorders at Children's Mercy Hospital.
  • To present a model for implementing evidence-based practices in pediatric autism care.
  • To provide resources for physicians caring for children with ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive analysis of services offered at a designated Missouri Autism Center.
  • Review of clinical considerations for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and management.
  • Compilation of resources for physician education and patient support.

Main Results:

  • Children's Mercy Hospital provides comprehensive autism spectrum disorder services.
  • The hospital's model demonstrates successful implementation of evidence-based practices.
  • Resources are available to support physicians in managing patients with autism.

Conclusions:

  • A centralized model of care can effectively address the growing need for autism spectrum disorder services.
  • Evidence-based practices are crucial for optimizing outcomes in children with autism.
  • Collaboration and resource provision are key to supporting physicians in autism care.

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
1.9K
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
815
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.4K
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
1.5K
Operant Conditioning Intervention01:24

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
725
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
1.0K