Autism spectrum disorder 101: A primer for pediatric otolaryngologists

Sneh Biyani1, Patrick S Morgan2, Karin Hotchkiss3

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.

Insights

This guide offers strategies for managing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in otolaryngology. It emphasizes special considerations for outpatient and surgical settings to improve care for these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors.
  • The prevalence of ASD is increasing, necessitating specialized knowledge for healthcare providers.
  • Otolaryngologists require an understanding of ASD to ensure safe and effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive guide for managing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in otolaryngology practice.
  • To highlight special considerations for outpatient and peri-operative settings.
  • To enhance the patient-provider relationship and improve care quality for ASD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review.
  • Analysis of personal experiences in a tertiary children's hospital.
  • Development of management strategies tailored for ASD patients.

Main Results:

  • Special considerations in outpatient visits can improve the clinical experience for ASD patients.
  • Peri-operative strategies, including communication devices and pre-medication, can facilitate surgical management.
  • Enhanced patient-provider relationships are achievable through tailored approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Otolaryngologists must understand ASD to provide optimal care.
  • Implementing specific strategies can significantly improve the management of children with ASD in otolaryngology.
  • This guide aims to equip practitioners with the knowledge to deliver high-quality care to ASD patients.

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...
748
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
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
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...
665
Taste Buds and Receptors01:20

Taste Buds and Receptors

Gustation, or the sense of taste, is intrinsically linked to the anatomical structures located on the tongue. This organ's surface, along with the entirety of the oral cavity, is adorned with stratified squamous epithelium. Evident on the tongue are elevated structures known as papillae (singular = papilla), which house the mechanisms for the transduction of gustatory stimuli. Four distinct types of papillae exist, each identified by their unique morphological attributes: the circumvallate,...
6.1K