The Diagnosis of Autism - Research Paper Example

? Reviewing the Evaluation of Autism Reviewing the Evaluation of Autism The diagnosis of autism has over the years proven to be a challenge to many health workers. To understand this, one must have an overview of autism as a disease. Autism is regarded as a complex of various developmental disabilities that have an effect on a person’s communication and social skills. Over the years, autism has been a major subject of study. These studies have suggested that autism is a wide spectrum disorder and it is not common to find two people with similar symptoms. Early detection of these symptoms is regarded to be very important in the management of autism. Some of the symptoms include irritation by loud noises. Avoiding eye contact and not wanting to associate and play with age mates. Various researchers and medical practitioners have come up with criteria to detect the disease during childhood. Some of these ways are regarded as contentious while others have received approval by various medical institutions. Of importance is to develop a tool that is easy to use and can be taught to parents and guardians of all children. This is a sure way of detecting autism at a very early age. This paper will explore various issues relating to autism. The main focus will be on various methods of diagnosis and treatment and the pros and cons of each. It will also purpose to act as a guide for pediatricians when informing parents on the available screeners and diagnostic assessment methods for autism (Berkel, 2005). The first part of this paper will assess the different management modalities available for this disease. It is important to note that autism like many other neurodevelopment disorders is an ailment that is not curable. It requires chronic management. The primary aim of the treatment is to ensure that the patient leads as normal a life as possible. Being multi factorial disease autism requires the same type of approach. Education is one of the main modalities of management of this disease. Education assists the child to acquire skill and knowledge for self reliance. The methods applied are different but are all based on a common goal of self reliance of the child. Speech therapy and social skill instruction enable the children to interact in a more objective manner with their peers. For the children with physical handicaps as a result of the ailment, occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy are a major requirement for them. The medical management is also important with regards to these patients. Follow ups to reduce morbidity is essential. They are classified under patients with special needs and for this reason comprehensive record keeping with regards to the medical interventions done are crucial. Seizures and sleep disturbances are a common occurrence and should be managed appropriately. They need professional care to reduce the chances of worsening the condition. Family and community support is one of the pillars of management. Creating an enabling environment for the patient to live in is important in the management of the child. Professional medicine uses these guidelines in the management of autism. The outcomes are encouraging. Over the years they have improved the general living condition of patients with autism (Berkel, 2005). Complementary n alternative medicine has gained popularity in the management of autism. Most patients use this therapy due to desperation. They have unfounded hopes for the treatment of this disease and complete cure in these alternative sources. Levy etal reported the use of complementary medicine in more than a third of those seeking formal diagnostic advice. There has been poor research on this issue but the number of people seeking formal diagnostic advice suggests that the failure rate in this method is very high. The impact on the lives of children with autism cannot be overlooked. The time taken before a diagnosis is established has detrimental effect on the continued well being of the child (Brucey, 2004). The diagnosis and assessment of children with autism is a major concern to most parents. The following are some of the ways that a pediatrician can use to help parents assess this disorder. One of the most popular tools for diagnosis of autism is the International classification of disease and related health problems (ICD) 10 criteria (Brucey, 2004). The assessment assists in the early diagnosis of the disorder so that management can start at an early age ensuring that the child is able to take up normal roles as early as possible (National Institue for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2011). The diagnosis and assessment of children with autism is a major concern to most parents. The following are some of the ways that a pediatrician can use to help parents assess this disorder. One of the most popular tools for diagnosis of autism is the International classification of disease and related health problems (ICD) 10 criteria (Brucey, 2004). The assessment assists in the early diagnosis of the disorder so that management can start at an early age ensuring that the child is able to take up normal roles as early as possible (National Institue for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2011). The first criteria for diagnosis are the lack of qualitative progress in three out of the five areas that are outlined. The inability to use facial expression, body language and eye contact in order to regulate interactions in a proper manner. The lack of interaction with peers and engaging in the activities of interest at each age bracket as appropriate. Lack of concern when other people are in emotional distress or disinterest in seeking comfort when facing emotional turmoil. Lack of shared joy in other peoples happiness Poor communication behaviors and inappropriate responses The second criteria are with regards to the quality of communication by the child. Two of the following criteria Delayed speaking or a complete lack of speech. The child in this case is does not show any progress and does not try to communicate through gestures. The child does not initiate a conversation and does not respond appropriately to a conversation either. The child uses the same words repetitively and inappropriately The speech rhythm, intonations and speed pose a challenge to the child The child at an early age does not imitate any plays watched or make plays from their own imagination\ The third criteria are based on the behavior portrayed by the child and their interests. Two of the following six criteria The Childs interests are confined to a single area There is attachment to objects that are regarded to be unusual Adherence to certain ways of conducting oneself during the day including routines \weird body movements involving either the hand or the body The child is occupied with the element of the play object that is not intended such as the texture or smell of the toy rather than what the toy does, The child is in distress when small aspects of the environment of residence changes The forth criteria is the presence of developmental abnormalities within the first three years of birth. The four aspects are easy to assess. This criterion is for any person involved in the early life of the child. It is suitable for a guardian, parent, teacher or even the family doctor. This is a progressive assessment, it takes time to score it and ensure that all the factors are in place for a complete diagnosis or lack of it. A period of not more than three years of closer assessments is necessary. This is not always the case, at first contact with a child and from proper history and physical by a qualified medical personnel this features are easy to establish. The design of this criterion is mainly targeted for young children below the age of three. Some of the aspects of this criterion can be used for the assessment of adults and adolescents. This is based on the first three criterions (National Institue for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2011). modified checklist for autism in toddlers It was created in 1999 by Robbins D Fein as the lead with help from many more professionals. Its most current publication is in 2010.It is a diagnostic tool for children from the age of 16 to 30 months. It’s a short test that takes only about ten minutes for assessment. The purpose of the test is to ease the assessment of autism. It also assists in the early diagnosis of autism. This test is easy to administer and is purposed for the parent. brief infant toddler social emotional assessment. Its sole purpose is to assess the development and social emotional growth of children. It takes about seven minutes to complete and is purposed for the children from birth to the age of six years. This tool was published in the year 2000 and was done by the Minnesota department of health as well as the Minnesota department of education. The autism screening spectrum questionnaire it assesses the extent and the specific type of autism that is in question published in 1999 this is a rather complex and requires a pediatrician to administer. Its author is Stephen Ehler. It takes about fifteen minutes to complete. It is for children between 7 and 16. Autism is one of the most challenging neurodevelopment diseases. The challenge posed is both on diagnosis and treatment. Both conventional and alternative treatments have been sought in a bid to cure the ailment. They both have failed in offering complete cure. Various diagnostic tools are in use. This paper just highlighted a few that are most commonly used. Bibliography Berkel, Z. (2005). Autism Spectrum Disorders: Identification, Education and Treatment. Mahwala: Laurence Elbraum Associates. Brucey, C. T. (2004). Demistyfying Autism Disorders: A guide for Diagnosis for Parents and Prifessionals. Bethesda: Woodpine House. National Institue for Health and Clinical Excellence. (2011, September 5). Diagnostic criteria for autism and Asperger syndrome. Retrieved from niccy.org: http://www.niccy.org/uploaded_docs/Aspergers%20Report/Appendix_1.pdf Read More