Dear Readers,
Many of the UNIT Chapters in my book, KNOW AUTISM, KNOW YOUR CHILD with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker, have an added APPENDIX with more perinate information for you. Therefore, the next few BLOGS will introduce you to them.
UNIT 2 Why Is It Autism? CH. 3 Doctors & Direction, APPENDIX E – Developmental Screening
Many of the UNIT Chapters in my book, KNOW AUTISM, KNOW YOUR CHILD with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker, have an added APPENDIX with more perinate information for you. Therefore, the next few BLOGS will introduce you to them.
UNIT 2 Why Is It Autism? CH. 3 Doctors & Direction, APPENDIX E – Developmental Screening
Image from Autism Step
UNIT 2 Why Is It Autism?
CHAPTER 3 Doctors & Direction
APPENDIX E – Developmental Screening
DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING – What are the guidelines? Assignment for National University; Unit 4.2 (end of Lecture 4.2; 2013.)The standardized guidelines developed for the diagnosis of autism actually involve two levels of screening for autism. ‘Level one’ screening, which should be performed for all children coming to a physician for well-child check-ups during their first two years of life, should check for the following developmental deficits:
The ‘second level’ of screening should be performed if a child is identified in the first level of screening as developmentally delayed. The ‘second level’ of screening is a more in-depth diagnosis and evaluation that can differentiate autism from other developmental disorders. The ‘second level’ of screening may include more formal diagnostic procedures by clinicians skilled in diagnosing autism, including medical history, neurological evaluation, genetic testing, metabolic testing, electrophysiologic testing (i.e., CT scan, MRI, PET scan), psychological testing, among others.
Genetic testing involves an evaluation by a medical geneticist (a physician who has specialized training and certification in clinical genetics), particularly as there are several genetic syndromes which may cause autism, including Fragile-X, untreated phenylketonuria (PKU), neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Rett syndrome, as well as a variety of chromosome abnormalities.
A geneticist can determine whether the autism is due to a genetic disorder, or has no known genetic cause. If a genetic disorder is diagnosed, there may be other health problems involved. The chance for autism to occur in a future pregnancy would depend on the syndrome found. For example, PKU is an autosomal recessive disorder with a reoccurrence risk of one in four, or 25 percent, chance, while tuberous sclerosis is an autosomal dominant disorder, with a reoccurrence risk of 50 percent.
Screening for ASDs is the first step of an ongoing process of
identification. It is especially critical for clinicians to understand
this when working with families from diverse backgrounds,
particularly when their primary language is not English or
when they have different views on child development since it
may require more persistent follow up in such circumstances to
keep families engaged.
Getting started:
■ Explain to the family that you routinely screen and
observe young children for healthy development.
■ Ask general questions about the child’s communication
skills and social interactions, but it is also important to
ask specific questions about how their child is doing by
using a screening tool.
■ It is equally important to ask questions about the
family’s understanding of and expectations for child
development. This could provide a wealth of information
and set the stage for mutual communication about child
development in general and the child’s development
specifically.
■ Remember that in some families, questions about a child’s
skills may go unanswered, since they may feel the questions are intrusive.
Some families may view screening as “looking for trouble”
or feel that things clinicians think are problems are not
an issue. Still for other families, their responses may shed
light on their ability, background or resources. Thus,
communicating slowly and clearly while listening carefully
and fully engaging families produces the best results
Approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States has an autism
spectrum disorder; according to the CDC (2020).
❑ The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
recommends ongoing surveillance and ASD-specific
screening at 18 and 24 months or whenever there is
concern.
❑ Autism screening tools, such as the M-CHAT, are
more accurate when used in conjunction with clinical
judgment.
❑ Children with autism from minority backgrounds are
often diagnosed at a later age than other children
❑ The concepts of screening, early identification and
early intervention may be unfamiliar for families
from diverse backgrounds. For many families,
these concepts are culturally bound and they may
perceive that their children will be stigmatized in their
communities by participating in these practices.
End of UNIT 2, CHAPTER 3, APPENDIX E – Developmental Screening
Thank you so much for sharing, commenting, and 'liking' on Facebook!
Regards,
Sara Luker
DISCLAIMER Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned about autism, by sharing the stories and studies of those who have gone before us. Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’. The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
This is a Personal Use Electronic Download. By downloading, you hereby agree and acknowledge that you are not acquiring any right, title or interest in, or to, the material; nor any associated copyrights, other than the right to possess, hold and use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Furthermore, you agree that you will: (i) not scan, copy, duplicate, distribute or otherwise reproduce the material(s) to resell, (ii) not use the material(s) for any commercial purposes. By purchasing/downloading you agree to these terms unconditionally. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.
UNIT 2 Why Is It Autism?
CHAPTER 3 Doctors & Direction
APPENDIX E – Developmental Screening
DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING – What are the guidelines? Assignment for National University; Unit 4.2 (end of Lecture 4.2; 2013.)The standardized guidelines developed for the diagnosis of autism actually involve two levels of screening for autism. ‘Level one’ screening, which should be performed for all children coming to a physician for well-child check-ups during their first two years of life, should check for the following developmental deficits:
- no babbling, pointing, or gesturing by age 12 months
- no single words spoken by age 18 months
- no two-word spontaneous (non-echolalic, or not merely repeating the sounds of others) expressions by age 24 months
- loss of any language or social skills at any age
The ‘second level’ of screening should be performed if a child is identified in the first level of screening as developmentally delayed. The ‘second level’ of screening is a more in-depth diagnosis and evaluation that can differentiate autism from other developmental disorders. The ‘second level’ of screening may include more formal diagnostic procedures by clinicians skilled in diagnosing autism, including medical history, neurological evaluation, genetic testing, metabolic testing, electrophysiologic testing (i.e., CT scan, MRI, PET scan), psychological testing, among others.
Genetic testing involves an evaluation by a medical geneticist (a physician who has specialized training and certification in clinical genetics), particularly as there are several genetic syndromes which may cause autism, including Fragile-X, untreated phenylketonuria (PKU), neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Rett syndrome, as well as a variety of chromosome abnormalities.
A geneticist can determine whether the autism is due to a genetic disorder, or has no known genetic cause. If a genetic disorder is diagnosed, there may be other health problems involved. The chance for autism to occur in a future pregnancy would depend on the syndrome found. For example, PKU is an autosomal recessive disorder with a reoccurrence risk of one in four, or 25 percent, chance, while tuberous sclerosis is an autosomal dominant disorder, with a reoccurrence risk of 50 percent.
Screening for ASDs is the first step of an ongoing process of
identification. It is especially critical for clinicians to understand
this when working with families from diverse backgrounds,
particularly when their primary language is not English or
when they have different views on child development since it
may require more persistent follow up in such circumstances to
keep families engaged.
Getting started:
■ Explain to the family that you routinely screen and
observe young children for healthy development.
■ Ask general questions about the child’s communication
skills and social interactions, but it is also important to
ask specific questions about how their child is doing by
using a screening tool.
■ It is equally important to ask questions about the
family’s understanding of and expectations for child
development. This could provide a wealth of information
and set the stage for mutual communication about child
development in general and the child’s development
specifically.
■ Remember that in some families, questions about a child’s
skills may go unanswered, since they may feel the questions are intrusive.
Some families may view screening as “looking for trouble”
or feel that things clinicians think are problems are not
an issue. Still for other families, their responses may shed
light on their ability, background or resources. Thus,
communicating slowly and clearly while listening carefully
and fully engaging families produces the best results
Approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States has an autism
spectrum disorder; according to the CDC (2020).
❑ The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
recommends ongoing surveillance and ASD-specific
screening at 18 and 24 months or whenever there is
concern.
❑ Autism screening tools, such as the M-CHAT, are
more accurate when used in conjunction with clinical
judgment.
❑ Children with autism from minority backgrounds are
often diagnosed at a later age than other children
❑ The concepts of screening, early identification and
early intervention may be unfamiliar for families
from diverse backgrounds. For many families,
these concepts are culturally bound and they may
perceive that their children will be stigmatized in their
communities by participating in these practices.
End of UNIT 2, CHAPTER 3, APPENDIX E – Developmental Screening
Thank you so much for sharing, commenting, and 'liking' on Facebook!
Regards,
Sara Luker
DISCLAIMER Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
Just to let you know that I, Sara Hayden Luker, have put forth my best efforts in presenting what I have learned about autism, by sharing the stories and studies of those who have gone before us. Any author’s mention of products, services, treatments, and interventions or actions are not to be considered an endorsement, thereof. Know that to some, autism is an ‘unregulated business’. The content of this website material, digital or in any other form does not represent medical advice; nor does it constitute medical suggestions in any way. The material, including any downloadable parts, is for informational and/or educational purposes only. Your download and/or use of any of this material indicates your acceptance of this disclaimer.
This is a Personal Use Electronic Download. By downloading, you hereby agree and acknowledge that you are not acquiring any right, title or interest in, or to, the material; nor any associated copyrights, other than the right to possess, hold and use for personal, non-commercial purposes. Furthermore, you agree that you will: (i) not scan, copy, duplicate, distribute or otherwise reproduce the material(s) to resell, (ii) not use the material(s) for any commercial purposes. By purchasing/downloading you agree to these terms unconditionally. No ‘rights’ are given or transferred.
RSS Feed