hope for children with autism - Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital

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6 Marianjoy Matters April is Autism Awareness Month Hope for Children with Autism According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every 88 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with boys being at an increased rate of diagnosis than girls. ASDs are a group of complex developmental disorders. Autistic Disorder is the most common but additional ASDs include Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). All three types of ASDs vary in degree of social, communicative, and behavioral challenges and last throughout a person’s life. Early Intervention is Key “Autistic children communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different than other children,” explains Dr. Mary Keen, Medical Director of the Marianjoy Pediatric Program. “These deficits appear very early in life. We encourage parents to pay close attention to their child’s developmental milestones. For example, at six months old, a baby should be making sounds, responding to others, and be curious about their surroundings. At 16 months, the child should know several words, be able to show affection, and follow simple commands. If a parent has concerns about their child’s development, they should address them with their healthcare provider.” Research has shown that early intervention is especially important for children diagnosed with Autism. “Because each child is different, a thorough evaluation is completed to determine the most appropriate course of action for the child’s particular needs,” notes Keen. “For example, many children with Autism have additional physical and mental impairments that accompany the ASD diagnosis which may require a more complex treatment plan.” Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) Testing An accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan. ADOS testing is considered to be the gold standard instrument for diagnosing and assessing Autism Spectrum Disorders across age groups, developmental levels, and language skills. The tests are individually administered to children beginning at 24 months through adulthood. “The testing uses a variety of modules that are based on the individual’s expressive language skills and chronological age,” explains Dr. Christine Valessares, pediatric neuropsychologist at Marianjoy. “Using a variety of activities, we are able to evaluate the child’s communication skills, social interactions, play, and behaviors. This helps us determine if the behaviors are consistent with the diagnosis of ASD. If an ASD diagnosis is confirmed, we work with the patient’s physician to determine the best course of treatment, including individualized physical, occupational, speech and behavioral therapy programs. Our clinicians use a variety of therapy techniques and strategies to help the child and family make daily tasks and activities less challenging.” Therapy Approaches For children with autism, the primary goal of speech therapy is to help them effectively communicate their wants and needs. “For some children, the focus of speech therapy may be to help them engage in conversation, make eye contact and understand non-verbal language,” explains Rachel Frens, speech language pathologist at Marianjoy. “We may also use Picture Exchange Communication Systems, also known as PECS, or other augmentative and alternative communication devices.
“A common characteristic of ASD is the repeating of phrases or specific words that may not appropriately fit the conversation,” Fren explains. “Sometimes a child’s responses can sound canned or robotic which is known as echolalia. We use therapy as an opportunity to work on their language skills and their vocal pitch to help them convey meaning, such as when they are asking a question versus making a statement.” In occupational therapy, clinicians typically use sensory integration therapy with a child who has ASD. While most children unconsciously combine and use their senses to learn about themselves and the environment, this does not come naturally to children with Autism. “I usually challenge their senses through movement and play which promotes eye contact, social interaction and is meant to engage the child,” explains Shonna Dhawan, occupational therapist at Marianjoy. “These activities are designed to promote things like touch, motor planning, and movement. After these activities, the child is usually more prepared to work on their self-help skills such as brushing their teeth, tying their shoes, dressing, feeding and utensil use, handwriting and cutting, and other important daily living activities.” Physical therapy supplements these other treatments by addressing motor planning, postural awareness, safety awareness, and general strength and balance. It also assists with the child’s development of gross motor skills. PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION Group Classes for Children with Autism Marianjoy offers a variety of classes for children with special needs, including those with Autism. The classes are an opportunity for the children to practice what they’ve learned in one-on-one therapy sessions and apply these skills in a practical way for different situations they may encounter in society. These small group classes emphasize a variety of skills including taking turns, making eye contact, initiating conversations, empathizing with others while showing emotional and social support. Classes are offered throughout the year. A current list of classes is available on the Marianjoy website at Marianjoy.org. www.Marianjoy.org Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders* People with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They may repeat certain behaviors or refuse to change their daily activities. Other signs include: � not playing “pretend” games � not pointing at objects to show interest � not looking at objects when another person points at them � having trouble relating to others or not having an interest in other people at all � avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone � having trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings � preferring not to be held or cuddled � appearing to be unaware when other people talk to them but responds to other sounds � being very interested in people, but not knowing how to talk, play, or relate to them � repeating or echoing words or phrases � repeating words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia) � having trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions � repeating actions over and over again � having trouble adapting when a routine changes � having unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound � losing skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were once using) Marianjoy Cares for Kids Contact your child’s doctor or healthcare provider if your child experiences a dramatic loss of skills at any age. FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 630-909-8542 OR VISIT WWW.MARIANJOY.ORG. *Source: Centers for Disease Control 7 37
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