Childhood Disorders: Autism Spectrum Disorders

Discussion 1: Childhood Disorders: Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders are among the most pervasive mental disorders of childhood. Children and adolescents diagnosed with the autism spectrum disorders possess impairments in social communication and interaction, as well as, restricted and/or repetitive patterns of behavior, interest, or activities. As a future professional in the field, you might seek a variety of resources to ensure that the child or adolescent, as a member of a vulnerable population, receives the most appropriate level of care for assessment and diagnosis.

For this Discussion, consider the criteria for a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum disorder within children and adolescents. Also, think about how symptoms of other childhood disorders might complicate a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum disorder.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 an explanation of the various criteria for a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum disorder. Then, explain how the symptoms of other childhood disorders might complicate a diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder. Provide an example.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources and current literature.

·         American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

o    Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders

o    Disruptive, Impulse-Control

o    Conduct Disorders

o    Elimination Disorders

   Paris, J. (2015). The intelligent clinician’s guide to the DSM-5 (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press..

·         Chapter 12, Neurodevelopmental and Disruptive Behavioral Disorders

   Gresham, F. M., Watson, T. S., & Skinner, C. H. (2001). Functional behavioral assessment: Principles, procedures, and future directions. School Psychology Review, 30(2), 156–172. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

   Grzadzinski, R., Huerta, M., & Lord, C. (2013). DSM-5 and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs): An opportunity for identifying ASD subtypes. Molecular Autism, 4(1), 1–6. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

   Lord, C., & Jones, R. M. (2012). Annual Research Review: Re-thinking the classification of autism spectrum disorders. Journal Of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 53(5), 490–509. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

   Ozonoff, S. (2012). Editorial perspective: Autism spectrum disorders in DSM-5—An historical perspective and the need for change. Journal Of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 53(10), 1092–1094. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

   Volkmar, F. R., & Reichow, B. (2013). Autism in DSM-5: Progress and challenges. Molecular Autism, 4(1), 1–6. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

                Addington, A., & Rapoport, J. (2012). Annual research review: Impact of advances in genetics in understanding developmental psychopathology. Journal Of Child Psychology And Psychiatry, And Allied Disciplines, 53(5), 510–518. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases

                Bambara, L. M., Mitchell-Kvacky, N. A., & Iacobelli, S. (1994). Positive behavioral support for students with severe disabilities: An emerging multicomponent approach for addressing challenging behaviors. School Psychology Review, 23(2), 263–278. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.   

                Copeland, W. E., Angold, A., Costello, E. J., & Egger, H. (2013). Prevalence, comorbidity, and correlates of DSM-5 proposed disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.  American Journal of Psychiatry, 170, 173–179. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases

                Duffy, M. (2003). Disruptive behavior: Systemic and strategic management. Clinical Gerontologist, 25(1/2), 91–103. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. 

                Hill, C. L., & Spengler, P. M. (1997). Dementia and depression: A process model for differential diagnosis. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 19(1), 23–39. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. 

                Jones, K., Young, T., & Leppma, M. (2010). Mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder in returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans: Implications for assessment and diagnosis. Journal of Counseling & Development, 88(3), 372–376. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.