Autism is one of the most misunderstood — and perhaps misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed — disorders in modern times. Approximately 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and many of your young patients may be among them. To make a meaningful and positive difference in their lives and future, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical.
One out of six children is diagnosed with a developmental disorder and/or behavioral problem; however, autism spectrum disorders (also known as pervasive development disorders) have specific defining characteristics. These patients exhibit a triad of impairment and have difficulty with imagination, socialization and communication, often accompanied by repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interest.
Autism is not just one disorder with a well-defined set of symptoms, but a broad spectrum of disorders that range from mild to severe. The thinking and learning abilities of people with autism spectrum disorders can vary from gifted to severely challenged. Early signs of autism are often present before 18 months, and because autism cannot be diagnosed with a medical test, screening and diagnosis involves interviews, observation and evaluations.
Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders is important if children are to achieve their full potential. Health care professionals play an important role in designing and delivering effective programs for ASD, because they are usually the first point of contact for parents.
First, health care professionals must recognize signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and have a strategy for systematically assessing these signs. Once the symptoms are identified, interventions must be implemented before deviation from the normal pattern of development has progressed too far. An ASD-specific surveillance and screening algorithm has been developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to assist health care providers with this process, and it is available as a handout from AFMC.
Second, because autism spectrum disorders are complex and may involve other neurological or genetic problems, an evaluation by a multidisciplinary team may be needed. Physicians must be aware of provider resources that can assist in making a definitive diagnosis and managing autism spectrum disorders. To better support these patients, providers must also be familiar with developmental, educational and community resources, as well as medical subspeciality clinics for proper referral.
AFMC can help you provide better care for your patients with autism spectrum disorders. To find out more, contact our physician office quality improvement team.